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Planning a cozy meal and wondering What to Serve with Beef Stew? These crowd-pleasing sides complement its deep, savory flavors beautifully. From creamy mashed potatoes and crusty bread to fresh salads, roasted vegetables, to sweet potatoes!

A pot of old fashioned beef stew recipe with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a bay leaf in brown broth sits on a wooden board with a gray cloth underneath.


 

Quick Recipe Overview

A collage of five side dishes for beef stew—bread bowl soup, cornbread, green beans with bacon, a chopped salad with avocado and corn, and coleslaw—with text: “37 Perfect Sides for Beef Stew” and ideas on what to serve with beef stew.

WHAT: A collection of sides—including mashed potatoes, crusty bread, roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and sweet potatoes—to serve with beef stew.

WHY: The right side dish rounds out your meal, adding texture and flavor variety that turns a simple stew into an unforgettable, complete comfort food dinner.

HOW: Pick one or two sides to complement your stew’s richness—choose bread for soaking up broth, a salad for freshness, or roasted vegetables for a hearty boost.

Table of Contents

Do You Need Sides with Beef Stew?

Beef stew is one of those wonderfully complete dishes that’s honestly a meal all on its own. Loaded with tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and a rich, savory broth, it’s filling and nutritious straight from the pot.

The beauty of beef stew is that it pairs beautifully with an enormous range of sides. You can go simple with a basic green salad and some dinner rolls, or go all out with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a true Sunday-supper spread.

Since the stew itself is already rich in protein and fiber from the beef and vegetables, lighter sides like a lemon arugula salad or simple roasted asparagus are a wonderful complement without making the meal feel too heavy.

Melissa in her kitchen smiling in front of the starting ingredients for the chicken the quinoa salad and skillet chicken on the wood block in front of her

🩷 Melissa

Knowing what to serve with beef stew turns a hearty bowl into a complete, satisfying meal. Whether your stew simmers in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, the right side dish makes all the difference.

I’ve gathered my favorite sides to serve with this classic comfort food—from dinner rolls that soak up every drop of rich broth to fresh salads that add bright contrast.

Whether you need something quick for a weeknight or a full spread for Sunday dinner, these tried-and-true recipes from my kitchen have you covered.

A bowl of hearty old fashioned beef stew recipe with chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots in brown broth, served with a spoon on a white plate with a black rim, set on a wooden table.

Our Favorite Beef Stew Recipes

Before we get to the sides, let’s make sure you have the perfect stew recipe in hand! These are my go-to beef stew and related recipes that make a spectacular main course for any of the sides below.

  • The Best Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe You’ll Ever Make — My absolute favorite stew recipe, made low and slow in a Dutch oven until the beef is fall-apart tender and the broth is deeply rich and savory. This is the one my family requests on repeat from fall straight through winter.
  • Easy Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon — A French-inspired twist on classic beef stew with red wine and mushrooms. Let your slow cooker do all the work and come home to something that tastes like it took all day; because it did, hands-free!
  • How to Make Pot Roast in the Slow Cooker — Not technically a stew, but close enough to share this table! This fall-apart pot roast creates a gorgeous, brothy gravy that’s wonderful served over any of the potato sides below.
  • Slow Cooker Veggie Beef Soup — For a lighter, brothier take, this slow cooker beef and vegetable soup is packed with nutrition and even easier to make. It’s a wonderful weeknight option.

The Best Toppings for Beef Stew

While beef stew is incredibly flavorful on its own, a few simple toppings can add freshness, brightness, and textural contrast to each bowl. Here are my favorite ways to finish off each serving:

Fresh Herbs:

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Snipped chives
  • Rosemary (use sparingly)

Creamy Additions:

  • Dollop of sour cream
  • Spoonful of Greek yogurt
  • Pat of herb butter
  • Drizzle of heavy cream

Crunchy Touches:

Flavor Boosters:

  • Grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar
  • Splash of red wine vinegar
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Pro Tip: Keep fresh parsley and a pepper grinder at the table so everyone can customize their bowl. A sprinkle of fresh herbs not only adds a pop of color but brightens the rich, savory flavors with every spoonful!

A blue Dutch oven filled with an old fashioned beef stew recipe—featuring tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and herbs—sits on a wooden cutting board beside a wooden spoon and a gray napkin.

A Guide To The Perfect Pairings For Beef Stew

Knowing what to serve with beef stew turns a hearty bowl of one of the best favorite comfort foods into a full, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

There’s something deeply satisfying about a big pot of delicious beef stew bubbling away, filling the whole house with the smell of tender beef, rich broth, and slow-cooked vegetables.

I’ve pulled together several of my favorite sides to serve alongside this classic dish, from pillowy dinner rolls perfect for soaking up every drop of broth, to crisp green salads that add a bright, fresh contrast.

Bread & Rolls

Let’s be honest – the best part of serving bread with stew is soaking up every last drop of that flavorful gravy. Crusty bread, soft rolls, or buttery biscuits aren’t just sides; they’re essential tools for enjoying every bit of your meal. The combination of textures between tender stew and freshly baked bread creates the ultimate comfort food experience that warms you from the inside out.

1
Jumbo Dinner Rolls
These soft, fluffy rolls have been a family favorite for decades! Made with butter, milk, and eggs, they turn out perfectly tender every time. The dough is extra soft and forgiving, making them ideal for both new and experienced bakers. They pair beautifully with the rich gravy of beef stew.
Check out this recipe
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wooden board and a shell pattern white plate holding a large crunchy round bread soup bowl with chunky cream souping the center and a silver spoon to the left
Homemade Bread Bowls
Turn your beef stew into an edible masterpiece! These crusty bread bowls have a light, fluffy inside with a sturdy exterior perfect for holding thick, hearty stew. They're easier to make than you might think and add a fun, rustic presentation to your meal.
Check out this recipe
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sourdough banana bread in speckled white and blue bread pan
Classic Sourdough Bread
If you've got a sourdough starter on hand, this is THE bread to serve with stew. The tangy flavor complements the savory richness of beef beautifully, and that crackly crust is perfect for soaking up gravy. The chewy texture and complex flavor make it a memorable pairing.
Check out this recipe
4
cornbread in a glass pan
Best Homemade Cornbread
This slightly sweet, perfectly moist cornbread has been loved by thousands of readers! It comes together in just 5 minutes and bakes up with beautiful golden edges. The crumbly texture contrasts wonderfully with tender stew, and a pat of butter on warm cornbread? Pure heaven.
Check out this recipe
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close up view of Maple Cornmeal Biscuits
Maple Cornmeal Biscuits
These unique biscuits are a delightful cross between traditional biscuits and cornbread. The subtle maple sweetness balances the savory stew perfectly, and they take just 10 minutes to prepare. Their tender crumb makes them ideal for breaking apart and dipping.
Check out this recipe
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Sour Cream Cornbread
The sour cream makes this cornbread extra moist and gives it a slightly denser texture that holds up beautifully when dipped in stew. It's not too crumbly, making it perfect for soaking up gravy without falling apart in your bowl.
Check out this recipe
7
round pan of sourdough cornbread on cutting board
Sourdough Cornbread
Combine two favorites in one! This recipe brings together the tangy notes of sourdough with the comforting texture of cornbread. The slight sour flavor adds complexity that pairs wonderfully with rich beef stew, and you can use either active starter or discard.
Check out this recipe
8
The Best Biscuit Recipe Ever
If you haven't found your perfect go-to biscuit recipe yet, this is it. Tall, tender, and golden, these pair with beef stew in the most wonderful, classic comfort-food way.
Check out this recipe
9
baked cheddar bacon cornbread muffins on the counter.
Cheddar Bacon Cornbread Muffins
Savory, cheesy, and studded with crispy bacon—these cornbread muffins are a flavor-packed upgrade to plain cornbread. They bake up quickly and make the whole kitchen smell amazing.
Check out this recipe
10
slices of focaccia bread stacked on top of each other
Parmesan Focaccia Bread
This Italian flatbread topped with generous Parmesan and fresh herbs has crispy golden edges and a fluffy, olive oil–rich center. It's spectacular for tearing and dipping into beef stew broth.
Check out this recipe

Mashed Potatoes and Creamy Potato Sides

Potatoes and beef stew are a match made in comfort food heaven. Whether you prefer them creamy, crispy, or somewhere in between, potatoes provide the perfect starchy complement to soak up gravy and balance out the hearty meat and vegetables. From classic mashed to roasted varieties, potato sides add substance and satisfaction to your meal.

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close up of thanksgiving dinner on a white plate
Classic Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, buttery, and absolutely divine – these mashed potatoes are what comfort food dreams are made of. Made with russet potatoes, butter, and warm milk, they create the perfect creamy bed for ladling stew over. The combination of tender beef stew spooned over silky mashed potatoes is pure bliss.
Check out this recipe
12
loaded mashed potatoes in a small serving bowl with golden spoons
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
These aren't your basic mashed potatoes – they're loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream, and fresh chives. The creamy base becomes a flavor-packed side that's perfect for spooning beef stew over. All those delicious mix-ins add texture while soaking up that rich gravy beautifully!
Check out this recipe
13
small white bowl with cauliflower mashed potatoes with seasonings on top.
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
All the creamy, comforting goodness of classic mashed potatoes with a lighter nutritional profile. The stew broth poured on top makes this dish taste absolutely spectacular.
Check out this recipe
14
A baked casserole dish filled with cheesy scalloped potatoes, garnished with herbs. A serving spoon rests in the creamy, golden layers, with some potatoes scooped out. Nearby are whole potatoes, a gray cloth, plates, and forks.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes {Potatoes au Gratin}
Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream and cheese, baked until golden and bubbly—this is comfort food at its finest. Serve it alongside a simple beef stew for a dinner that truly impresses.
Check out this recipe
15
twice baked potatoes in a baking dish
Twice-Baked Potatoes with Bacon
Creamy potato filling loaded with cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon stuffed back into potato skins. They're hearty enough to stand up to a rich beef stew and always a crowd-pleaser.
Check out this recipe
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crispy oven roasted potato cubes on enamel plate on gingham tablecloth
Extra Crispy Roasted Potato Cubes
When you want something a little different than mashed, these golden, crispy roasted potato cubes deliver incredible texture alongside a bowl of stew. Scoop them right in—you won't regret it.
Check out this recipe
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plated air fried baked potato with butter and herbs
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Get perfectly crispy-skinned baked potatoes in half the time using your air fryer. Split one open, pour your beef stew right on top, and you have one of the best easy dinner combinations ever.
Check out this recipe
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air fryer roasted potatoes with herbs on a plate.
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Seasoned, golden, and perfectly crispy in about 30 minutes, these air fryer potatoes are a weeknight lifesaver. They pair beautifully with any stew recipe and require almost no cleanup.
Check out this recipe

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are one of the easiest, most hands-off sides you can make—and they pair beautifully with beef stew. The high heat of the oven caramelizes their natural sugars and creates those gorgeous, slightly crispy edges that make even the simplest vegetables taste incredible.

Since beef stew often already has carrots and potatoes cooked right in, consider roasting green beans, brussels sprouts, or asparagus to add variety and color to your plate.

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a pan for sautéed green beans
Sautéed Green Beans
Quick, easy, and perfectly tender-crisp, these green beans come together in just minutes. Sautéed with garlic in butter or olive oil, they maintain a delightful bite that contrasts beautifully with tender stew. Optional garnishes like sliced almonds or lemon zest add extra flair.
Check out this recipe
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A white oval dish filled with Green Beans with Butter and Bacon, the tender beans cooked to perfection and topped with chopped crispy bacon pieces.
Green Beans with Butter and Bacon
This Southern-style side dish takes green beans to the next level with smoky bacon and rich butter. The savory bacon flavor complements beef stew wonderfully, and the hearty preparation makes this feel like a special occasion meal. It's comfort food at its finest.
Check out this recipe
21
Roasted Spring Vegetables Recipe on a round white plate.
Roasted Spring Vegetables
Simple roasted vegetables develop incredible sweetness and char when tossed with olive oil and salt. The caramelized edges add depth of flavor, while the tender centers provide satisfying texture. Mix and match brussels sprouts, asparagus, beets, and more for a colorful platter.
Check out this recipe
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a circular baking dish with crispy onions on top a traditional green bean caserole
Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole
This nostalgic casserole brings holiday vibes to any meal. With its creamy interior and crispy cracker topping, it adds both comfort and crunch to your table. Make it ahead and reheat, making it perfect for gatherings when you're already serving stew.
Check out this recipe
23
Simple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower
These roasted vegetables get perfectly crispy and caramelized in the oven with just a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. The nutty flavor and satisfying crunch make them a natural complement to a rich, brothy stew.
Check out this recipe
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roasted carrots on white plate
Roasted Carrots
Tender, caramelized roasted carrots make a beautiful and simple side that pairs naturally with the flavors already inside a classic beef stew. A touch of honey or fresh herbs takes them over the top.
Check out this recipe
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glazed carrots in a white dish with chives on top
Glazed Carrots
Buttery, sweet, and ready in under 30 minutes, glazed carrots are a beloved classic that works in every season. The gentle sweetness balances the deep savory richness of beef stew wonderfully.
Check out this recipe
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A white bowl filled with roasted, sliced carrots with a caramelized glaze, placed on a dark checkered cloth.
Glazed Honey Roasted Carrots
These honey-kissed roasted carrots develop the most incredible caramelized exterior in the oven. They're simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a holiday dinner.
Check out this recipe

Fresh Salads to Serve with Beef Stew

A crisp, refreshing salad provides the perfect counterpoint to rich, hearty beef stew. The cool crunch and bright dressing help cleanse your palate between bites of savory stew, preventing palate fatigue and adding nutritional variety. Whether you prefer creamy coleslaw or a classic chef salad, these fresh options bring balance and brightness to your meal.

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crispy deep fried snacks and a lemon with a dish of coleslaw as the center
Homemade Coleslaw
This classic coleslaw features crisp cabbage, carrots, and green onions tossed in a tangy-sweet homemade dressing. The crunchy texture and vinegar-based dressing cut through the richness of beef stew beautifully. It's quick to make and gets better as it sits!
Check out this recipe
28
clear mixing bowl showing the progress of making a chefs salad.
Chef Salad
A hearty salad loaded with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Swiss cheese, and your choice of protein. The fresh, crisp vegetables and creamy ranch dressing provide a cooling contrast to hot stew. It's substantial enough to make your meal feel complete.
Check out this recipe
29
round wooden bowl with arugula salad with golden forks and lemons to the side.
Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula, shaved Parmesan, and a bright lemon vinaigrette make this the most elegant and easy side you can put on the table. The bold, citrusy flavors of this lemon arugula salad are a revelation alongside rich beef stew.
Check out this recipe
30
spinach and berry salad on a round white plate with black forks to the side.
Berry Spinach Salad with Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing
Sweet berries, tender baby spinach, and a bright citrus dressing bring a burst of freshness that beautifully balances the hearty warmth of beef stew. This is a salad recipe that gets requested over and over.
Check out this recipe
31
Image of a Fall Salad with Apples & Bacon
Fall Salad with Pecans and Brussels Sprouts
Shaved brussels sprouts, candied pecans, crisp apples, and bacon come together in a salad that feels tailor-made for fall stew season. It's hearty, flavorful, and complements a beef stew beautifully.
Check out this recipe
32
Bowl of spinach salad with apples and apple vinaigrette
Easy Apple Spinach Salad with Apple Vinaigrette
Sweet apple slices and fresh spinach tossed in a homemade apple vinaigrette bring a lovely seasonal freshness to a cozy stew dinner. The sweet-tart balance is just right alongside savory beef.
Check out this recipe
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cucumber and tomato salad with olives and basil in a white bowl close up
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and tangy feta in a herby dressing bring a refreshing, lighter element to the meal. This is the salad to reach for when you want something cool and bright.
Check out this recipe
34
Chopped Asian Peanut Salad
This isn't a traditional pairing, but the crunchy vegetables and bold peanut dressing create a surprisingly delicious contrast to a rich beef stew. It adds great texture and a unique flavor punch.
Check out this recipe

Sweet Potato Sides

Sweet potatoes are a wonderful pairing for beef stew—their natural sweetness provides a lovely contrast to the savory, herby depth of the stew broth, and they bring extra nutrition to the plate. Whether you prefer them roasted, fried, or baked in biscuit form, these sweet potato recipes are worth adding to your regular rotation.

35
round wooden bowl with air fried sweet potato french fries.
The BEST Crispy Homemade Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are a wonderful pairing for beef stew—their natural sweetness provides a lovely contrast to the savory, herby depth of the stew broth, and they bring extra nutrition to the plate. Whether you prefer them roasted, fried, or baked in biscuit form, these sweet potato recipes are worth adding to your regular rotation.
Check out this recipe
36
round wooden bowl with air fried sweet potato french fries.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
All the delicious flavor of homemade sweet potato fries in even less time, thanks to your air fryer. Seasoned simply with salt and a little smoked paprika, they are a wonderful weeknight side.
Check out this recipe
37
uncooked squares of sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Simple cubed sweet potatoes seasoned and cooked in the air fryer until tender and slightly caramelized. Serve alongside your stew as a simple, nutritious, and delicious alternative to regular potatoes.
Check out this recipe
38
Sweet Potato Biscuits
These soft, lightly sweet biscuits combine the best of bread and sweet potato sides all in one. They're tender, subtly sweet, and absolutely wonderful for soaking up beef stew broth.
Check out this recipe

Quick and Easy Vegetable Sides

Sometimes you need a simple vegetable side that comes together in 15 minutes or less while your stew finishes cooking. These quick recipes are healthy, flavorful, and require minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Most use just a few pantry staples and can be swapped in and out depending on what you have on hand.

39
baked and plated green beans.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Tender-crisp green beans with lightly charred edges, ready in just 10 minutes. These are a simple, healthy side that pairs naturally with any version of beef stew.
Check out this recipe
40
baked brussel sprouts in the air fryer
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Crispy, caramelized brussels sprouts made fast and easy in the air fryer—no oven required. The slightly bitter, nutty flavor is a wonderful complement to a deep, rich beef stew.
Check out this recipe
41
air fryer asparagus raw in the basket
Air Fryer Asparagus
Tender asparagus spears with perfectly crispy tips in about 8 minutes. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving for a fresh, bright flavor that contrasts beautifully with the stew's richness.
Check out this recipe
42
close up of view of a round white plate of sautéed broccoli
Sautéed Broccoli
A simple skillet of garlicky sautéed broccoli is one of the fastest and most satisfying vegetable sides you can make. It's a nutritional powerhouse and takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Check out this recipe
43
A bunch of fresh green asparagus spears, perfectly sautéed, arranged in a black cast iron pan on a light, textured surface.
How to Cook Asparagus in a Skillet
Quick stovetop asparagus cooked in a hot skillet with olive oil and garlic—simple, delicious, and ready in minutes. It's the kind of easy side that makes dinner feel complete without any extra effort.
Check out this recipe
A pot of beef stew with chunks of meat, carrots, and potatoes sits on a wooden board. Two bowls filled with the stew and spoons are beside the pot, ready to eat.

Best Tips for Serving Beef Stew with Sides

☞ Time Your Sides Wisely: Beef stew typically cooks low and slow for one to several hours, which gives you plenty of time to prepare sides. Choose bread that can be baked while the stew finishes, or make-ahead salads that wait in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

☞ Don’t Double Up on Potatoes: If your beef stew recipe already includes potatoes, skip the mashed potato side and opt for crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables instead. Variety makes the meal more interesting and balanced.

☞ Keep It Simple: One or two well-chosen sides is all you need. A slice of crusty bread and a simple green salad turn your stew into a full, satisfying dinner without extra stress in the kitchen.

☞ Use the Broth as Gravy: If you’re serving mashed potatoes or a baked potato alongside your stew, ladle extra broth over the top and let it act as a rich, savory gravy. It’s absolutely delicious and elevates both elements of the meal.

☞ Make Sides Ahead When Possible: Salads (without dressing), roasted vegetables, and breads can often be prepped a few hours ahead. This is especially helpful for slow cooker stew nights when you want dinner to come together quickly at the end of the day.

☞ Consider Texture and Temperature: Balance the soft, tender texture of stew with sides that offer some contrast—a crusty bread, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables with caramelized edges all provide satisfying textural variety.

☞ Don’t Overlook Nutrition: Beef stew is already rich in protein and fiber, so lighter vegetable sides like sautéed asparagus, air fryer broccoli, or a spinach salad round out the nutritional profile of your meal beautifully.

A blue Dutch oven filled with an old fashioned beef stew recipe—featuring tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and herbs—sits on a wooden cutting board beside a wooden spoon and a gray napkin.

FAQs for What to Serve with Beef Stew

Should sides be hot or cold with beef stew?

It’s nice to have variety! Hot sides like mashed potatoes and warm bread complement the stew’s temperature, while cool sides like coleslaw or salad provide refreshing contrast. A mix of both hot and cold sides creates the most balanced and interesting meal.

What makes a good side dish for beef stew?

The best sides offer textural contrast (crispy, crunchy, or creamy), can absorb the delicious gravy, and balance the richness of the stew. Think crusty bread for dipping, mashed potatoes for mixing in, and fresh salads for brightening flavors.

How do I keep bread warm when serving with stew?

Place rolls or bread slices in a basket lined with a cloth napkin, then cover loosely with another napkin. This traps warmth while allowing steam to escape, preventing sogginess. For crusty bread, wrap in foil and keep in a low (200°F) oven until serving.

Is beef stew filling enough to serve alone?

Beef stew is a hearty, protein-rich dish that’s quite filling on its own, especially if it contains potatoes and vegetables. That said, adding a piece of crusty bread for soaking up the broth or a light salad to round out the meal makes for a truly satisfying and complete dinner that feels like a proper home-cooked feast.

A large blue pot filled with beef stew, including chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a bay leaf, sits on a wooden board with a gray cloth underneath.

The truth is, figuring out what to serve with beef stew is delightfully flexible – you really can’t go wrong. Some nights I keep it simple with warm cornbread, while other times I’ll add mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a crisp salad. These pairings work with your schedule whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special Sunday supper.

More Side Dishes Recipes To Try

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