Skip to Content

What to Serve with Roast Beef? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

When it comes to the perfect roast beef dinner, you want everything—from the main course to sides—to be spot on.

Even though roast beef is a delicious entrée all by itself, side dishes can elevate your meal and take it up another notch. But with so many options out there, how do you choose?

Thankfully, we’ve done the research for you and put together 12 must-try side dish ideas that are guaranteed to complement any type of roast beef perfectly.

From mashed potatoes to roasted veggies and even rice salads, these sides will give your guests a varied flavor profile that will keep their taste buds tingling all night long!

What to Serve with Roast Beef? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans

These roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and pecans are the perfect side dish for any holiday meal.

They are packed with flavor and texture and are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

The key to making this dish great is in the roasting.

You want to make sure that the Brussels sprouts are nicely crisped on the outside but still soft in the center.

This is achieved by cooking them at a high temperature for a short period of time.

Another tip is to toss them in a bit of bacon fat before roasting, which will help to give them an extra boost of flavor.

To elevate this dish even further, you can top it with some crumbled goat cheese or shaved Parmesan cheese.

Or, if you want to keep it simple, just a squeeze of fresh lemon juice will do the trick.

Either way, you’re sure to have a winning side dish on your hands.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Looking for a delicious side dish to serve with your roast beef? Roasted sweet potatoes with marshmallows are a must-try.

The sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, and the marshmallows add a lovely touch of sweetness.

This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

The taste and texture of roasted sweet potatoes with marshmallows are simply divine.

The sweet potatoes are soft and fluffy, while the marshmallows are gooey and melt in your mouth.

It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory.

There are a few tips that will help you elevate this dish and make it even more amazing.

First, be sure to use fresh sweet potatoes.

They will roast up much better than frozen or canned sweet potatoes.

Second, don’t skimp on the marshmallows.

Be generous when adding them to the top of the dish.

And finally, don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions.

This will add a nice pop of color and flavor.

3. Creamed Spinach

You may have only ever had steamed or frozen spinach, but have you ever had creamed spinach? This dish is flavorful and Creamed spinach is a creamy side dish made with spinach, milk, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.

It’s rich and creamy with a slightly nutty flavor.

The texture is velvety smooth, making it the perfect side dish for any meal.

If you’ve never tried creamed spinach, you’re missing out.

Here’s how to make it:

  • Start by sautéing some chopped garlic in a bit of olive oil.
  • Then add a large bag of spinach leaves and cook until they’re wilted down.
  • Add in milk and cream cheese, then Parmesan cheese and salt to taste.
  • Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it’s smooth.

4. Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like a big ol’ plate of mashed potatoes.

They’re creamy, dreamy, and oh so comforting.

Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish to any meal, but especially for big juicy roast beef.

The key to perfect mashed potatoes is all in the technique.

Be sure to boil the potatoes until they are nice and soft, then mash them with a potato masher or ricer.

This will give you the smoothest consistency possible.

For extra creaminess, you can add in some milk or cream, and for extra flavor, try adding in some shredded cheese, green onions, or garlic.

One important tip is to not overmix the potatoes.

Once you’ve added in your desired ingredients, mix just until combined.

Overmixing will make the potatoes tough and gummy.

5. Green Beans Almondine

Green beans almondine is a classic side dish that is simple to make and goes well with a variety of main courses.

This dish is traditionally made with green beans, butter, and slivered almonds.

While it is a tasty side dish, there are a few things you can do to elevate it.

One way to add more flavor to green beans almondine is to blanch the green beans before adding them to the pan.

This will help them retain their color and prevent them from getting mushy.

You can also add other ingredients, such as shallots, garlic, or lemon juice, to the pan for additional flavor.

If you want a crunchier texture, you can try roasting the green beans in the oven before adding them to the pan.

6. Honey Glazed Carrots

These honey-glazed carrots are the perfect side dish to any meal, but especially a big roast beef dinner.

They are sweet and savory, with a touch of acidity from the vinegar.

The carrots are roasted in the oven until they are tender, then glazed with honey, vinegar, and butter mixture.

The taste and texture of these carrots are really what makes them special.

The honey and vinegar give them a nice sweetness, while the butter balances it out with some richness.

The roasted carrots themselves are tender and slightly caramelized from the high heat of the oven.

There are a few tips that will help you take this dish to the next level.

First, be sure to use good-quality honey for the glaze.

This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.

Second, don’t be afraid to let the carrots get nice and crispy in the oven.

This will add some great texture contrast to the dish.

Finally, if you have fresh thyme leaves, sprinkle them over the top before serving for an extra bit of flavor.

7. Cornbread Stuffing

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to complement your roast beef, look no further than cornbread stuffing.

This dish is packed with flavor and has a great texture that will make it a hit with everyone at the table.

Plus, it’s super easy to make – just mix together some cornbread mix, eggs, milk, and butter, and you’re good to go.

One of the best things about cornbread stuffing is its versatility.

You can add in different herbs and spices to change up the flavor, or add in some chopped vegetables for extra nutrition.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even top it with some shredded cheese before baking.

Trust us; this dish is sure to be a hit no matter how you make it.

8. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a holiday staple, but it doesn’t have to be boring.

This dish can easily be elevated with a few simple ingredients.

Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››

The key to a good cranberry sauce is the balance of sweetness and tartness.

You want there to be enough sugar to offset the natural tartness of the cranberries, but not so much that it tastes like candy.

A good way to achieve this balance is to use fresh or frozen cranberries and add a bit of orange juice for sweetness.

Once you’ve achieved the perfect balance of flavors, it’s time to think about texture.

Cranberry sauce should have some body to it, but you don’t want it to be too thick.

If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a bit of water or orange juice.

If it’s too thin, you can cook it down over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your cranberry sauce.

Stir in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.

Or try serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun and festive dessert.

9. Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding is a traditional British side dish that is made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk.

The batter is cooked in a hot oven until it forms a light, fluffy pudding.

Yorkshire pudding can be served with roasted meats and vegetables, as well as gravy or other sauces.

It is also often used as a base for savory pies or tarts.

Yorkshire pudding has a light, airy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

The traditional recipe calls for just four ingredients: eggs, flour, milk, and salt.

However, there are many variations of this dish, and the ingredients can be easily adapted to suit your taste.

For example, you can add herbs or spices to the batter for additional flavor.

You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free.

10. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dish that can be enjoyed by both young and old alike.

This dessert is typically made with pumpkin puree, eggs, cream, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

The filling is then placed into an unbaked or pre-baked pie crust and baked until set.

Pumpkin pie has a rich, creamy texture that is perfect for those chilly autumn days.

The spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg gives this dessert its signature flavor.

If you’re looking to elevate your pumpkin pie game, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the spice mix.

You can also top your pie with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat.

11. Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dish that can be enjoyed all year round.

The taste of sweet apples combined with the flaky crust makes for a delicious and satisfying dessert.

While there are many ways to enjoy apple pie, there are a few things you can do to elevate the dish and make it even more enjoyable.

One way to elevate the taste of apple pie is to use a variety of different apples.

This will give the pie a more complex flavor and make it more interesting to eat.

You can also add spices to the filling, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance the flavor of the apples.

Another way to improve the texture of apple pie is to use a combination of fresh and frozen apples.

This will help to create a more firm filling that is less likely to turn mushy when baked.

If you use all fresh apples, be sure to cook them before adding them to the pie so that they retain their shape during baking.

Finally, one simple but effective way to make apple pie even better is to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The contrast in temperatures and flavors is truly delicious and will leave you wanting more.

12. Chocolate Cake

Who doesn’t love chocolate cake? This classic dessert is rich, moist, and delicious and can be made into so many different variations.

Whether you’re a fan of simple chocolate cake or something more elaborate, there’s definitely a recipe out there for you.

One of the best things about chocolate cake is its taste and texture.

The chocolate flavor is intense and pairs well with other ingredients like frosting, nuts, and fruit.

The texture of the cake is also very important; it should be moist but not too dense.

A good chocolate cake should have a light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.

If you’re looking to elevate your chocolate cake game, there are a few things you can do.

One is to add some interesting toppings or fillings to your cake.

For example, you could try adding a layer of Nutella or making a raspberry filling.

You could also experiment with different types of chocolate in your cake recipe.

Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate all have different flavors that can change the taste of your cake.

And finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation.

Chocolate cakes can be decorated in so many different ways – have fun with them.

Conclusion

There are many flavors that go great with roast beef.

The key is to find a balance of flavors and textures that will complement the roast beef.

You want a dish that is hearty enough to stand up to the roast beef, but not so heavy that it overpowers the flavors of the roast beef.

You also want a dish that has a good balance of flavors, so that the roast beef is the star of the show.

With these 12 side dishes, you are sure to find the perfect pairing for your next roast beef dinner.

What to Serve with Roast Beef? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans
  • 2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
  • 3. Creamed Spinach
  • 4. Mashed Potatoes
  • 5. Green Beans Almondine
  • 6. Honey Glazed Carrots
  • 7. Cornbread Stuffing
  • 8. Cranberry Sauce
  • 9. Yorkshire Pudding
  • 10. Pumpkin Pie
  • 11. Apple Pie
  • 12. Chocolate Cake

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!