Unlocking the full potential of your roast beef dinner requires more than just a few sprinkles of seasoning, as it’s often served on special occasions due to its relatively high price point. This luxurious dish deserves an equally impressive spread of accompaniments, but don’t let the pressure get to you – we’ve put together 14 mouth-watering side dishes that will take your roast beef from ordinary to extraordinary.
These carefully curated options range from classic choices like roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes to more adventurous suggestions such as pan-seared Brussels sprouts and truffled macaroni and cheese. Regardless of which direction you choose to take, the key is to strike a balance between flavors and textures that will complement the rich, savory taste of your roast beef without overpowering it.
Roasted Potatoes
Combining roast beef with roasted potatoes is a timeless favorite for many food enthusiasts. The harmony between the tender, juicy beef and the crispy, creamy potatoes creates a delightful culinary experience. To elevate the dish further, there’s a simple yet effective hack to achieve the creamiest roasted potatoes: steaming them beforehand. This clever technique ensures that the potatoes are cooked evenly, resulting in a perfectly crisp exterior and an incredibly fluffy interior.
Balsamic Mushrooms
Layering flavors is one of the most effective ways to elevate the humblest dishes, like sautéed mushrooms alongside roast beef. The earthy flavor of mushrooms perfectly complements the richness of the roast, creating a harmonious balance of tastes that’s already quite delightful on its own.
However, adding a few strategic ingredients can take it to the next level – and we’ve found just the combination: cooking the mushrooms with garlic, olive oil, white wine, and balsamic vinegar creates a rich, savory sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Maple Glazed Carrots
Sprinkling the sweetness of maple glazed carrots onto a savory roast beef is a match made in heaven. The contrast between their crunchy texture and tender flavor provides a delightful balance to the dish, making each bite a harmonious union of sweet and savory notes. Additionally, this side dish offers a wonderful visual appeal that can elevate your main entrée from ordinary to extraordinary. And the best part?
It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just 40 minutes and a few basic ingredients – fresh carrots, pure maple syrup, and melted butter.
Green Beans
Honestly, green beans have become a fundamental component in our household. While they might not be the most appealing on their own, it’s surprising how easily their flavor can be elevated with just a few carefully selected ingredients. For instance, pairing them with smoky pancetta and caramelized shallots creates an incredible combination that transforms these humble vegetables into something truly exceptional.
The salty, savory flavors of the pancetta perfectly complement the sweetness of the beans, while the shallots add a depth of flavor that’s simply divine. Alternatively, adding brown sugar and crispy bacon to green beans adds a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The sweetness of the beans is enhanced by the sugar, while the smokiness of the bacon provides a rich, indulgent taste experience.
If you’re in the mood for something creamy, a simple addition of heavy cream can work wonders for your green beans! By adding sautéed mushrooms and onions to this mixture, you’ll be rewarded with an even more tantalizing side dish.
Yorkshire Pudding
Just as many traditional desserts are sweet and indulgent, the Yorkshire pudding stands out for its rich and savory taste profile. Unlike other puddings on the market, it doesn’t have a sugary flavor, instead taking on a more robust character reminiscent of a dinner roll. This unique trait makes it an ideal pairing with roast beef, where it’s typically served and drenched in a thick, meaty gravy.
Butternut Squash
Delicious butternut squash is an excellent pairing for rich and savory roast beef, its sweet and nutty flavors perfectly complementing the bold taste of the meat. Though often underestimated as a humble vegetable, when infused with aromatic spices and other ingredients, it can be transformed into a dish worthy of the main course. To prepare, sauté butternut squash and onions in butter until tender, then season with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavors.
The addition of fresh parsley and crunchy roasted pecans adds a delightful textural element, elevating the dish to new heights. But there’s another way to take your butternut squash game to the next level: roast it to perfection and top it with a tangy dollop of goat cheese, finished with a drizzle of herb-infused oil. The result is a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Asparagus
Often overlooked as an accompaniment, oven-roasted asparagus can be the perfect complement to a hearty roast beef meal. Not only does it provide a delightful contrast in texture – crisp and refreshing against the tender richness of the beef – but also adds a vibrant splash of color to your plate. Additionally, topping it with green onions and seasoning with butter, salt, and pepper can elevate its flavor even further.
Artichokes
Cooking artichokes is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of roast beef. One method is to brown them, adding a depth of flavor that complements the dish nicely. For an added boost, try mixing in some lemon juice, olive oil, and wine for a more complex taste experience. Alternatively, braising artichokes brings out their tender side, and coating them with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing takes them to the next level.
When preparing artichokes, don’t forget to remove the tough outer leaves, which have a hairy choke that’s not only unpleasant but also difficult to digest, making it an important step in ensuring a smooth dining experience.
Rice
Just when you think you’ve found the perfect pairing for your roast beef, you start to crave something to balance out its bold flavors. A humble starch can help mellow down the umami-ness of this rich protein, making steamed white rice a classic choice to serve on the side. However, if you want to add some excitement to your dish, consider tossing in some toasted almonds, dried apricots, and chopped parsley for a delightful textural contrast.
While white rice can be high in calories, it’s not the only option when looking for a lower-carb alternative. Cauliflower ‘rice’ is a surprisingly tasty and healthier substitute that’s gained popularity in recent years. To give your cauliflower rice some pizzazz, sprinkle some garlic powder on top to add a spicy kick, or mix in some crumbled Asiago cheese to bring out its nutty and creamy undertones.
Quinoa is another nutritious option that can provide the same filling satisfaction as white rice, but with significantly fewer calories. To enhance the flavor of your quinoa, try adding a medley of roasted vegetables – think Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or broccoli – to create a vibrant and colorful dish.
14 Savory Sides for Roast Beef
Instructions
Kitchen essentials are not limited to the main course, and selecting the perfect recipe for a complementary side dish is just as crucial. Knowing exactly what’s needed means you can prepare the right quantities of every ingredient, while prepping ahead ensures your side dish turns out perfectly seasoned.
