What to Serve with Beef Stew for an Amazing Meal
Your guide to creating a complete meal around one of fall’s most iconic dishes.
The days are getting shorter. The leaves are turning colors. And sweatshirts seem more and more appealing with each passing day. Yes, friends, fall is here once again and all the rich, comforting, soul-warming flavors that come with it.
No, we’re not talking about pumpkin spice. Leave that to the local coffee shop. For us, the fall foods we’re happy to welcome into our homes are piping hot soups and stews. And while we appreciate a bowlful of brothy chicken noodle soup or a spicy bowl of chili, only one stew reigns supreme as the ultimate soup season royalty: classic beef stew.
Love for luscious beef with tender vegetables and unctuous sauce isn’t just an American thing. From Russian stroganoff to Spanish paella, Hungarian goulash and the classic French boeuf bourguignon, these same flavors speak to people all over the world. And a big part of the reason they’re so popular is that they’re so simple!
Quality beef, fresh vegetables and time are just about all it takes to make a heavenly stew that’s sure to satisfy. We’ve already got you covered on the first two with our Beef Stew Meal Kit. So clear your afternoon and let’s make something delicious!
Beef stew does take a few hours of simmering to achieve peak flavor and tenderness. But low and slow cooking has its perks. First of all, the smell is going to waft into every nook and cranny of your home. By the time your beef stew is ready, your whole crew is going to be HUNGRY. And because this stew needs a few hours, you have plenty of time to pull together the accompaniments that really make your meal shine.
Bread, Bread and More Bread
One of the best parts of a good beef stew is the rich, beefy liquid that bathes the beef and vegetables. And you don’t let something that good go to waste – so make sure you have something to soak up every last drop.
Crusty french bread or buttery dinner rolls may seem intimidating, but they’re actually pretty easy if you have time to let the dough rise. But quicker breads like these cheddar herb biscuits and cornbread made with your favorite mix also pair well and can be ready in just a few minutes.
And if you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own bread? No worries! That’s what the bakery section at the grocery store is for. Just buy your family’s favorite and warm it in the oven before serving. They probably won’t even know the difference – and we’re not telling if you don’t.
A Satisfyingly Starchy Base
Beef stew is a highly flexible dish that’s good on its own, but can be even better served alongside a wide variety of carbtastic base layers that absorb the stew’s flavors while adding a bit of flavor and texture of their own.
Wide egg noodles make a wonderful addition to any beef stew. You can boil them separately and add a little butter and parsley to make them super delicious, or simply add dry noodles straight to your stew a few minutes before serving for a quick and easy solution.
Starchy grains like white or brown rice also make a great base for a hearty beef stew. And if you want to even further accentuate the root vegetable flavor (and who doesn’t?) you can even serve your stew over a bed of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes or squash.
A Simple Green Salad
We know, we know. Green salads are typically associated with lighter spring and summer eating, not big fall flavors like this. But truly great meals are all about balance. And a bite or two of fresh greens with a bright vinaigrette-style dressing provide the perfect contrast to rich, meaty beef stew.
This doesn’t have to be anything complicated, mind you. Spinach, kale or romaine lettuce tossed with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper is a fantastic way to bring freshness to almost any meal, this one included.
And if you want to dress it up a little further, try a little shaved onion or bell pepper to add even more freshness, croutons or your favorite nuts for a little crunch, and a sprinkle of parmesan or feta cheese because – well, because everything is better with a little cheese, right?
And that’s it! A bread for soaking, and starchy base to serve on and a simple salad to provide balance is all you need to take your beef stew dinner to the next level. This iconic fall meal is near and dear to our. With these simple additions, your family will be asking for it time and again, too. Don’t forget – our Beef Stew Meal Kit makes cooking this meal easier than ever. Look for it at your favorite grocery store. Then turn on the football, bust out the flannel and fire up the slow cookers – it’s stew season, everybody!Oh, and if you need even more easy cold weather cooking inspiration, you might want to check out our post on beef stew’s favorite cousin – pot roast. It’s just as easy as our stew kit – and just a comforting, too. Show me the pot roast!
