Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, often referred to as SOS (Shit on a Shingle), is a classic comfort food that’s hearty, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. This dish has been a favorite in American households for generations, and for good reason. It’s simple to make, deliciously rich, and perfect for a cozy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Traditionally made with dried beef, this dish has become a staple in military mess halls and home kitchens alike.

With its savory, creamy sauce and tender bits of chipped beef served over toasted bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking to relive a childhood favorite or try something new, creamed chipped beef on toast is a delicious dish that’s sure to please.

1. What is Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast?

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is a dish made by preparing dried beef, which is then sliced into small pieces and combined with a rich, creamy white sauce. This mixture is served over toast and typically garnished with black pepper. The creamy sauce is made with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings to create a velvety texture that coats the beef and the toast.

This dish is often served for breakfast or brunch, but it can easily be enjoyed for lunch or dinner as well. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor.

2. Ingredients for Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

To make Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients that come together to create this creamy, savory dish:

1 jar of dried chipped beef (about 2 to 3 ounces)

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk (whole or 2% works best for creaminess)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for added flavor)

1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional for extra depth)

4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or your preferred choice)

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

3. How to Make Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Making Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is easy and quick! Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare this comforting dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Dried Beef

Rinse the beef: Open the jar of dried chipped beef and rinse the beef under cool water to remove some of the salt. This is especially important because dried beef can be quite salty, and rinsing it will help balance the flavors.

Slice the beef: Slice the dried beef into small strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

Melt the butter: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and bubble without letting it brown.

Make a roux: Once the butter is melted, add the 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook the flour. This will create a roux, which helps thicken the sauce.

Add the milk: Gradually add the 2 cups of milk to the roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk as the mixture begins to thicken and come to a simmer.

Season the sauce: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and the optional garlic powder and onion powder. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. The sauce should be creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dried Beef

Combine beef and sauce: Once the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, add the sliced dried beef to the skillet. Stir the beef into the sauce, making sure it’s evenly coated. Allow the beef to heat through and soften in the sauce for about 3-5 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure the beef is thoroughly heated.

Step 4: Prepare the Toast

While the sauce is simmering, toast the 4 slices of bread in a toaster or on a griddle until golden and crispy. You can use any type of bread you prefer, but white bread is traditional for this dish.

Once toasted, place the bread slices on individual plates, ready to be topped with the creamy chipped beef mixture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the creamy chipped beef mixture generously over the toasted bread.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, for a touch of color and added flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting goodness of this classic dish!

4. Tips for Making the Best Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Balance the salt: Chipped beef can be quite salty, so rinsing it well is key to preventing the dish from becoming too salty. You can also use low-sodium beef if you want to control the salt level more.

Use full-fat milk: For a creamier, richer sauce, use whole milk instead of skim or 2% milk.

Add vegetables: If you want to add some extra flavor and texture, you can sauté onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the beef for added complexity.

Serve with a side: Pair your Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast with a simple green salad or scrambled eggs for a fuller meal.

5. Variations of Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, you can try these variations to make the dish your own:

Creamy Chipped Beef over Biscuits: For a Southern-style twist, serve the creamed chipped beef over freshly baked biscuits instead of toast.

Cheesy Chipped Beef: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy version of this classic dish. The cheese will melt into the creamy sauce and add extra flavor.

Chipped Beef Gravy: Instead of serving the chipped beef on toast, you can make a gravy by adding more milk and serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even meatloaf.

6. Why Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is a Timeless Comfort Food

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is a comforting dish that has stood the test of time. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile. Whether you’re cooking it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. The creamy, savory sauce and tender pieces of beef bring warmth and nostalgia, making it a favorite in households across generations.

7. Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~300-350 calories per serving (varies depending on the bread and meat used)
• Protein: 15-20 grams
• Carbs: 30-35 grams (depending on bread choice)
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Fiber: 2-3 grams

8. Conclusion: A Delicious, Hearty Comfort Food

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is a dish that combines simplicity and flavor in the best way possible. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy breakfast or a satisfying dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Give it a try, and enjoy the creamy goodness of creamed chipped beef on toast!

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