Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, also affectionately known as “SOS,” is a classic comfort food that has stood the test of time. This dish features thin slices of dried beef enveloped in a rich, creamy gravy, all served over warm, crispy toast. It’s a simple, yet deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re familiar with it from childhood or trying it for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
A Family Tradition: How Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast Became a Household Favorite
There’s something about Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast that evokes warm memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. My husband often reminisces about the days when his mom would whip up this comforting dish on chilly mornings. It’s become a staple in our house too, especially when we crave something warm and filling. The creamy gravy, salty beef, and crunchy toast create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that we just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy Sunday morning, this dish never fails to bring a smile to our faces and warmth to our hearts.
Why You’ll Love Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
- Nostalgic Comfort: This classic dish brings back memories of cozy family breakfasts and hearty meals.
- Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this recipe is a go-to comfort food that fits any occasion.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this dish is a great way to feed the whole family without breaking the bank.
- Customizable: Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick or top with a fried egg for extra richness.
Ingredients Notes For Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
- Dried Beef: Traditionally, this dish uses jarred dried beef, which is salty and adds a unique flavor. You can also use Buddig chipped beef or other brands of dried beef.
- Milk: Whole milk is preferred for a richer gravy, but you can use 2% or even half-and-half for a creamier texture.
- Butter & Flour: These are the base for the roux, which thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Seasonings: Simple salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder enhance the flavor. Be mindful of the salt, as the dried beef is already salty.
- Toast: Use your favorite bread – white, whole wheat, or even a crusty artisan loaf – to serve the creamed chipped beef.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Prepare the Beef: Rinse the dried beef under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with a paper towel and slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Make the Roux: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and golden.
Create the Gravy: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens to a gravy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Beef: Stir in the sliced beef, reduce the heat to low, and let the flavors meld for a few minutes. Season with black pepper and a pinch of garlic powder to taste.
Toast the Bread: While the gravy is finishing, toast your bread until golden and crispy.
Serve: Spoon the creamy chipped beef gravy generously over the toast and serve hot.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the gravy has thickened too much.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow the creamed chipped beef to cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a bit of milk to reach the desired consistency.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a spicy version.
- Egg-Topped: Place a fried or poached egg on top of each serving for an extra layer of richness.
- Lower-Sodium: Rinse the dried beef thoroughly and use low-sodium butter and milk to reduce the overall salt content.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the dried beef with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist on the classic recipe.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux and serve over gluten-free toast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use fresh beef instead of dried beef?
A1: Yes, but the flavor will be different. Fresh beef should be cooked separately, seasoned well, and added to the gravy.
Q2: How do I prevent the gravy from becoming too thick?
A2: If the gravy thickens too much, simply add a little more milk while stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
Q3: Is there a way to reduce the saltiness of the dish?
A3: Rinsing the dried beef under cold water before adding it to the gravy will help reduce its saltiness.
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can make the creamed chipped beef ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just add a bit of milk while reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.
Q5: What type of bread works best for this recipe?
A5: Any type of sturdy bread works well. White, whole wheat, or even a crusty artisan bread will hold up nicely under the creamy gravy.
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried beef thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 6-8 slices of bread toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Rinse the dried beef under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels, then slice or chop the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Roux: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. The mixture should be smooth and slightly golden.
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue to cook and stir the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Beef and Seasoning: Stir in the sliced dried beef, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toast the Bread: While the beef mixture is simmering, toast the bread slices to your desired level of crispiness.
- Serve: Spoon the creamed chipped beef over the toasted bread slices. Serve hot.
