What to Serve with Beef Stew? 25 Best Side Dishes

Are you wondering what to serve with beef stew?

Beef stew is such a delicious and hearty dish, but it can be tough to know what sides to serve with it.

I’ve rounded up 25 of the best side dishes for beef stew including vegetable side dishes, potato side dishes, breads, and more.

So if you are looking for some inspiration on what to make with beef stew, then look no further!

See Also:

• 21 Best Salads to Serve with Beef Stew
• Beef Stew Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Beef Stew

What to Serve with Beef Stew? 25 Best Side Dishes

Don’t settle for a boring beef stew!

With the right side dishes, you can transform this humble dish into a feast fit for a king.

From hearty breads to bright salads to rich desserts, there are a number of great options to choose from.

Here are 25 of the best side dishes to serve with beef stew:

1. Roasted Red Potatoes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/270075308895692903/

These potatoes are roasted to crispy perfection (the key to any good roasted potato is getting that nice, crispy skin).

They’re the perfect side to a hearty beef stew, and they couldn’t be easier to make.

Pro Tip: To get extra crispy potatoes, soak them in water for 30 minutes before roasting. This will help to remove some of the starch.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add some garlic for extra flavor.
• Swap out the red potatoes for Yukon golds or Russets.
• Roast in chicken broth instead of water for even more flavor.

2. Simple Biscuits

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/136233957470505688/

Now easier and faster than ever (thank you, Bisquick!), these fluffy little guys are the perfect addition to any beef stew.

They soak up all of the delicious juices and flavors, and they’re just begging to be smothered in gravy.

Plus, they’re super easy to make – just mix, drop, and bake!

Pro Tip: For an extra-fluffy biscuit, use club soda instead of milk.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add some shredded cheese to the biscuit dough for a cheesy twist.
• Mix in some chopped herbs for a flavor boost.
• Use buttermilk instead of milk for a richer biscuit.

3. Easy Coleslaw

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4925880833791469/

A creamy coleslaw in 5 minutes (yeah, you read that right) is the perfect addition to a hearty beef stew.

This dish comes together so quickly because I use a pre-made coleslaw mix.

Then, I add in some diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese and a simple dressing of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and sugar.

Pro Tip: If you want to save even more time, you can buy a bag of pre-shredded cabbage.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add in some chopped bacon for a little salty crunch.
• Swap out the cheddar cheese for blue cheese or goat cheese.
• Use a different type of dressing, like ranch or vinaigrette.

4. Easy Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27936460188554117/

These “muffins” have plenty of melted, cheesy goodness with a nice little kick from the jalapenos.

They’re the perfect addition to any beef stew because they add a level of richness and complexity that plain old bread just can’t touch.

See Also: 12 Best Kinds of Bread to Serve with Beef Stew

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra crunch in your cornbread, add 1/4 cup of chopped bacon to the batter.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Omit the jalapenos for a milder flavor
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for more depth of flavor
• Add 1/4 cup chopped green onions for a touch of sweetness

5. Garlic Chive Smashed Potatoes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/169166529745288388/

The secret to incredibly flavorful smashed potatoes is in the roasting.

Roasting the potatoes before you smash them helps to bring out their natural sweetness, and gives them a beautiful crispy exterior.

The garlic and chives add an extra zing that takes this dish to the next level.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the potatoes before roasting.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the garlic for shallots.
• Add some chopped bacon for a salty twist.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of Russet potatoes.

6. Roasted Asparagus

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/589267932510571368/

Drizzled with olive oil and garlic (or your favorite seasoning), this side dish is delicious and healthy.

It’s the perfect addition to a hearty beef stew, because it lightens up the meal and adds a touch of elegance.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, roast your asparagus on top of a bed of thinly sliced onions.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add some lemon juice for brightness.
• Swap out the garlic for roasted shallots.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

7. Ranch Glazed Carrots

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/30680841197897567/

These carrots go great alongside a hearty beef stew.

The ranch dressing adds a nice creaminess, while the dill pickle juice and garlic give it a bit of a tang.

I like to add a little bit of cayenne pepper to my carrots for an extra kick, but you can omit that if you’re not a fan of spice.

See Also: What Spices to Put in A Beef Stew: 18 Spices & Herbs

Pro Tip: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, simply boil the carrots until they’re fork-tender. Then, glaze them with the sauce right before serving.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the ranch dressing for another type of creamy dressing, like blue cheese or tzatziki.
• Use fresh dill instead of dill pickle juice.
• Omit the cayenne pepper if you don’t want any spice.

8. Quick Classic Macaroni Salad

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/320951910955464454/

Easy and classic macaroni salad is the perfect dish to round out your beef stew.

The creamy dressing pairs perfectly with the rich beef, and the crunchy veggies add a nice texture contrast.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover pasta you might have in your pantry.

Pro Tip: To make this dish even more flavorful, add in some diced onion and celery.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use a different type of pasta – shell pasta would be really good in this salad.
• Add in some diced ham or bacon for extra flavor.
• Use a different type of cheese – sharp cheddar would be really good in this salad.

9. Special Fruit Salad

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/130885932912087197/

Berries and tropical fruit make this salad extra special – and extra delicious.

The sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the savory beef stew.

Plus, the colorful salad is a beautiful addition to any meal.

Pro Tip: To make this salad even more special, add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add different types of berries, like raspberries or blackberries
• Try using different kinds of tropical fruit, like mango or papaya
• Add a handful of chopped nuts for some extra crunch

10. Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/474426142008589767/

This salad will go great with your beef stew because it has a lot of the same flavors.

The beef stew is savory and hearty, while the salad is bright and acidic.

The hot bacon dressing ties everything together with its smoky, salty flavor.

Pro Tip: If you want to save some time, you can buy pre-cooked bacon. Just make sure to chop it up into small pieces so that it mixes well with the other ingredients.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the spinach for kale or arugula
• Add in some diced avocado for creaminess
• Top with roasted almonds or pumpkin seeds for a little crunch

11. Spanish Rice

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/350999364719596090/

If you have a big pot, or crockpot, of beef stew simmering away, this is the perfect side dish to whip up.

It’s hearty and filling, but not too heavy.

The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors from the stew, making each bite even more flavorful.

Plus, it’s a one-pot meal which means less cleanup for you!

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sauté the rice in beef broth before adding the rest of the ingredients.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the white rice for brown rice or quinoa.
• Add in some diced veggies like carrots, celery, or peppers.
• Top with shredded cheese and green onions before serving.

12. Lemon Orzo with Parmesan & Peas

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/122019471145494597/

How about a quick and easy side dish that will make your beef stew even more amazing?

This lemon orzo is the perfect addition to any winter meal.

It’s light and refreshing, but still hearty enough to stand up to a rich beef stew.

Plus, the Parmesan and peas add a nice pop of color.

Pro Tip: To save time, cook the orzo in the same pot as the beef stew. Just add it in at the end so it doesn’t get overcooked.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the Parmesan for another cheese, like Gruyere or Pecorino Romano.
• Add in some chopped fresh parsley for an extra zing of flavor.
• Use frozen peas instead of fresh for a quicker prep time.

13. Simple Maple Baked Beans

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/33847434691858376/

Whether you make this in your slow cooker or on the stovetop, these baked beans are the perfect side dish for beef stew.

They’re sweet, they’re savory, and they have just the right amount of maple syrup.

Plus, they’re super easy to make.

Pro Tip: For an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the mix.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the white beans for black beans or kidney beans.
• Add some chopped bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
• Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a little bit of tang.

14. Vegan Quinoa Salad

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3659243437470848/

Everyone loves this healthy quinoa salad made with quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley and lemon – it’s the perfect side to any meal!

This salad is so good, in fact, that I often find myself eating it as a main dish.

And it’s especially delicious with beef stew.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked quinoa. Just be sure to fluff it up before adding the other ingredients.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the chickpeas for black beans.
• Add avocado for a boost of healthy fats and creaminess.
• Use any herbs you have on hand in place of the parsley.

15. Oven-Roasted Carrots

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/104005072655558597/

These cooked carrots are oven roasted with a few seasonings to give them an extra zing.

The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the savory beef stew, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

See Also: What Vegetables Go with Beef Stew? 17 Best Veggies

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try roasting the carrots with a bit of honey before adding the other seasonings.

3 Changes You Can Make to This Side Dish:

• Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a more hearty dish.
• Swap out the olive oil for melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Sprinkle on some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before serving.

16. Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/151855818677362643/

How about a quick summer salad chock full of fresh crisp broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits?

This salad is the perfect addition to any meal, but I especially love it with beef stew.

The sweetness from the cranberries and the creaminess from the mayo balance out the hearty flavors of the stew perfectly.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can swap it out for Greek yogurt.

See Also: What Herbs Go with Beef Stew? 10 Best Herbs

17. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/562668547206581220/

Brussels sprouts make a great side dish for beef stew because they are hearty and can stand up to the rich flavors of the stew.

They also have a slight bitterness that helps to balance out the sweetness of the carrots and onions in the stew.

Pro Tip: To give your Brussels sprouts extra flavor, try roasting them with some garlic and Parmesan cheese.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth to make a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
• Add some diced bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Toss with balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy twist.

18. Pomegranate Salad

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/82894449384547532/

Fresh pomegranate AND a pomegranate dressing, this salad is a flavor and texture bomb.

The sweetness of the pomegranate, the crunch of the almonds, and the creaminess of the feta all come together to create a dish that’s out-of-this-world good.

Plus, it’s so pretty that it’ll make your beef stew look like a million bucks.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find fresh pomegranate, you can use dried pomegranate seeds. Just soak them in water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangier flavor
• Swap out the almonds for pecans or walnuts
• Add some diced apple for extra sweetness

19. Quinoa Pilaf

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/514958538655979486/

This recipe needs no introduction – it’s a classic for a reason.

Quinoa pilaf is the perfect side dish because it’s so versatile.

You can make it as simple or as complex as you want, and it pairs well with just about everything.

I love to add a little bit of spice to mine, which makes it the perfect complement to beef stew.

Pro Tip: To give your quinoa pilaf a boost of flavor, cook it in chicken or beef broth instead of water.

3 Ways to Change It Up:

• Add some chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
• Stir in some dried fruit for sweetness.
• Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

20. Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/19773685855496557/

This is the BEST sweet potato casserole recipe, hands down.

The sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked and the topping is insanely good.

I could eat the whole pan myself!

This dish is awesome with beef stew because the sweetness of the potatoes pairs so well with the savory beef.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just make sure to drain them really well before adding them to the casserole dish.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the butter for margarine to make it vegan.
• Use brown sugar in place of white sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the crumble topping for a little extra flavor.

21. Corn Pudding

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27373510227982546/

This old-fashioned corn pudding is a creamy, baked side dish that’s perfect for fall.

The best part about it is that it can be made ahead of time, so all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover corn from the summer.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra flavor, try adding some chopped bacon or green onions to the pudding before baking.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use white corn instead of yellow for a sweeter pudding.
• Add a tablespoon of sugar to the batter for added sweetness.
• Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

22. The Creamiest Garlic Mashed Potatoes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/81487074498732949/

The addition of garlic and sour cream to these mashed potatoes makes them extra creamy and flavorful.

They are the perfect side dish to a hearty beef stew.

Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, use whole milk instead of water when boiling the potatoes.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add in some shredded cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a more buttery taste.
• Use half-and-half instead of milk for an ultra creamy consistency.

23. Cornbread

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/381117187229215377/

This cornbread is perfect as a side dish or even served as a snack.

It’s moist, it’s flavorful, and it has just the right amount of sweetness.

I love to eat it with beef stew because it soaks up all of the delicious flavors of the stew and makes the perfect bite.

Pro Tip: For a sweeter cornbread, add in 1/4 cup of honey.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add jalapeños for a little spice
• Stir in some cooked bacon for extra savoriness
• Use buttermilk instead of milk for a richer flavor

24. Dinner Rolls

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/65091157106028618/

Light, fluffy, buttery dinner rolls are easier to make than you might think – and they’re the perfect addition to a hearty beef stew.

The rolls soak up all of the delicious flavors of the stew, and the buttery texture is a nice contrast to the chunks of meat and vegetables.

Pro Tip: For extra-fluffy dinner rolls, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to the recipe.

3 Ways to Change Up This Side Dish:

• Add some garlic to the dough for garlic breadsticks.
• Make mini sliders by shaping the dough into small balls before baking.
• Stir in some shredded cheese, green onions, or bacon bits before baking for a cheesy, savory twist.

25. Garlic and Parmesan Kale Chips

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/26810560276492244/

Baked in the oven until crispy and tossed in a garlic and Parmesan cheese, these kale chips are the perfect side dish to any beef stew.

The Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor, while the garlic gives it a little bit of a kick.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra cheesy flavor, add some nutritional yeast to the mix.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the Parmesan for another type of cheese like cheddar or Swiss.
• Add some red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick.
• Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option.