30 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Beef Stew and Dumplings

Beef stew and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a filling and satisfying meal But what should you serve alongside this hearty dish? You’ll want something to complement, not compete with the flavors. I’ve rounded up 30 of the best side dishes to serve with beef stew and dumplings

Starches and Vegetables

Starchy sides like potatoes, rice, and pasta make excellent complements to beef stew. They soak up the delicious gravy and provide a neutral base for the rich flavors. Some great options include:

• Mashed Potatoes – Fluffy, buttery mashed russets are a classic. For added flavor mix in roasted garlic or horseradish.

• Roasted Potatoes – Crispy on the outside and tender inside, roasted red potatoes or fingerlings are so tasty. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary.

• Glazed Carrots – Sweet glazed carrots balance the savory stew Cook them in brown sugar, butter, and a touch of honey.

• Soft Polenta – Creamy, smooth polenta is made for sopping up gravy. Stir in cheese for extra richness.

• Egg Noodles – Tender noodles in the stew are great, but serving more on the side soaks up even more flavor.

• Yorkshire Pudding – The British classic pairs perfectly with stew. Make them in muffin tins for individual pops of fluffy goodness.

• Buttery Biscuits – Flaky, homemade biscuits are ideal for dunking in the hearty gravy.

• Skillet Cornbread – Southern-style cornbread brings a sweet, crumbly texture to soak up the stew.

• Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf provides a neutral base for the stew flavors. Jazz it up with some sautéed veggies.

Bright, Fresh Sides

Although you want something hearty beside the stew, you’ll also want something fresh and vibrant. Think colorful salads, roasted veggies, and lighter plates to balance the rich meatiness. Options include:

• Green Salad – A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette brightens up the meal. Top it with apples, cranberries, and nuts.

• Wedge Salad – A crisp iceberg lettuce wedge drizzled with blue cheese dressing cools things down.

• Greek Salad – Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta give you a taste of the Mediterranean.

• Kale Salad – Hearty kale holds up well and provides a nutritious crunch. Toss it in a lemon-Parmesan dressing.

• Roasted Brussel Sprouts – Brussels sprouts caramelized in the oven offer a sweet, charred flavor. Toss them in balsamic before roasting.

• Roasted Broccoli – Broccoli florets charred in the oven add some crunchy texture. Roast them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Roasted Carrots – Carrots caramelize beautifully when roasted. Coat them in maple syrup for some sweetness.

• Roasted Asparagus – Fresh asparagus tossed in olive oil and roasted is a quick, easy side. Sprinkle with Parmesan after roasting.

Complementary Breads

Breads and biscuits work nicely served alongside the stew. The starch and grain flavors pair perfectly to soak up the rich gravy and sauce. Options include:

• Bakery Bread – A loaf of crusty bread is great for dunking in the gravy. Try French bread, sourdough, rye, or whole grain.

• Cornbread – Southern-style cornbread brings its signature crumbly, sweet texture and flavor.

• Dinner Rolls – Soft, pillowy rolls are perfect for soaking up gravy. Brush them with garlic butter before serving.

• Biscuits – Flaky, buttery biscuits beg to be dunked in the gravy. Serve them warm right out of the oven.

• Focaccia – Flavorful rosemary and olive oil focaccia mops up the gravy nicely. Opt for thick wedges.

• Skillet Cornbread – Bake the cornbread right in the cast iron skillet for wedges that hold onto the gravy.

• Popovers – Light, airy popovers are ideal bread accompaniments for the stew. Stuff them with stew fillings.

Simple Snack Sides

Stew is messy to eat, so having some grab-and-go finger foods on the side is helpful for snackable sides between spoonfuls. Ideas include:

• Crackers – Plain crackers or oyster crackers are easy to nibble between bites.

• Breadsticks – Crunchy breadsticks complement the heartiness of the stew. Offer marinara sauce for dipping.

• Garlic Toast – Crispy garlic bread is great for scraping up the last of the gravy.

• Corn Chips – Scoop up some stew with crisp corn chips for some crunch.

• Pita Chips – Baked pita chips provide a sturdy base for scooping up meat and veggies.

• Cheesy Bacon Potatoes – Loaded cheesy potatoes with crumbled bacon make a hearty finger food.

• Deviled Eggs – The richness of deviled eggs balances the stew’s flavors.

What to Drink with Beef Stew and Dumplings

Having the right beverage alongside beef stew is key. You’ll want something refreshing that stands up to the hearty flavors. Options include:

• Red Wine – A full-bodied Cabernet or Malbec works nicely with beef.

• Brown Ale – Nutty, malty brown ales pair perfectly with stewed meats.

• Root Beer – The sweet caramel flavors complement the richness.

• Iced Tea – Unsweetened tea cuts through the stew’s hearty flavors.

• Water – Don’t forget simple, refreshing water to stay hydrated.

• Cranberry Juice – Tart cranberry juice cuts through the richness.

• Apple Cider – Warm spiced apple cider suits cozy stew dinners.

Put Together the Perfect Stew Dinner

With so many excellent sides to choose from, you can mix and match different options to create a hearty stew dinner. Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and warm cornbread would make a delicious combination. Or you could do an easy salad, biscuits, and corn chips. The options are endless! Just be sure to have a nice mix of textures and flavors. Hearty beef stew and dumplings need sides with crunch, brightness, creaminess, and comfort. With a well-rounded side dish assortment, you’ll have the perfect cozy, satisfying meal.