What to Serve with Italian Beef Sandwiches: 31 Winning Combos

If you’re anything like us, the thought of a savory, juicy Italian beef sandwich has your mouth watering already.

But wait, before we dive into the glorious world of accompaniments that perfectly match these meaty marvels, let’s first take a moment to really get to know the star of our show today – the Italian beef sandwich.

Buckle up and let’s get our appetites going!

What is Italian Beef Sandwiches?

Originating from the heart of Chicago, the Italian beef sandwiches are made up of thinly sliced roast beef, slow-cooked in a blend of spices and broth until tender and oh-so-flavorful, then generously piled onto a warm Italian roll. To top it off, it’s traditionally served either ‘wet’ – drenched in the very juice it was cooked in, or ‘dry’ – just lightly damp. Some folks love to add sauteed bell peppers or giardiniera (a tangy relish of pickled veggies) for an extra punch.

There you have it, the irresistible Italian beef sandwich!

Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s dive into the fantastic world of foods that you can pair with it. Scroll on down, and let’s embark on this culinary adventure together!

Your culinary adventure is just a click away, explore the categories below and feel free to jump around.

Starchy Sides

A good Italian beef sandwich is meaty, rich, and often drippy with delicious juices.

Starchy sides like french fries or roasted potatoes make perfect companions because they can stand up to the hearty nature of the sandwich. They provide a satisfying, belly-filling complement and can also be handy for sopping up any extra sauce or jus that might escape from your sandwich.

Air Fryer French Fries

These air fryer french fries are the ideal starchy side to go with an Italian beef sandwich.

They have a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, making them the perfect vehicle for sopping up any delicious juices or sauce that might escape from your sandwich. The garlic and pepper seasoning adds a flavorful kick that complements the rich and meaty nature of the Italian beef.

Plus, the fries are quick and easy to make, allowing you to focus on enjoying your sandwich without spending too much time in the kitchen. So go ahead and whip up a batch of these fries to complete your Italian beef experience!

Check out this delicious Air Fryer French Fries recipe from A Pinch of Healthy.

Better-Than-Dominos Garlic Bread

This garlic bread recipe pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it offers a delicious and satisfying starchy side.

The crispy crust and soft, buttery interior of the bread provide a wonderful contrast to the rich and meaty nature of the sandwich. Plus, the garlic and parsley add a burst of flavor that complements the savory beef.

Whether you use it to soak up any extra sauce or simply enjoy it on its own, this garlic bread is a tasty addition to your Italian beef sandwich meal.

Why not try Better-Than-Dominos Garlic Bread from RecipeTin Eats today?

Oven Baked Potato Wedges

These oven-baked potato wedges are the ideal side dish for an Italian beef sandwich.

The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the potatoes add a satisfying texture to the meal. The combination of parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic powder in the seasoning enhances the flavors of the sandwich, creating a delicious harmony.

Plus, the wedges can also serve as a convenient tool for mopping up any extra sauce or jus from the sandwich.

Whip up this Oven Baked Potato Wedges from Olga in the Kitchen.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

This recipe for roasted fingerling potatoes pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it offers a satisfying and hearty side dish to complement the rich and meaty flavors of the sandwich.

The crispy and flavorful roasted potatoes provide a nice contrast to the tender beef, adding a textural element to the meal. Plus, the potatoes can also be used to soak up any extra sauce or jus from the sandwich, making every bite even more delicious.

It’s a simple and delicious side dish that completes the Italian beef sandwich experience.

Treat yourself to this amazing Roasted Fingerling Potatoes + Video from The Slow Roasted Italian.

Polenta Fries

These herbed baked polenta fries are the perfect side dish to accompany your Italian beef sandwich.

The crispy texture and savory flavors of the fries complement the meaty richness of the sandwich. Plus, they can help soak up any extra sauce or jus that might escape from your sandwich, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any of that deliciousness.

So go ahead and enjoy these flavorful fries alongside your Italian beef sandwich for a satisfying and complete meal.

Why not try Herbed Baked Polenta Fries from Connoisseurus Veg today?

(By the way, polenta fries also pair well with Zuppa Toscana.)

Simple French-Style Potato Salad

This recipe for French-style potato salad pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it offers a satisfying and flavorful side dish that complements the hearty nature of the sandwich.

The creamy potatoes provide a starchy base that can stand up to the richness of the beef, while the tangy dressing with mustard, vinegar, and dill adds a refreshing and zesty contrast. Plus, the addition of green onions and parsley adds a fresh burst of flavor that balances out the savory beef.

Together, this potato salad and Italian beef sandwich combo creates a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Explore Simple French-Style Potato Salad on Minimalist Baker for more.

Pesto pasta salad

This pesto pasta salad is the perfect side dish to accompany an Italian beef sandwich. The cool and refreshing flavors of the pasta salad provide a nice contrast to the rich and meaty sandwich. The creamy pesto dressing adds a touch of indulgence, while the cherry tomatoes and baby bocconcini add a burst of freshness.

Plus, the starchy pasta helps to soak up any extra sauce or jus from the sandwich, making it a satisfying and delicious combination.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Explore Pesto pasta salad on RecipeTin Eats for more.

Vegetable Sides

With the richness and depth of flavor in an Italian beef sandwich, a vegetable side can provide a necessary and refreshing counterpoint.

Options like coleslaw or a fresh Italian salad bring a cool, crisp contrast, cutting through the savory beef and adding a variety of textures to the meal.

Sliced Tomatoes

This is the simplest side of all – just fresh, ripe tomatoes sliced and sprinkled with a bit of salt. The bright acidity and natural sweetness of the tomatoes offer a refreshing counterpoint to the savory, rich beef.

Classic Southern Coleslaw

This classic southern coleslaw recipe is the perfect accompaniment to Italian beef sandwiches.

Its creamy and tangy dressing adds a refreshing and cooling element to balance out the rich and savory flavors of the beef. The crisp texture of the coleslaw also provides a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Whether you’re piling the coleslaw onto the sandwich or enjoying it as a side, it adds a delicious and satisfying element to the meal.

Whip up this Classic Southern Coleslaw from House of Yumm.

Asian Cucumber Salad

This Asian cucumber salad is the perfect side dish to accompany your Italian beef sandwich.

Its refreshing and crisp flavors provide a necessary contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the sandwich. The tanginess from the rice vinegar and soy sauce, combined with the subtle heat from the optional chili paste, adds a burst of flavor that complements the beef. The coolness and crunchiness of the cucumbers, along with the aromatic ginger and garlic, create a delightful textural and flavor balance that enhances the overall dining experience.

Let’s get cooking with this Asian Cucumber Salad from Feasting At Home.

Italian Salad

This Italian salad recipe is the perfect accompaniment to Italian beef sandwiches because it offers a refreshing and crisp contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the beef.

The combination of chopped romaine lettuce, radicchio, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and pepperoncini creates a vibrant and colorful salad that adds brightness to the meal. The tangy and zesty dressing, made with olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, complements the beef without overpowering it. Plus, the addition of Parmesan cheese and croutons (or chickpeas) provides a satisfying crunch to round out the dish.

Feeling inspired? Try this Italian Salad from Detoxinista.

Roasted Vegetables

This roasted vegetable recipe is the perfect accompaniment to Italian beef sandwiches.

The savory and robust flavors of the roasted vegetables complement the richness and depth of flavor in the beef. The crispy edges and tender insides of the vegetables provide a satisfying contrast to the soft and juicy beef. Plus, the fresh herbs like thyme and sage add an aromatic touch that enhances the overall meal.

So, when you’re craving an Italian beef sandwich, don’t forget to whip up these delicious roasted vegetables to complete the experience.

Sounds like something up your alley? Here’s the Roasted Vegetables recipe, courtesy of RecipeTin Eats.

(Roasted veggies are a great side to have nailed down and use whenever needed. They work well with Italian meatballs and are a great side to branzino.)

Grilled Corn on the Cob

This grilled corn on the cob recipe pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it provides a refreshing and cooling element to balance out the rich and savory flavors of the beef.

The sweetness of the corn complements the robust flavors of the Italian beef, while the smoky char from grilling adds a delicious depth of flavor. The addition of butter, seasoning, and fresh parsley enhances the overall taste and adds a touch of brightness to the meal.

Craving this? Check out the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe from Amanda’s Cookin’.

Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect accompaniment to Italian beef sandwiches.

The cool and refreshing flavors of the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil provide a nice contrast to the rich and savory beef. The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey mustard, garlic, and seasonings, adds a tangy and slightly sweet element that complements the flavors of the beef. Plus, the variety of textures in the salad, from the tender pasta to the juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, adds a satisfying and enjoyable eating experience alongside the hearty sandwich.

Treat yourself to this amazing Caprese Pasta Salad from Simple Joy.

Chips and Snacks

When you’re enjoying a casual, hands-on meal like an Italian beef sandwich, there’s nothing better than a side you can also eat with your hands. Chips, pretzels, or other crunchy snacks not only offer a textural contrast but also make the entire meal feel more laid-back and relaxed.

Baked Sweet Potato Chips

These baked sweet potato chips are the perfect accompaniment to Italian beef sandwiches.

The crispy texture of the chips provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender beef. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the sandwich. Plus, since both the chips and the sandwich can be eaten with your hands, it adds to the casual and laid-back vibe of the meal.

Feeling inspired? Try this Baked Sweet Potato Chips from Minimalist Baker.

Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

This recipe for homemade soft pretzels pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it provides a delicious and convenient side option that can be enjoyed with your hands. The soft pretzels offer a satisfying crunch and a chewy texture that complements the tender beef in the sandwich.

So, go ahead and whip up a batch of these easy homemade pretzels to complete your Italian beef sandwich experience!

(Or visit your local bakery and simply buy a bunch.)

Craving this? Check out the Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips (Easy & Crispy!)

These air fryer zucchini chips are the perfect accompaniment to an Italian beef sandwich.

They provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender meat and soft bread of the sandwich. Plus, the zucchini chips also add a touch of freshness and lightness to balance out the richness of the beef.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Explore Air Fryer Zucchini Chips (Easy & Crispy!) on Wholesome Yum | Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. for more.

Cheese-y Chickpea Flour Crackers {grainfree, vegan, high-protein}

These cheese-y chickpea flour crackers are the perfect accompaniment to an Italian beef sandwich.

They provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender beef and adds a fun element to the meal. Plus, they’re packed with protein from the chickpea flour, which helps to balance out the richness of the sandwich.

Tempted to cook this? Cheese-y Chickpea Flour Crackers {grainfree, vegan, high-protein} from Power Hungry® is where you find the whole recipe.

Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken

This recipe for air fryer frozen popcorn chicken pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it offers a satisfying crunch and a casual, hands-on eating experience.

The crispy texture of the popcorn chicken complements the tender and flavorful Italian beef, creating a delightful contrast in each bite. So, when you’re craving a delicious and easy-to-eat side for your Italian beef sandwich, this recipe is a fantastic choice.

Check out this delicious Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken recipe from Paint The Kitchen Red.

Homemade Pita Chips

This homemade pita chips recipe is the perfect accompaniment to Italian beef sandwiches because it adds a delicious crunch and complements the casual, hands-on nature of the meal.

The crispy texture of the chips provides a satisfying contrast to the tender beef, while the simple seasoning of olive oil and salt enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Plus, making your own pita chips adds a homemade touch to the meal, making it feel even more relaxed and enjoyable.

Check out this delicious Homemade Pita Chips recipe from Homemade In The Kitchen.

Dips and Spreads

An Italian beef sandwich is already packed with flavor, but why not turn up the volume?

Dips and spreads can add an extra punch, whether they’re used as a condiment for the sandwich itself or served alongside chips for dipping. From rich, tangy marinara to zesty olive tapenade, the right dip can elevate your sandwich to new heights.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing pairs well with Italian beef sandwiches due to its creamy and tangy flavor profile. The coolness of ranch dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the bold and savory flavors of the beef, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Its versatility makes it a great choice as a condiment or a dip, allowing you to customize your sandwich to your liking.

Basil Pesto

This basil pesto recipe pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it adds a burst of fresh and vibrant flavor to the already savory and hearty sandwich.

The combination of fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice creates a tangy and herbaceous pesto that complements the richness of the beef. The nuts or seeds in the pesto provide a nice crunch and depth of flavor.

Whether used as a condiment or a spread, this pesto will take your Italian beef sandwich to the next level.

Tempted to cook this? Basil Pesto from Cookie and Kate is where you find the whole recipe.

Easy Basil Aioli

This easy basil aioli recipe pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it adds a burst of fresh and vibrant flavors that complement the rich and savory meat.

The combination of minced garlic and basil creates a zesty and aromatic base, while the white wine vinegar and yellow mustard add a tangy kick. The creamy mayonnaise brings it all together, creating a smooth and velvety texture that enhances the sandwich experience.

Whether you prefer to spread it on your bread or use it as a dip for your chips, this delicious basil aioli will elevate the taste of your Italian beef sandwich to new heights.

Loving this? Easy Basil Aioli on A Couple Cooks is where you find the instruction.

The Best Vegan Tzatziki Sauce (15 Minutes)

This vegan tzatziki sauce is the perfect accompaniment to Italian beef sandwiches because it adds a refreshing and tangy element to the rich flavors of the sandwich.

The coolness of the cucumber and the creaminess of the non-dairy yogurt provide a nice contrast to the savory and hearty beef. The garlic and dill add a burst of freshness that complements the Italian seasonings in the sandwich.

Here’s the The Best Vegan Tzatziki Sauce (15 Minutes) recipe if you’re interested, courtesy of Simple Vegan Blog.

Black Olive Tapenade

This black olive tapenade recipe pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it adds a burst of bold and tangy flavors that complement the richness of the sandwich.

The combination of kalamata and black olives, along with capers and anchovies, creates a briny and savory taste that cuts through the meaty goodness of the sandwich. The hint of lemon zest and juice adds a refreshing citrusy note, balancing out the flavors and adding a touch of brightness.

This tapenade adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to your Italian beef sandwich, making it a truly mouthwatering experience.

Dive into deliciousness with this Black Olive Tapenade from Garlic & Zest.

(You can use that tapenade as a focaccia dip, too.)

Homemade Marinara Sauce

This homemade marinara sauce is the perfect addition to an Italian beef sandwich. Its rich and tangy flavor complements the savory beef, adding an extra punch to each bite.

The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes creates a robust base that enhances the overall taste of the sandwich.

Whether you use it as a condiment or a dipping sauce, this marinara will take your Italian beef sandwich to new heights of deliciousness.

Feeling hungry? Take a look at Homemade Marinara Sauce on NatashasKitchen.com.

(This marina also pairs great with lamb meatballs.)

Pickled Items

The heavy, savory flavors of an Italian beef sandwich practically beg for something tangy and acidic to balance them out. That’s where pickled items shine.

Whether it’s the classic crunch of a dill pickle or the unexpected bite of pickled onions, these tangy sides create a flavor contrast that makes each bite of your sandwich even more exciting.

Dill Pickles

With their classic crunch and tangy flavor, dill pickles are a straightforward and traditional companion to a sandwich. Their acidity helps balance out the rich, savory flavors of the beef.

Quick Pickled Peppers

This recipe for quick pickled peppers pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it adds a tangy and acidic element that balances out the heavy and savory flavors of the sandwich. The pickled peppers provide a crunch and a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the beef, enhancing each bite.

Whether you’re topping your sandwich with these pickled peppers or enjoying them on the side, they add a zesty and refreshing touch that elevates the overall taste experience.

Loving this? Quick Pickled Peppers on Kevin Is Cooking is where you find the instruction.

Pickled Red Onions

This recipe for pickled red onions is the perfect accompaniment to Italian beef sandwiches.

The tangy and acidic flavors of the pickled onions provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy and savory taste of the beef. The combination of the red wine vinegar, seasoned rice wine vinegar, and spices adds depth and complexity to the onions, making them a flavorful addition to your sandwich. Plus, the crunchiness of the pickled onions adds a satisfying texture that complements the softness of the beef.

Fancy this? Check out Pickled Red Onions from Delish D’Lites.

Giardiniera

This giardiniera recipe is the perfect accompaniment to Italian beef sandwiches because it adds a tangy and acidic element that balances out the heavy and savory flavors of the sandwich.

The pickled vegetables, including cauliflower, celery, carrots, and peppers, provide a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. The combination of vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and chili flakes in the marinade adds depth and complexity to the vegetables, making them a delicious topping for the beef.

So, when you take a bite of your Italian beef sandwich, the giardiniera cuts through the richness and enhances every mouthful with its tangy and pickled goodness.

Loving this? Giardiniera on Spend With Pennies is where you find the instruction.

Quick Refrigerator Pickled Beans

This quick refrigerator pickled beans recipe pairs perfectly with Italian beef sandwiches because it adds a tangy and acidic element to balance out the heavy and savory flavors of the sandwich.

The pickled beans provide a crisp texture and a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the beef. The dill, garlic, and red pepper flakes in the pickling brine also add an extra layer of complexity to complement the Italian seasonings in the sandwich.

These pickled beans elevate the sandwich experience by adding a refreshing and zesty component that keeps each bite exciting.

Loving this? Quick Refrigerator Pickled Beans on Flavour and Savour is where you find the instruction.