10 Best Sides for Italian Beef You’ll Find Amazing
When you think of Italian beef, what comes to mind? For many people, the answer is a delicious, slow-cooked roast beef that is thinly sliced and served on a roll with Chicago-style giardiniera.
But finding the right sides to serve with Italian beef can be a daunting task. There are so many different options, and it can be hard to know which ones will pair well together. But don’t worry, I’m here to help! In this article, I’ll list some of the best sides to serve with Italian beef. So whether you’re looking for a traditional option or something a little bit different, you’re sure to find the perfect dish.
Side dishes for Italian beef
- Garlic knots
- Rice Pilaf
- Breadsticks
- Corn fritters
- Sauteed spinach
- Parmesan risotto
- Pasta Genovese
- Italian herb pasta
- Roasted vegetables
- Caprese salad
Garlic knots
Garlic knots are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that goes well with Italian beef. They are traditionally made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, and they can be served hot or cold. They can be made from scratch or bought ready-made at most grocery stores. Either way, they are a delicious and cheesy addition to any meal.
Garlic knots are also a great way to use up leftover bread dough. Simply make the dough into knots, brush with garlic and olive oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
Garlic knots are best served hot, straight out of the oven.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a quick and easy side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses. It can be made from scratch, but it’s just as easy to buy ready-made rice pilaf mix.
Rice pilaf is light and fluffy and can be flavored with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. It’s also a good way to use up leftovers. Rice pilaf can be served hot or cold and is an ideal side dish for Italian beef.
Breadsticks
Breadsticks are a classic side dish to any Italian meal, but they are especially good when served with beef. They are fun to make, and you can experiment with different shapes and sizes. They are also a great way to add some crunch to your meal.
Breadsticks can be made from a variety of doughs, including whole wheat, white, and rye. Plus, they can be boiled, baked, or fried, and flavored with garlic butter or a variety of herbs and spices. The garlic butter helps to bring out the flavor of the beef, and it also gives the breadsticks a nice golden color.
Breadsticks are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of sauces and dips. They are also a healthy alternative to traditional Italian bread, which are high in calories and fat.
Corn fritters
Corn fritters are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that goes well with any Italian beef dish. Corn fritters are made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, and milk, and can be either savory or sweet. I like to add a little bit of cheese to my corn fritters to give them an extra savory flavor.
Corn fritters are best served warm so I usually make them right before I serve the Italian beef. They are a great way to round out any Italian beef meal, and they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
Sauteed spinach
Sautéed spinach is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes well with Italian beef. It is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.
I like to use leftover beef sauce from the Italian beef to flavor the spinach, and my favorite seasonings are garlic, salt, and pepper.
Sautéed spinach is a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables, and it pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of Italian beef. Give it a try the next time you’re looking for a tasty side dish.
Parmesan risotto
Parmesan risotto is a creamy, flavorful dish that makes an excellent side dish for Italian beef.
The rice is cooked in broth and seasoned with Parmesan cheese, onion, and Italian seasoning. I like to add a few tablespoons of peas for added color and nutrition. The risotto can be baked in the oven or stovetop, depending on your preference.
Parmesan risotto is a hearty dish that is sure to please any Italian beef lover.
Pasta Genovese
Pasta Genovese is a classic Italian dish that makes an excellent side for beef. The crunchy noodles provide a contrast to the soft meat, and the dish can be made in advance, making it easy to prepare for a large group.
Additionally, the dish is relatively easy to make, so it can be a good option for those who are new to cooking. There are many recipes available online, so it should not be difficult to find one that suits your taste.
I would recommend trying Pasta Genovese the next time you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish.
Italian herb pasta
Italian herb pasta is a great side dish for Italian beef because it’s creamy and filling, and it’s quick to make. The rich, flavor-packed pasta goes well with the flavorful beef. Plus, the pasta can help to round out a meal by providing some essential nutrients that may be otherwise lacking in the dish. When served together, the beef and pasta create a truly mouth-watering experience.
Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a delicious and healthy option for a side dish. You can use any of your favorite vegetables, and they are easy to make. Simply dice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, toss with some Italian seasoning, and roast in a hot oven until tender.
The high heat brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, and they pair perfectly with the savory flavors of Italian beef. Think about it: the beef is flavorful and the roasted vegetables are slightly sweet and savory, making this a great meal.
Caprese salad
Caprese salad is a fresh and flavorful summer salad that pairs perfectly with Italian beef. The dish consists of cheese-filled bocconcini, slices of cucumber, fresh basil, and ripe tomatoes. The acidity of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese help to offset the richness of the beef, while the cucumber and basil add a refreshing touch.
Caprese salad is also relatively simple to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for a busy weeknight meal. Plus, its colorful presentation is sure to brighten up any dinner table and it won’t weigh you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of meat is used to make Italian beef?
The most common cut of meat used to make Italian beef is a chuck roast. This is a relatively tough cut of meat, but it is perfect for slow-cooking and making Italian beef. However, you can also use a sirloin tip roast.
What is the difference between Italian beef and French dip?
Italian beef is a dish made with roast beef that is cooked in savory gravy with lots of Italian herbs and spices. It also includes pickled vegetables that give it a distinct tang French dip, on the other hand, is a sandwich made with thinly sliced roast beef that is served on a French roll and dipped into au jus and lacks tanginess.
What condiment can you serve with Italian beef?
The most common condiment used with Italian beef is au jus, which is a gravy made from beef juices. However, you could also use any type of sauce or gravy, such as tomato sauce or BBQ sauce. Additionally, you could serve the beef with sides like roasted vegetables or Parmesan risotto.
Conclusion
Italian beef is a delicious dish that can be served with a variety of sides. In this article, I have listed some of my favorite sides to serve with Italian beef. I recommend trying Parmesan risotto, pasta Genovese, roasted vegetables, or Caprese salad. All of these sides are easy to make and taste great with the savory flavors of Italian beef.