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What to Serve with Beef Stew

20 Side Dishes and Desserts

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.

2 types of beef stew

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.

2 bowls of buttermilk garlic mashed potatoes with chives

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.

honey roasted sweet potatoes

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!

Bacon lettuce and tomato salad on a plate

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?

Serving of cheesy green beans on a plate

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.

plate of butternut squash

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!

Watermelon cucumber salad with feta cheese and basil

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.

jalapeno corn muffins with butter

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.

Apple spinach salad with pecans and bleu cheese

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.

bowl of creamy coleslaw
Creamy Coleslaw

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.

mason jar salad poured onto plate

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.

Cabbage steaks on a pan

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:

slice of pineapple pie
No Bake Pineapple Pie

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!

slice of oreo pudding pie in front of the rest of the pie
Oreo Pudding Pie

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!

2 flourless chocolate cakes

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!

peanut butter marshmallow bar on a plate
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Bars

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!

lemon bars on a plate and in a pan
Lemon Bars

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!

brownie waffle with ice cream and chocolate syrup
Brownie Waffle with Toppings

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!

bowl of pineapple dump cake with vanilla ice cream on top
Pineapple Dump Cake

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. 

2 types of beef stew with side dishes and desserts

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.

Please feel free to share!