Beef stew sounds about right at any time of the year but especially when it is cold outside. A hearty stew can be soothing for the soul, and it often involves all sorts of flavors as well. You can serve a stew with various side dishes, but choosing the right one can make all the difference.
In this article, we will let you know the best side dishes for beef stew. All these dishes are easy to make, and you can prepare them in one way or another.
What Is Beef Stew?
The word stew refers to a combination of meat and other solid ingredients slow-cooked in a liquid. The result is a much thicker gravy and tender meat and vegetables. In this case, the meat is beef chopped into cubes. The stew might also contain peas, carrots, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and potatoes.
Because the beef is tough, stewing is a good choice, and simmering the meat over low heat turns it tender. Stews are similar to soups, but the liquid is much thicker, making the final texture less liquidy. Sometimes the sauce is made using some flour or cornstarch that can help thicken it.
When choosing the right cut of beef for a stew, it is best to go with a piece of meat rich in collagen. For the most part, this cut can be very tough when raw but cooked over a long time; it results in a soft, gelatinous texture that is delicious. Some common cuts of beef to go with include chuck, bone-in short rib, fatty brisket, and shanks.
Although beef can be high in fat, a stew is a healthy way to cook it, so it can be hearty and not too unhealthy. You can serve your stew with potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Even on its own, it is a very filling meal. The seasoning and herbs used in the stew are usually very healthy as well.
Nutrition Facts
One cup of beef stew with potatoes (252 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
252 calories
198 g water
23.2 g protein
8.84 g fat
19.2 g carbohydrate
2.27 g fiber
1.44 g sugar
32.8 mg calcium
2.82 mg iron
45.4 mg magnesium
249 mg phosphorus
711 mg potassium
444 mg sodium
24.7 µg selenium
14.6 mg vitamin C
63 mg cholesterol
When it comes to a cup of beef stew, you are likely to get a ton of protein and not too much fat or calories. However, sometimes the gravy and seasonings can include sodium, which is not good in excess. Either way, you are better off preparing the beef stew at home and choosing what goes in it.
What Goes With Beef Stew
Below are some options for side dishes that you can serve with beef stew at any time!
#1. Garlic and Parsley Rice
Rice is always a good pairing with any stew, but especially a beef one. The aroma and flavor of the garlic and parsley are subtle yet delicious.
Ingredients:
4 cups rice
2 cups vegetable broth
4 cups water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chives, diced
¼ cup fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your garlic and parsley rice:
Chop the chives and parsley. Set them aside.
Pour the olive oil and garlic into a deep saucepan. Add the rice and toast for about 2 minutes.
Add the water and vegetable broth. Cover the saucepan and cook the rice for about 30 minutes or until tender.
Stir in the chives and parsley. Fluff the rice using a fork.
Season with salt and pepper and fluff once more.
Serve the garlic and parsley rice warm next to your beef stew.
#2. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
This cucumber and tomato salad is a great choice when it comes to a beef stew. A salad is light and easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
2 cucumbers, cubed
2 cups cherry tomatoes, chopped
1 red onion, sliced
2 cups lettuce, broken into pieces
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your cucumber and tomato salad:
Wash, clean, and chop your vegetables. Place your vegetables in a large bowl.
Combine the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Pour the vinaigrette ingredients over your vegetables and toss everything.
Serve your cucumber and tomato salad fresh on the side of your beef stew.
#3. Garlic Herbed Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are a great choice when it comes to stews. You can serve them on the side or combine them with the gravy for an even more flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
12 to 15 Yukon gold potatoes
1 cup cream cheese
4 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons parsley
2 tablespoons chives
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your garlic herbed mashed potatoes:
Clean and peel your potatoes. Place your potatoes in a pot with salt and water. Cook on low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.
Drain the potatoes and place them back in the pot.
Add the butter and mix. Using a potato mashed or a fork, mash your potatoes.
Slowly add the cream cheese and continue mashing.
Add the heavy whipping cream, parsley, chives, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything well. Return the pot to heat if necessary.
Serve your garlic herbed mashed potatoes warm with beef stew.
#4. Baked Tomatoes With Parmesan
Baked tomatoes might not sound like anything special, but this recipe is one to remember. Not only do they add citrus and savory flavors, but they also complement the flavors in your stew.
Ingredients:
4 large tomatoes
½ cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your baked tomatoes with parmesan:
Preheat the oven to 375 F.
Wash and clean your tomatoes. Slice them in half and remove the core, leaving the outside portion to fill.
Mix the parmesan cheese, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Place some of the cheese mixtures onto each tomato and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake each tomato for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is brown on top.
Remove the tomatoes from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve your tomatoes warm on the side.
#5. Polenta With Roasted Red Peppers
Polenta is a delicate yet complex side dish that goes well with your favorite beef stew. The roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
2 red bell peppers
2 cups cornmeal
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your polenta with roasted red peppers:
First, clean your bell peppers. Set them up over a high flame on the stove and allow them to roast while turning them often. Once the skin turns black, place them aside and let them cool down.
Once your peppers are cool, remove the skin. Cut the stems and remove the seeds.
Place the peeled peppers in a food processor or blender. Blend until they turn smooth.
Add the vegetable broth, along with 6 cups of water, to a large pot.
Stir in the cornmeal and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook your polenta for 30 to 40 minutes.
Once the polenta is smooth and all liquid has been absorbed, stir in the garlic powder, cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Serve your polenta warm with roasted red peppers on top.
#6. Grilled Zucchini And Squash With Mint
When it comes to vegetables, zucchini and yellow squash are always flavorful. In this case, they add crunch and flavor without overpowering the flavors of your stew.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 large zucchini, sliced
1 large yellow squash, sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
⅓ cup fresh mint, chopped
1 tablespoon parsley
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your grilled zucchini and squash with mint:
Prepare your grilling skillet or iron grill. Add a bit of the oil to it, and place both the zucchini and summer squash.
Cook your vegetables for about 15 minutes, turning them once.
Transfer your vegetables to a bowl.
Combine the lemon juice, fresh mint, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Place each piece of zucchini and yellow squash into the mint vinaigrette and serve warm.
#7. Easy Cheesy Biscuits
When you have a stew, a good piece of bread to absorb the sauce and gravy is a must. In this case, mix fluffy and cheese, and the result is a delicious biscuit.
Ingredients:
½ cup milk
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 stick butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your easy cheesy biscuits:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 F.
Whisk one egg and the milk together in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix the butter and cheese in a blender until soft.
Add the milk to the cheese mixture slowly and mix well.
Slowly add the flour to form a dough. Roll out the dough until it is about ¾ of an inch thick.
Use a glass to cut the dough into a biscuit shape.
Beat the remaining egg and brush it onto the biscuits.
Bake your biscuits for about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool down.
Serve warm next to your beef stew.
How Can I Pick The Perfect Side Dish?
A beef stew is an amazing dish that always satisfies everyone. However, you need to make sure you serve the right side dish with it. All these recipes are easy, delicious, and very filling without hurting the flavors of your stew.
When you want to serve your beef stew and have it shine as the star of the show, try going with a simpler recipe to go with it. The garlic and parsley rice is a perfect choice that also happens to absorb all the flavors. The cucumber and tomato salad is another tasty option that is fresh and saves you time and calories.
If you are looking for a side dish to absorb the sauce and compliment your gravy, then starch is a good choice. The easy cheese biscuits are perfect for you to take in all the sauce you want. You can also go with the garlic and herbed mashed potatoes that are subtle yet creamy and satisfying.
For all other times, you can always go with something delicious but still not too overpowering. Try the baked tomatoes with parmesan or the grilled zucchini and squash with mint that are fresh and flavorful. You can also try the polenta with roasted red peppers, which adds texture and smokiness.
Conclusion
Preparing and serving a beef stew takes time and attention, but it is worth it. You can accompany your delicious sauce and meat with an equally tasty side dish or two. Try any of these recipes and surprise everyone at home.
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
