Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast: A Comfort Food Classic

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is one of those hearty, nostalgic dishes that can be a savior when you’re craving something quick and filling. Made with dried, salted beef in a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a perfect combination of savory, creamy, and comforting.

Whether you call it “SOS” (for “Stuff on a Shingle”) or just a simple meal, this dish never disappoints. It’s the kind of comfort food that sticks with you, making it ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients:

To prepare this easy and delicious dish, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that combine to create a mouthwatering sauce:

Unsalted Butter: This forms the base for the sauce, adding richness and smoothness.

Flour: Used to create a roux, which thickens the sauce and gives it the desired consistency.

Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce. While whole milk is preferred for its richness, you can use 2% milk for a lighter version.

Chipped Beef: The star ingredient of the dish. Chipped beef is dried, salted beef typically sold in jars. Its salty, savory flavor is what makes this dish stand out. About 4 jars of chipped beef are typically used, chopped into small pieces.

Fresh Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the dish.

Salt: Be cautious with adding salt as chipped beef is already quite salty. Taste before adding any extra.

Bread: Thick, toasted white bread or English muffins are ideal to serve this over. The bread provides a sturdy base to hold up the creamy beef mixture.

Instructions:

Melt the Butter: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure it melts evenly.

Create the Roux: Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Stir the mixture constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste and form a roux (a thick paste). This is the base of your sauce.

Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the whole milk, a little at a time, while whisking constantly. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Add the Chipped Beef: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the chopped chipped beef. Add freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor. Mix everything together and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the beef to warm through and the flavors to meld.

Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce. Depending on the saltiness of the beef, you might need to add a pinch of salt, but be cautious since the beef is already salty.

Serve: Spoon the creamy chipped beef mixture over a slice of toasted bread. The toast should be sturdy enough to hold the sauce without getting soggy. You can also use English muffins or any other hearty bread you prefer.

Variations:

While the classic version of Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is hard to beat, there are a few variations you can try to add your own twist to the dish:

Add Vegetables: For a more well-rounded meal, consider adding sautéed onions, mushrooms, or peas to the sauce. These vegetables complement the creamy beef mixture and add texture.

Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.

Cheesy Version: Stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan for a richer, cheesier flavor.

Swap the Beef: If you can’t find chipped beef or want a different flavor, substitute it with cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham for a similar texture and flavor profile.

Storage:

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers for later. Here’s how to store it properly:

In the Fridge: Store any leftover creamed chipped beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for about 2-3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Reheat: To reheat, gently warm the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.

While the bread may become soggy when stored, you can always toast fresh slices to serve with the leftover sauce when you’re ready to eat. This makes for an easy and quick meal when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.

Why You’ll Love It

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is one of those meals that brings a sense of comfort and familiarity. It’s easy to make, requiring only a few pantry staples, and it delivers big on flavor.

The creamy, savory sauce is indulgent, while the chipped beef adds a unique salty bite that makes this dish stand out. It’s the ultimate quick meal for busy days, or when you need a little bit of nostalgia on your plate.

This dish is versatile, so you can customize it with different variations to suit your tastes. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with add-ins, it’s a meal that never goes out of style. Perfect for all occasions, from casual breakfasts to comforting dinners, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household too.