A roast beef dinner is a classic and delicious meal that is perfect for special occasions or a Sunday family dinner. However, the main attraction of the meal is not complete without the perfect side dishes to complement it.
The side dishes play an important role in adding flavor, texture, and nutrition to the meal, making it a well-rounded and satisfying experience. This outline will explore different options for side dishes that are perfect to pair with juicy and tender roast beef.
List of 20 Side Dishes for Roast Beef
1. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are a staple side dish for roast beef, as they are easy to make and can be seasoned to suit your taste. To make roasted potatoes, wash and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Then, toss them in oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs, such as rosemary or thyme. Finally, roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a creamy and comforting side dish that pairs well with roast beef. To make mashed potatoes, boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add flavor to your mashed potatoes by including ingredients such as garlic, cheese, or horseradish.
3. Gratin Potatoes
Gratin potatoes are a decadent and cheesy side dish that is perfect for a special occasion. To make gratin potatoes, thinly slice potatoes and layer them in a baking dish. Pour a mixture of heavy cream, garlic, and grated cheese over the potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
4. Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are a sweet and tender side dish that complements the flavors of roast beef. To make roasted carrots, wash and chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs (such as thyme or rosemary). Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F until they are tender and lightly browned.
5. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is a fresh and healthy side dish that pairs well with roast beef. To make roasted asparagus, wash and trim the ends of the asparagus spears. Toss them in oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F until they are tender and lightly browned.
6. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts with bacon are a tasty and flavorful side dish that adds a crunchy texture to the meal. To make Brussels sprouts with bacon, wash and trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. Cook diced bacon in a pan until crispy, then add the Brussels sprouts and cook until they are tender and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Root Vegetable Mash
Root vegetable mash is a hearty and earthy side dish that pairs well with roast beef. To make root vegetable mash, peel and chop a combination of root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips. Boil the vegetables until they are tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Bread Stuffing
Bread stuffing is a classic and comforting side dish that adds a rich and savory flavor to the meal. To make bread stuffing, sauté diced onion and celery in butter, then add dried breadcrumbs, chicken broth, herbs (such as sage or thyme), and any desired seasonings. Bake in a baking dish until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Herb-roasted sweet potatoes are a sweet and flavorful side dish that pairs well with roast beef. To make herb-roasted sweet potatoes, wash and chop sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs (such as rosemary or thyme). Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F until they are tender and lightly browned.
10. Roasted Green Beans with Almonds
Roasted green beans with almonds is a crunchy and nutty side dish that adds a pop of color to the meal. To make roasted green beans with almonds, wash and trim the ends of the green beans. Toss them in oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F until they are tender and lightly browned. Just before serving, toss the green beans with toasted sliced almonds for an added crunch.
11. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a creamy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with roast beef. To make creamed spinach, sauté minced garlic in butter, then add fresh spinach and cream. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs, such as nutmeg or thyme.
12. Glazed Baby Carrots
Glazed baby carrots are a sweet and tender side dish that adds a touch of elegance to the meal. To make glazed baby carrots, wash and trim the ends of baby carrots. Cook them in a mixture of butter, sugar, and any desired spices (such as cinnamon or nutmeg) until they are tender and lightly glazed.
13. Sauteed Mushrooms
Sauteed mushrooms are a flavorful and earthy side dish that pairs well with roast beef. To make sauteed mushrooms, clean and slice mushrooms. Cook them in a pan with butter and garlic until they are tender and lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.
14. Baked Sweet Potato Casserole
Baked sweet potato casserole is a sweet and creamy side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to the meal. To make baked sweet potato casserole, boil and mash sweet potatoes, then mix with sugar, butter, and spices (such as cinnamon and nutmeg). Top with a mixture of chopped nuts and brown sugar, and bake in a casserole dish until the top is golden brown and crisp.
15. Braised Red Cabbage
Braised red cabbage is a flavorful and tender side dish that adds a pop of color to the meal. To make braised red cabbage, thinly slice red cabbage and cook it in a mixture of butter, vinegar, sugar, and spices until it is tender and lightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
16. Fried Rice Pilaf
Fried rice pilaf is a hearty and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of Asian flavor to the meal. To make fried rice pilaf, cook rice in a mixture of butter and spices until it is tender. Then, stir in any desired ingredients, such as diced vegetables, herbs, and spices, and cook until heated through.
17. Grilled Zucchini and Squash
Grilled zucchini and squash is a fresh and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of smoky flavor to the meal. To make grilled zucchini and squash, wash and slice zucchini and yellow squash. Grill on a hot grill until they are tender and lightly charred. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs, such as basil or oregano.
18. Garlic Roasted Broccoli
Garlic-roasted broccoli is a flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with roast beef. To make garlic-roasted broccoli, wash and chop broccoli into florets. Toss with oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F until the broccoli is tender and lightly browned.
19. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a creamy and comforting side dish that pairs well with roast beef. To make baked macaroni and cheese, cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and grated cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and transfer to a casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the top is golden brown and crispy.
20. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a flavorful and creamy side dish that pairs well with roast beef. To make roasted garlic mashed potatoes, bake garlic bulbs in a preheated oven at 400°F until they are tender and lightly browned. Boil and mash potatoes, then stir in the roasted garlic and any desired ingredients, such as butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Serve the mashed potatoes hot and enjoy with your roast beef.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many delicious and varied options for side dishes that pair perfectly with a roast beef dinner. Whether you prefer roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or a vegetable dish, each option adds its own unique flavor and texture to the meal.
No matter which side dishes you choose, it is important to consider the balance of flavors and how they complement each other. With the right side dishes, you can create a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will love. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of flavors for your next roast beef dinner.
