Are you a fan of a hearty and comforting bowl of beef stew and dumplings?
It’s hard to resist the rich and savory flavors of this classic dish. But when it comes to choosing the perfect side dishes to serve with it, things can get a bit overwhelming.
You don’t want to overpower the stew, but you also want to add some balance to the meal. That’s why we’ve gathered some delicious and easy-to-make side dish options that will complement your beef stew and dumplings perfectly.
From roasted veggies to creamy mashed potatoes, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover what to serve with beef stew and dumplings!
What To Serve With Beef Stew And Dumplings?
When it comes to choosing the perfect side dishes to serve with beef stew and dumplings, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to choose dishes that will complement the rich and savory flavors of the stew without overpowering it.
One great option is roasted vegetables. Broccoli or asparagus spears are a great choice for this dish! Simply roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give them nice crispiness on their outside and they’ll be tender, juicy & flavorful! You could also sprinkle your roasted vegetables with salt or pepper if you want more flavor.
Another great option is creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth and buttery texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors of beef stew and dumplings. To make them, simply boil some potatoes until they’re soft, then mash them with butter, milk, and salt to taste.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, a simple pan-fried green bean almondine is an excellent choice. It’s delightful but light so it’ll balance the stew nicely and won’t overpower it. You’ll need beans, butter for sautéing, salt, pepper and garlic for seasoning and toasted almonds for topping. Use Haricots Verts as they’re smaller, more tender and quicker to cook.
You can also add more vegetables to your beef stew itself. Carrots, mushrooms, celery, and parsnips are just a few of the vegetables that go well with beef stew. Broccoli, green beans, green peas, and corn are other vegetables that work well. Because onions can be used in a variety of ways, they complement beef stew perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a perfect side dish to serve with beef stew and dumplings. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor, making them a great complement to the rich and savory flavors of the stew.
To make roasted vegetables, start by selecting your favorite root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets, and radishes. Wash and peel them, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes or until they’re tender and golden brown.
You can also add other vegetables to the mix such as broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for added variety. Drizzle them with balsamic vinegar or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Roasted vegetables not only add a delicious flavor to your meal but also provide a healthy dose of vitamins and nutrients. They’re the perfect side dish to balance out the richness of beef stew and dumplings while adding color and texture to your plate.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with beef stew and dumplings. The smooth and buttery texture of the mashed potatoes complements the rich and savory flavors of the stew, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
To make creamy mashed potatoes, start by boiling peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until they’re soft. Drain the potatoes and add butter, milk, and salt to taste. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they’re smooth and creamy.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add garlic or herbs like rosemary or thyme to the mashed potatoes. Lawry’s seasoning salt is also a great addition to give your mashed potatoes a unique twist.
Creamy mashed potatoes are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can make them as simple or as flavorful as you want, depending on your taste preferences. Serve them alongside your beef stew and dumplings for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Crusty Bread
No meal is complete without bread, and beef stew and dumplings are no exception. Crusty bread is an excellent choice to serve alongside this hearty dish. The crispy crust and soft interior of the bread provide a perfect contrast to the tender meat and vegetables in the stew.
Challah bread is a particularly good option for serving with beef stew and dumplings. Its slightly sweet flavor complements the savory flavors in the stew, while its creamy texture helps to balance any spicy or bold flavors that may be present. Challah bread is also rich and indulgent, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion or dinner party.
If you prefer a more rustic option, a crusty baguette is another great choice. The crusty exterior and soft interior of the bread are perfect for sopping up any leftover juices or gravy from the stew. You can also slice the baguette and toast it with garlic butter for added flavor.
Sourdough bread is another excellent choice for serving with beef stew and dumplings. Its tangy flavor pairs well with the rich flavors in the stew, while its chewy texture provides a satisfying contrast to the tender meat and vegetables.
No matter which type of crusty bread you choose, be sure to slice it thickly and serve it warm alongside your beef stew and dumplings for the perfect finishing touch to your meal.
Simple Salad
If you’re looking for a simple and refreshing side dish to serve with your beef stew and dumplings, a salad is always a great option. One easy and delicious salad recipe is Italian Arugula Salad. With just three ingredients, this salad is quick and easy to make, yet loaded with flavor.
To make Italian Arugula Salad, you’ll need fresh arugula, Parmesan cheese, and a citrus vinaigrette. Simply toss the arugula with the vinaigrette and top with shaved Parmesan cheese. The peppery taste of the arugula pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the beef stew and dumplings, while the citrus vinaigrette adds a bright and refreshing note.
Another great salad option is Ham and Pear Arugula Salad. This salad combines sweet and bitter flavors for a delicious contrast. To make it, simply toss arugula with sliced ham, sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, and a honey mustard dressing. The sweetness of the pears and honey mustard dressing pairs well with the savory flavors of the beef stew and dumplings.
Red Wine
When it comes to pairing red wine with beef stew and dumplings, there are a few options to consider. The most popular choice is cabernet sauvignon, due to its dry taste and tannins that bring out the flavor of the beef. Another great option is malbec, which has a similar dry taste and notes of plum, blackberry, and cocoa. These wines will work well with the rich and hearty flavors of the stew.
For more intensely flavored stews with a rich, thick meat sauce, select a Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux or Shiraz. These red wines will be able to hold their own against the rich sauce, provided the sauce isn’t tomato-based. For tomato-based beef stew, you’ll require a red wine balanced with acidity, such as a Barolo, Barbaresco or Zinfandel.
If you prefer a lighter wine, Vinsobres, Burgundy, Nero D’Avola or a red Côtes du Rhône make for an excellent pairing with less dense sauces in your beef stew. Burgundy and Pinot Noir are also exceptional with Beef Bourguignon which is a beef stew that has been braised in red wine and flavored with carrots, pearl onions, mushrooms, bacon and garlic.
