Complementing Beef and Noodles: 12 Delicious Side Dishes

Beef and noodles is a classic hearty one-pot meal. Tender beef egg noodles, and savory gravy come together to create pure comfort food. But even the best main dishes need great sidekicks. When serving beef and noodles, complementary sides are key to rounding out the plate.

The right sides provide color, contrasting textures, and balance to the rich flavors of the beef and noodles. Luckily, you have tons of options for creative pairings. Here are 12 sensational sides to serve alongside beef and noodles.

Vegetable Dishes

Start with fresh vegetables to add nutrition and brighten up beef and noodle’s earthy hues.

Glazed Carrots

Sweet, shiny glazed carrots make the perfect accompaniment. Their subtle sweetness stands up well to the savory gravy. Green beans or roasted broccoli also pair nicely.

Creamed Spinach

Rich, velvety creamed spinach is a delicious foil for beef and noodles Its mild flavor and creamy texture complement the heartiness of the meal

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

For a crunchy counterpoint, roasted Brussels sprouts are ideal. Their slight bitterness plays off the richness of the beef beautifully.

Fried Okra

Crispy, crunchy fried okra with its pleasant grassy flavor accents beef and noodles wonderfully. The contrast of textures is so satisfying.

Hearty Starches

Starchy sides help soak up the tasty gravy and add comforting textures to beef and noodles.

Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes are pure comfort food alongside beef and noodles. Their indulgent richness pairs perfectly with the hearty dish.

Macaroni and Cheese

Warm, gooey mac and cheese is impossible to resist next to beef and noodles. The classic cheese and noodle match is always satisfying.

Polenta

Creamy, corny polenta makes a great match for bold beef and noodles. Its mild sweetness complements the savory flavors.

Roasted Potatoes

Crispy roasted potatoes provide a pleasant contrast to the tender beef and noodles. Their crispy edges soak up the gravy beautifully.

Fresh Salads

For lighter pairings, turn to salads. Their crispness balances beef and noodles’ density.

Greek Salad

A Greek salad with its briny feta, olives, and tangy vinaigrette contrasts beef and noodles deliciously. Its bright flavors refresh the palate.

Apple Coleslaw

Sweet apple coleslaw with its crunch and tangy dressing cuts the richness of beef and noodles. Its sweet-tart taste is so refreshing.

Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula tossed in a lemon vinaigrette offers a pleasant peppery kick and brightness against the hearty main dish.

Breads and Rolls

Warm breads lend pleasing textures and help soak up the tasty gravy.

Skillet Cornbread

Moist, golden cornbread is practically mandatory for serving with beef and noodles. It soaks up the gravy flawlessly.

Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for dunking in the savory gravy. Their mild flavor lets the beef shine.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy garlic bread adds a kick of flavor and a pleasant crunch to complement the tender beef and noodles.

Putting It All Together

Try these full meal ideas featuring delicious beef and noodle sides:

• Beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and warm dinner rolls

• Beef and noodles, Greek salad, and skillet cornbread

• Beef and noodles, apple coleslaw, and creamed spinach

• Beef and noodles, polenta, glazed carrots, and garlic bread

With so many wonderful sides to choose from, you’ll enjoy beef and noodle night again and again. Just be sure to make extra – these pairs are so good, second helpings will be in high demand!