Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, often known as “SOS” in military slang, is a classic comfort food made with dried beef in a creamy, savory white sauce served over crisp toast. This nostalgic dish is hearty, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

dried beef (sliced and chopped)unsalted butterall-purpose flourwhole milksaltblack pepperwhite bread (toasted)

directions

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add the chopped dried beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat evenly, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp.

Spoon the creamed chipped beef over the toast and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Stir in sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Serve over biscuits, hash browns, or puff pastry for a twist.

Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce as needed.

FAQs

What is dried beef?

Dried beef is thinly sliced, cured beef that’s often sold in jars or packets. It’s salty and flavorful.

Can I use fresh beef instead?

Fresh beef can be used, but it should be cooked and seasoned beforehand. The taste and texture will be different.

Why is it called “SOS”?

“SOS” is a military nickname that stands for “Stuff on a Shingle,” referring to the chipped beef served over toast.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free bread.

Is it very salty?

Dried beef can be salty, so you may want to soak it in water for a few minutes and drain before using.

What type of bread works best?

Thick-sliced white or sourdough toast holds up well under the creamy topping.

Can I freeze it?

Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

Conclusion

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is a warm, nostalgic dish that’s quick to make and full of savory flavor. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, it’s a satisfying and simple meal that’s sure to hit the spot.

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