Stews are a classic comfort food that always hit the spot. But let’s be real, a bowl of stew on its own can get pretty boring after a while. That’s why side dishes are crucial to mix things up and add some variety to your meals. Not only that, but having a tasty side dish to accompany your stew can also stretch your food budget even further.
In today’s world, every penny counts and finding ways to save money on food can be a challenge. This is where stews come in – they are a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients and stretch your food budget even further. But to make your stew experience even better, you need a great side dish to go along with it.
Whether you’re a fan of hearty breads, tangy salads, or creamy potatoes, there’s something for everyone on this list of 20 side dishes to go with stew. These side dishes not only complement your stew but also add extra flavor and texture to your meal. Plus, they are all easy to make and budget-friendly, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd.
So, if you’re tired of the same old stew and rice combo, or if you’re looking for new ideas to stretch your food budget, then this list is for you. Get ready to dive into a world of delicious side dishes that will make your stew experience even better.
Stew Sides –
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – Recipes From a Pantry
Homemade Texas Toast – The Happier Homemaker
Crispy Brussels Sprouts – All Ways Delicious
Air Fryer Halloumi Fries – I Heart Vegetables
Instant Pot Mashed Parsnips – Recipe This
Breaded Mushrooms – A Hedgehog in the Kitchen
Roasted Pumpkin with Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts – Recipe Tin Eats
Green Chile Cheddar Corn Muffins – Jennifer Cooks
Copycat Olive Garden Salad – Good Life Eats
Popovers – Umami Girl
Crescent Braid – This Mama Cooks
Crispy Cornmeal Roasted Okra – Healthy Christian Home
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits – The Gay Globetrotter
Purple Sweet Potato Tots – Strength and Sunshine
Green Bean Salad – All Ways Delicious
Crispy Eggplant – I Heart Vegetables
Spiral Sweet Potato Bake – Recipe Tin Eats
Corn Casserole – The Cozy Cook
Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette – Homemade Interest
Red Pepper Lemon Rice – Stylish Cravings
Basic Beef Stew Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup frozen peas
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, red wine, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Return the beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
Stir in the chopped potatoes and frozen peas, cover the pot, and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Serve the stew hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Vegetarian Hearty Protein Stew Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup quinoa
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup chopped kale
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until the onion is soft and translucent about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, vegetable broth, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, quinoa, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Stir in the chopped potatoes, frozen corn, and chopped kale.
Cover the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Serve the stew hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Both of these stews are perfect for a cozy night in, and can be customized to suit your individual tastes. The basic beef stew is a classic, hearty, and comforting dish that never fails to please, while the vegetarian hearty protein stew is a great option for those looking for a meat-free meal that still packs a protein punch. Enjoy!
