What to Serve with Beef Sandwiches (15 Interesting Sides)
What’s not to love about beef sandwiches? It’s got tender beef, juicy tomatoes, crispy lettuce, and flavorful onions, all nestled between two slices of soft bread.
You can use any bread for this sandwich, but I prefer a soft brioche bun. It’s so light and fluffy, plus it holds up well to all the fillings. In addition, it has a nice subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the beef.
However, what to serve with beef sandwiches as a side dish? This is the part that usually has people stumped. Do you go with the classic chips and dip combo? Or do you get a little fancier and opt for roasted vegetables?
If you’re looking for some inspiration, then look no further. Here are 15 of the best side dishes to serve with beef sandwiches. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Side Dishes For Beef Sandwiches
- Roasted vegetables
- Pasta salad
- Garlic bread
- Potato salad
- Creamy polenta
- Hasselback zucchini
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Sweet potato fries
- Mac & cheese
- Rissoto
- Grilled asparagus
- Coleslaw
- Greek salad with feta cheese
- Steamed vegetables
- Italian stuffed tomatoes
Roasted vegetables
This is a great option because they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Plus, they add a nice amount of flavor and texture to the sandwich.
To roast the vegetables, I like to use a mix of red potatoes, carrots, and onions. I simply toss them in olive oil and season them with salt and pepper.
Next, I place them on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven until they are fork-tender. Once they’re done, I add them to the sandwich or placed on the side.
Pasta salad
This is another dish that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for those hot summer days.
To make the pasta salad, I cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, I drain it and rinse it with cold water. This helps to stop the cooking process because you will want the pasta to remain al dente.
Next, I add in my favorite vegetables. I usually go for cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives. For the dressing, I simply mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
I pour the dressing over the pasta salad and give it a good mix, and viola! It’s ready to be served.
Garlic bread
Garlic bread is the perfect side dish for beef sandwiches. The garlic complements the beef and adds a great depth of flavor to the sandwich.
In addition, the bread itself is soft and fluffy, making it the perfect canvas for the beef.
Furthermore, garlic bread also helps to cut through the richness of the beef, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal. Overall, garlic bread is a great side dish for beef sandwiches because of its flavor and texture. It is sure to please any appetite.
Potato salad
Now, if pasta salad isn’t your jam, go with potato salad. It’s a classic side dish that pairs well with beef sandwiches. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be tailored to your liking.
You can add in your favorite vegetables or dressings to customize it to your taste.
To make potato salad, I start by boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender. For this dish, I like to use Yukon gold or red potatoes.
Once they are done, I drain them and let them cool for a bit. In the meantime, I prep the rest of my ingredients.
I like to add celery, red onion, dill pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. Red onions give the salad a savory flavor which I love. For the dressing, I mix mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
Once everything is mixed together, I taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. And that’s it! This potato salad is a great way to round out your meal and make it more satisfying.
Creamy polenta
Polenta is a cornmeal-based dish that is often used as a side dish. It has a creamy and soft texture, making it the perfect canvas for flavorful toppings.
For this recipe, I add some sautéed mushrooms and green onions. The mushrooms add a nice depth of flavor and the green onions give it a bit of a zing.
To make the polenta, I start by boiling water in a pot. Once it comes to a boil, I slowly whisk in the cornmeal. I continue to whisk until it is fully incorporated. Next, I reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
After which I add in some milk and butter, which gives it a nice creaminess. This dish is a perfect addition for cold winter nights when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
Hasselback zucchini
Hasselback zucchini is a great side dish for beef sandwiches because it is light and refreshing. It also has a slight crunch to it, which helps to offset the richness of the beef.
To make Hasselback zucchini, I start by slicing the zucchini length-wise into thin slices, if you have a mandoline slicer, this will make the process a lot easier.
Next, I brush them with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Then, I bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.
Once they are out of the oven, I like to top them with shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. This dish is a great way to get your vegetables in while still enjoying a delicious sandwich.
Baked sweet potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are a great alternative to regular potatoes. They are just as delicious and can be just as versatile. Additionally, the potatoes will help to absorb the beef juices making it more delicious.
Sweet potatoes are a great side dish to beef sandwiches because they are sweet and flavorful. They also have a nice, soft texture that pairs well with the beef.
To make this dish, start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, I wash the sweet potatoes and prick them several times with a fork or any sharp utensil. This will allow them to release steam while they are baking.
Next, I place them on a baking sheet and bake them for about 45 minutes. Once they are done, I remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
When your potatoes are ready, you can top them with chili pepper or cheese. Or you can serve it plain next to the beef sandwich.
Macaroni & cheese
Macaroni and cheese is the perfect side dish for beef sandwiches. The creamy texture and rich flavor of the cheese pair well with the savory taste of the beef, and the pasta offers a satisfying crunch.
Macaroni and cheese also balance out the heaviness of the sandwich, making it a more enjoyable meal. In addition, the dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy families.
The cheese I recommend for this dish is cheddar because it has a strong flavor that can stand up to the beef. However, you can use any type of cheese you like.
So next time you’re looking for a tasty and family-friendly side dish for your beef sandwiches, consider macaroni and cheese. It’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Rissoto
Risotto is a great side dish for beef sandwiches. Like polenta, the creamy texture and rich flavor of risotto pair well with the hearty taste of beef, and the two dishes complement each other perfectly.
Risotto also has a unique texture that makes it a perfect accompaniment to sandwiches. The rice is cooked in broth until it is creamy and tender, and then it is mixed with other ingredients, such as Parmesan cheese, vegetables, and herbs.
The combination of ingredients gives risotto a distinctively rich flavor that works great with beef sandwiches.
However, when cooking risotto a common mistake to avoid is overcooking the rice. This will make it mushy and will ruin the dish. So keep an eye on it and stop cooking when the rice is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
In addition, risotto is a bit of a labor-intensive dish, so it’s not ideal if you’re short on time.
Grilled asparagus
Asparagus is a great side dish for beef sandwiches. The slightly sweet and earthy flavor of asparagus pairs well with the savory taste of beef, and the two flavors complement each other perfectly.
Asparagus is also a healthy vegetable that is high in fiber and low in calories, making it a healthy accompaniment to sandwiches.
Additionally, asparagus can be cooked in diverse ways, but I’ve discovered that grilled asparagus paired with the beef sandwich is just pure perfection.
To make this dish, start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. Then off the tough ends. Grill the asparagus for about three to five minutes, or until it is tender but still has a slight crunch.
This is a good choice when you want a side that is light, and nutritious with a touch of fancy!
Coleslaw
The creamy texture and Tangy flavor of coleslaw provide a delicious contrast to the richness of the beef, while the crunchy cabbage adds a pleasant texture.
This is one of the easiest side dishes to put together, and it doesn’t take so much time to prepare. With a few simple ingredients, you can have a healthy and flavorful side dish that will elevate your beef sandwich.
Finally, to get the most out of your coleslaw be sure to use fresh vegetables. And when the cream has been added be sure to consume the coleslaw as soon as possible to prevent bacteria growth.
Greek salad with feta
Greek salad with feta is a great side dish for beef sandwiches. The texture of the feta is creamy and the flavor is perfect with the beef.
Greek salad also has a great range of flavors and textures that make it a perfect side dish for any sandwich.
The acidity of the vinegar, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the crunch of the cucumbers all work together to create a delicious and refreshing side dish.
If you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they will last for up to two days.
So, if you’re looking for a tasty and healthy side dish to accompany your beef sandwich, Greek salad with feta is a great option.
Steamed vegetables
So, I started this list with roasted vegetables but you can also enjoy your beef sandwiches with well-steamed vegetables.
Some of my favorite vegetables to steam are broccoli, carrots, and green beans. I love the way they come out so crisp and vibrant!
The key to steaming vegetables is to not overcook them. You want to steam them until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. That way, they will be both flavorful and nutritious (there is a tendency for vegetables to lose some nutritional content when cooked for too long).
Italian stuffed tomatoes
When done right, this will be a delicious treat that’s bursting with flavor. The beef, onions, and garlic all work together so well and the tomato adds a lovely sweetness and juiciness to the mix.
To make these, you’ll need some good-quality tomatoes. I like to use Roma tomatoes because they have fewer seeds and meatier flesh but feel free to use whatever type of tomato you like.
To prepare, start by slicing the top off the tomatoes and scooping out the insides, being careful not to damage the skin. Then, in a pan, cook the beef, onions, and garlic until the beef is browned.
Once that’s done, stuff the tomatoes with the beef mixture and bake for about 20 minutes. Enjoy!
FAQ
What goes well with a roast beef sandwich?
There are a few different types of side dishes that go well with roast beef sandwiches. Some good options include roasted vegetables, coleslaw, Greek salad with feta, steamed vegetables, and Italian stuffed tomatoes.
What is the best cheese for a roast beef sandwich?
The best cheese for a roast beef sandwich depends on your personal preferences. Some good options include cheddar, Swiss, and provolone.
What is the best bread for a roast beef sandwich?
The best bread for a roast beef sandwich depends on your personal preferences. Some good options include sourdough, rye, and whole wheat.
Conclusion
There are many different types of side dishes that can be served with beef sandwiches. Some good options include roasted vegetables, coleslaw, Greek salad with feta, steamed vegetables, and Italian stuffed tomatoes. Feel free to experiment until you find the perfect combination; your taste buds will thank you!