Are you planning a dinner party and wondering what to serve with your delicious beef stew? Look no further!
While beef stew is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can take your dinner party to the next level. From roasted vegetables to savory root vegetables, there are plenty of options to choose from.
In this article, we’ll explore some mouth-watering side dishes that will perfectly complement your beef stew and impress your guests. So, let’s get started!
What To Serve With Beef Stew For A Dinner Party?
When it comes to serving beef stew for a dinner party, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose side dishes that will complement the flavors of the stew without overpowering it. Second, you want to choose dishes that are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying your guests’ company.
One great option for a side dish is roasted vegetables. Roasting vegetables like broccoli or asparagus spears in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit will give them a nice crispiness on the outside while keeping them tender and juicy on the inside. Drizzle some olive oil over the veggies before roasting to enhance their flavor, and sprinkle with salt or pepper if desired.
Another delicious option is root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets, and radishes. Wash and season them before sticking them in the oven to cook low and slow. This will bring out their natural sweetness and make them a perfect complement to your beef stew.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, consider a shaved Brussels sprouts salad with apples. This salad is easy to prepare and adds a fresh, crisp element to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is a great way to add some depth and flavor to your beef stew dinner party. Not only is it a simple and easy preparation method, but it also brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making them a perfect complement to the savory flavors of the stew.
To roast your vegetables, start by choosing your favorite fall vegetables such as sweet potatoes, beets, Brussels sprouts, acorn squash, or any other root vegetables that you enjoy. Wash and chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle some olive oil over the vegetables and season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. Toss to coat evenly and spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Roast the vegetables in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes or until they are tender and caramelized. Be sure to stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once they are done, remove them from the oven and serve hot alongside your beef stew. The combination of tender roasted vegetables and rich beef stew is sure to impress your guests and leave them feeling satisfied.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with beef stew. The smooth texture and rich flavor of the mashed potatoes complement the heartiness of the stew. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
To make creamy mashed potatoes, start by peeling and chopping about 2 pounds of potatoes into small pieces. Boil the potatoes in salted water until they’re tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and add in 1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of milk. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer until they’re smooth and creamy. You can also add in some grated cheese or chopped herbs for extra flavor.
For a twist on classic mashed potatoes, try adding Lawry’s seasoning salt to the mix. This seasoning adds a delicious savory flavor that pairs well with beef stew. You can also sprinkle some of the seasoning on top of your stew for an added burst of flavor.
When serving creamy mashed potatoes with beef stew, consider making a well in the center of the potatoes and filling it with some of the stew’s broth. This creates a delicious gravy that can be mixed into the potatoes for added flavor.
Crusty Bread
Crusty bread is another classic side dish that pairs perfectly with beef stew. The crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior of the bread make it the ideal vessel for soaking up the flavorful broth of the stew. Plus, it adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
To make crusty bread at home, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. Mix these ingredients together to form a dough, then let it rise for a few hours until it has doubled in size. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place a baking stone or sheet in the oven to heat up.
Once your dough has risen, shape it into a round loaf and place it on the hot baking stone or sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving alongside your beef stew.
If you don’t have time to make your own crusty bread, you can always pick up a loaf from your local bakery or grocery store. Just be sure to choose a bread with a sturdy crust that can stand up to the broth of the stew without getting too soggy.
Savory Root Vegetables
When it comes to root vegetables, there are plenty of options to choose from to serve as a side dish for your beef stew. Potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets, and radishes are all delicious options that can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Roasting root vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavor. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Another option is to make a root vegetable mash. Boil the vegetables until they are tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and your favorite seasonings. This is a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes and adds more variety to your meal.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, try making a root vegetable gratin. Layer thinly sliced root vegetables in a baking dish with cream and cheese, then bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. This dish is sure to impress your dinner guests and adds a rich and decadent element to your meal.
No matter how you choose to prepare your root vegetables, they are sure to be a delicious and satisfying side dish for your beef stew dinner party.
Fresh Salad With Vinaigrette Dressing
In addition to roasted vegetables and root vegetables, a fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing can be a great addition to your beef stew dinner party. One option is a spinach salad with a red wine vinaigrette dressing. To make the dressing, combine red wine vinegar, shallots, salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic, and honey. This dressing not only complements the flavors in the stew but also creates a beautiful contrast with the green color of the spinach.
Another option for a salad is an Italian wedge salad made with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion rings, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss it with Italian vinaigrette dressing, which has olive oil as its main ingredient but also contains vinegar, garlic powder, and sugar. The crispness of the lettuce and the tanginess of the dressing pair well with the rich flavors of the beef stew.
For a Greek twist, serve your beef stew with a Greek salad consisting of feta cheese (which adds saltiness), olives (which add crunchiness), tomatoes (which add tangy flavor), and onions (which add pungency). This salad is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your dinner party.
No matter what type of salad you choose to serve with your beef stew, be sure to prepare it ahead of time so that you can enjoy your guests’ company without being tied to the kitchen. The fresh and crisp flavors of a salad will balance out the richness of the stew and provide a refreshing contrast to your meal.
