Are you looking for something to serve with beef stew? Here you’ll find a list of side dishes and desserts that you’ll love. Many of these ideas are classic comfort food, while others might be something you hadn’t thought of.
Hearty Beef Stew Choices
My family loves a hearty beef stew because not only does it taste wonderful, but it’s filling and comforting. When we had children at home, I made a large batch. But now that it’s just my husband and me, I make this yummy beef stew for two.
Another beef stew we enjoy is this wonderfully flavorful Mediterranean beef stew. Some people call this an Italian stew. Whatever you want to call it, I’m sure you’ll find that it’s absolutely delicious!
There are several different ways to cook these stews. You can make both of these stews in your slow cooker, Instant Pot, or even on the stovetop.
If I have a busy day planned, I like to put the ingredients in my Crock Pot. Slow cooking it all day allows the flavor to come together for a delicious meal that’s ready when I get home. And the house smells so good!
When I cook stew on my stovetop, I like to use my enamel coated, cast iron Dutch oven. It’s big, and it holds the heat really well.
I enjoy adding condiments on the side so each person can doctor up their beef stew the way they want. Here are some suggestions:
- Olive oil
- Sour cream
- Lemon juice (or lime juice)
- Red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic salt
- Diced onions
- Chopped bell peppers
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Fresh herbs
- Salt and black pepper
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Beef Stew
Since beef stew provides something from nearly all food groups, you might not feel that you need to serve anything else. And that’s true. A big bowl of beef stew is quite satisfying all by itself.
However, if you add a great side dish, your family will see it for the special meal that it is. Here are some wonderful savory dishes that are great to pair with great meals that include any kind of stew.
1. Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Sometimes we enjoy straight-up beef stew. However, if we have more mouths to feed or we need extra energy, I’ll make these delicious potatoes and scoop the beef stew on top of it. So delicious and filling!
We also like it over rice or egg noodles. You can use any type of rice you enjoy, including long-grain white rice, rice pilaf, or brown rice. When I use noodles, I prefer the flat ones.
2. Sweet Potatoes
There have been times when I’ve put sweet potatoes in the stew. However, we actually prefer them on the side. This yummy honey roasted are perfect!
3. BLT Salad
If you enjoy having a green salad, kick up to a whole new level by making this yummy BLT salad. Use whatever lettuce you like. I typically use romaine lettuce, but this is also delicious with leaf lettuce, Bibb lettuce, or iceberg lettuce
Trust me when I say that you won’t hear a single person complain … unless they don’t like bacon. And who doesn’t like bacon, right?
4. Cheesy Green Beans
If you’re looking for something to do with a can of green beans, try this wonderful recipe. It goes with practically any main dish, including hearty beef stew.
5. Butternut Squash
Add even more nutrients to your meal with some roasted butternut squash. It’s easy to make in your air fryer. I like to start with frozen diced butternut squash to make it even easier!
6. Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Refreshing and delicious, this salad provides a delightful balance of sweet flavor for your savory beef stew. It’s light but packed with flavor. And it’s oh-so satisfying.
7. Easy Dinner Rolls
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making your own dinner rolls from scratch. This easy recipe from Back to My Southern Roots delivers rolls your mama will be proud of.
8. Jalapeño Cornbread
Also called Mexican cornbread, these spicy and delicious corn muffins will satisfy anyone’s spicy taste buds. I actually prefer a little heat when I eat a hearty meal.
You can make this in a skillet and slice it hot. Or you can make these cornbread muffins so all everyone has to do is grab one out of the bread basket. Add a little butter, and this one’s a winner!
9. Cheesy Garlic Bread
If you’re anything like me, you appreciate the yummy flavor of garlic bread.
This recipe from Julia’s Simply Southern takes garlic bread to new heights by making it cheesy and so delicious! You only need a few ingredients to add to some crusty bread to make this wonderful recipe.
10. Apple Spinach Salad
How can you dress up a bunch of fresh spinach to make it super yummy? Try this apple spinach salad, and you’ll have exactly what you need to top off your beef stew dinner in the most delicious way.
11. Creamy Coleslaw
This delicious creamy coleslaw is the perfect side dish for any meal, including beef stew. Make enough for more than one meal to save time in the future. It’s also a popular item at dinner parties and potlucks.
12. Mason Jar Salad
If you like to be prepared for anything, make a bunch of mason jar salads. Having several pre-made jar salads in the fridge saves quite a bit of time when you need one more thing to go with a meal.
They’re also perfect when you need a quick grab-and-go item to pack for lunch.
13. Seasoned Cabbage Steaks
What are cabbage steaks, you ask?
My answer is this: Cabbage steaks are absolutely delicious slices of cabbage that you season just right and roast them until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. And to top it off, they go with absolutely everything!
Desserts to Serve with Beef Stew
If your family is anything like mine, they expect dessert for certain meals. And I like to deliver.
I often don’t have a lot of time to make elaborate desserts. So it’s always a good idea to have a simple dish that satisfies a sweet tooth.
Here are some of our favorite but easy desserts:
14. No Bake Pineapple Pie
This deliciously creamy pie is both sweet and tart, with a texture that keeps you going back for more. Serve this with your beef stew, and your family will sing your praises for days!
15. Oreo Pudding Pie
Here is another no bake pie, one that Oreo lovers will dream about. I love the fact that the blend of textures, the crunch of the cookies and smooth creaminess of the pudding, come together so well.
And chocolate. I love the chocolate!
16. 2-Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake
When you want something light but satisfying, make this wonderful flourless chocolate cake.
You can make individual servings like I did in this post, or you can double the recipe and make a whole cake. However you choose to make it, you’ll love the results!
17. Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars
As a peanut butter junkie, I can honestly say that these peanut butter marshmallow bars are one of my favorite desserts. Sure, I have a lot of favorites, but this truly satisfies my peanut butter cravings!
18. 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars
With only 3 ingredients, these lemon bars will quickly become one of your go-to desserts to make. It’s easy, and you’ll love the flavor! Just make sure to make enough because they’ll disappear quickly!
19. Brownie Waffles
There are many things you can do with a waffle iron besides make breakfast waffles. With all of the little crevices, these brownie waffles are designed for flavor and the ability to hold onto whatever toppings you add.
They’re delicious with ice cream, nuts, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup! Yum!
20. Pineapple Dump Cake
As much as I don’t care for the word “dump” in the name of the recipe, I have to admit that this recipe is aptly named.
Basically, you just dump the ingredients into the pan, bake, and serve. And if you like pineapple, you’ll absolutely love this one!
It’s a Wrap
Beef stew is an awesome yet simple meal for any weeknight or weekend. It’s easy to make, and there are so many different side dishes that go with it.
So if it’s been a while, make a beef stew dinner with your family’s favorite side dishes and desserts. And don’t let so much time pass until you make it again.