6 Best Side Dishes That Are Perfect To Accompany Braised Beef

What is better than a warm and hearty pot of braised beef for a winter day?

If you are looking for ways to make this dish even better, look no further.

We are going to provide you with the six best side dish ideas to accompany your next braised beef.

So keep reading and don’t miss any piece of important information.

What is braised beef?

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Braised beef is a dish where the meat is first browned, then slow-cooked in liquid for several hours.

The long cooking time results in succulent and flavorful meat that falls apart with just a fork.

This recipe is often applied to a tough cut of beef like brisket, chuck roast, or short rib.

Braised beef can be served as the main course with other sides or used as an ingredient for other dishes like soups, sauces, or casseroles.

What to consider when choosing a braised beef’s side dish?

Braised beef is a delicious dish that everyone in the family will love.

But if you are planning a holiday dinner with this dish, it is also important to look for a good side dish that will complement your braised beef without overpowering it.

So what should you be looking for when deciding an accompaniment for braised beef?

To answer this question, we are going to discuss the three factors that can affect how well your side dish pairs with the rest of the meal:

Braised beef should be served with a starchy dish

Braised beef is rarely eaten on its own because the dish might be a bit too salty and savory.

This is why it is often paired with a starchy dish like rice or noodles on the side.

Braised beef is often served with its juice and the liquid it is cooked in.

A starchy dish can absorb this rich and flavorful liquid and turn the simple dish into something very tasty.

Vegetables can be a good choice to accompany your braised beef to have a balanced-tasting meal

Another good option to serve with braised beef besides a starchy side is a vegetable accompaniment.

The crunchy texture and refreshing taste of vegetables can help offset the rich and savory taste of the main beef dish.

Braised beef should be paired with something with a milder taste

The last thing to keep in mind when choosing a good side dish to accompany braised beef is the flavor profile of the companion.

The side dish should have a light and mild taste because the main course is already rich in flavor.

If you pair your braised beef with something too salty or heavy in taste or texture, the dish might be too overpowered.

6 best side dishes to serve with braised beef

Here are the six best side dishes that can be served with braised beef without any doubt:

1.     Rice

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A simple but versatile dish like rice can literally work perfectly with a savory main course like braised beef.

You only need a bowl of plain steamed white rice to serve with your tender and rich braised beef.

For those who want to serve their braised beef with something more complex, fried rice will be a good option too.

2.     Mashed potatoes

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Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for many savory dishes.

Mashed potatoes are easy to make and affordable, and they offer a slightly sweet and rich taste that pairs well with the savory taste of braised beef.

3.     Buttered noodles

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Buttered noodles are another common side dish to serve alongside braised beef.

It is made by cooking pasta with a lot of butter, cheese, and garlic to achieve a creamy and rich texture.

4.     Sauteed mushrooms

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Mushrooms go well with beef.

So why not add a mushroom side dish together with your braised beef?

Sauteed mushrooms are an easy and quick way to add flavor and nutrients to your meal.

5.     Roasted vegetables

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Roasted vegetables are also a good option to serve with your braised beef.

Giving your vegetables a roast is an easy way to get a nutritious and healthy dish without sacrificing flavor.

Some great choices of vegetables for roasting are potatoes, carrots, broccoli, or asparagus.

6.     Salads

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Last but not least, a bowl of salad is just enough to make your braised beef taste better.

A green salad is the best in this case.

There are many recipes for a good salad with just easy-to-find and affordable kinds of vegetables and salad dressings.

Just make something that the whole family will enjoy, even your kids.

The bottom line

If you want to create an unforgettable feast with braised beef this holiday season, don’t forget to try our aforementioned side dishes.

Which one sounds the most appealing to your family’s taste buds?

If you are still wondering what goes best with your braised beef, we highly recommend you to refer to our tips when choosing a good side dish for your beef dish and try all these side dishes, in turn, to figure out what works best after all.