Beef tips also known as beef tenderloin or stir-fry beef are a delicious and versatile cut of meat. Their rich, beefy flavor lends itself well to all kinds of meals. But what are the best side dishes to serve alongside juicy, savory beef tips? With so many options, it can be tricky to decide. Well, after plenty of experimenting in my kitchen, I’ve discovered some fantastic pairings that will make your beef tips shine.
In this article I’ll share 15 of my favorite sides to serve with beef tips. We’ll cover everything from rice and veggies to pasta and potatoes. You’re sure to find some new go-to recipes for your next beef night!
Top Side Dish Contenders
Here are some of the best categories of sides that pair excellently with beef tips:
- Grains – Rice, quinoa, polenta
- Veggies – Green beans, carrots, broccoli
- Potatoes – Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes
- Pasta – Mac and cheese, zucchini noodles
- Breads – Garlic bread, biscuits
- Salads – Caesar salad, spinach salad
Within each category, there are so many ways to customize flavors and textures Now, let’s explore some specific recipes in each group!
15 Winning Beef Tip Side Pairings
-
Jasmine Rice – This fragrant rice with a slightly sweet aroma is a perfect complement to beef. It soaks up the delicious juices.
-
Southern Mash – Creamy, garlic and herb mashed potatoes are comfort food at its finest. Great for soaking up savory beef flavors.
-
Zucchini Noodles – A lighter alternative to pasta, zoodles have a mild flavor that makes the beef tips pop.
-
Quinoa – This super grain has a fluffy texture and slightly nutty flavor that complements the beef.
-
Green Bean Casserole – A classic combo of green beans and crispy fried onions, this pairs wonderfully with beef.
-
Caramelized Carrots – Roasted carrots turn an earthy sweetness that counters the beef’s richness.
-
Creamy Polenta – With its smooth and slightly sweet taste, polenta is perfect for serving with juicy beef tips over the top.
-
Garlic Bread – Crispy outside and soft, buttery inside, garlic bread is a must with savory beef dishes.
-
Mac and Cheese– Creamy, cheesy goodness rounds out a beef dinner perfectly. The rich cheeses enhance the beef’s flavors.
-
Steamed Broccoli – A lighter option, steamed broccoli gives a fresh contrast to the hearty beef.
-
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts offer the perfect bitterness to balance beef.
-
Baked Sweet Potato – A sweet potato’s natural sugars pair deliciously with the umami beef tastes.
-
Caesar Salad – Crisp lettuce with a creamy, garlicky dressing lightens up this meaty meal.
-
Cheddar Biscuits – Warm, fluffy biscuits with melted cheddar cheese soak up those beef juices deliciously.
-
Wild Rice Pilaf – Nutty wild rice and savory mushrooms make an earthy and delicious match for beef tips.
Cooking Methods for Perfect Beef Tips
To get the most flavor out of your beef tips, consider these cooking methods:
-
Pan searing – Cook the beef tips in a very hot pan to get a nice brown crust.
-
Grilling – Gets great char and smoky notes. Can finish grilling indirectly or pop into the oven.
-
Braising – Slowly cooking the beef tips in a flavorful liquid will make them fall-apart tender.
-
Broiling – High heat from above caramelizes the outside while keeping them juicy.
-
Roasting – Roast in the oven after searing to get even cooking and a tender interior.
Putting It All Together
With so many options, you could enjoy beef tips multiple times a week and never get bored! Some of my favorite completed meals include:
- Beef tips over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli
- Braised beef tips and carrots over creamy polenta
- Beef tips with zucchini noodles and Caesar salad
- Beef tips with mac and cheese and garlic bread
- Beef tips with southern mash and green beans
The possibilities are endless. Just be sure to pick a grain, veggie or starch as the base. Then choose a second side that offers a contrasting flavor and texture to make the meal complete.
Beef tips deserve sides with big, bold flavors that can stand up to their hearty tastes. I recommend choosing fresh ingredients and seasonings like garlic, herbs, onions and spices. Don’t be afraid to finish with a sauce, gravy or condiment like A1 steak sauce.
With the right combination of sides, your beef tips will transform into a mouthwatering meal the whole family will love. Now get cooking and let the beef be the star!
EASIEST Beef Tips & Rice Recipe! Your Taste Buds Will Thank You
What to eat with beef tips?
Break out the coals to create a side dish just as savory as beef tips. Slide slices of zucchini and baby squash on metal skewers and grill. Sprinkle corn with pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, wrap the ears in foil, and grill for a sweet and spicy dish. Grill thick slices of Portobello mushroom for a side with a texture as meaty as beef tips.
What to serve with beef tips and rice?
Onion rings are a classic side dish for beef tips and rice. Not only do they taste good, but they’re also super easy to prepare. With the help of a few simple ingredients (and equipment like a deep fryer), you can have crispy onion rings piping hot and fresh at your next backyard cookout. Like French fries, onion rings are also customizable.
What are some good sides to serve with roast beef?
1) Place roast in an oven pan on top of various vegetables (parsnips, onions, whole heads of garlic, pumpkin chunks, baby potatoes and the like). Easy sides, easy cleanup. 2) Creamy mashed potatoes and butter sautéed green beans/baby snap peas/baby spinach.
What do you put on your beef side dishes?
Beefside Favorite! Ham, cheese, peppers and onions. American, Swiss and cheddar cheese. Mushrooms, onions, peppers, tomatoes and cheese. Mouthwatering smoked beef brisket and American cheese with grilled peppers and onions. Drizzled with our famous Bubba sauce. Beefside Favorite! cheese. Served with salsa and sour cream.