Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, often known as “S.O.S.” in military slang, is a classic American comfort food.

This dish combines the richness of a creamy white sauce with the savory bite of dried beef, served over toasted bread. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s a nostalgic meal that’s both satisfying and quick to make.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the accessibility of its ingredients. Most of the items can be found in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly option when you’re looking for a satisfying meal in a pinch. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s an ideal comfort food that warms you up, especially on chilly days.

This recipe calls for only a handful of ingredients: dried beef, butter, flour, milk, black pepper, and toast. Though simple, the combination of these pantry staples results in a rich and creamy dish that packs a punch in terms of flavor and nostalgia.

Ingredients:

8 oz (225 g) dried beef (Buddig or Hormel work well), sliced into strips

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cayenne for extra flavor

8 slices of toasted bread (white, sourdough, or your favorite type)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dried Beef: Begin by removing the dried beef from its packaging. Most dried beef brands come in a brined or salty form, so it’s important to rinse it under cold water to remove some of the salt. Once rinsed, pat the beef dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture. Slice the dried beef into thin strips, roughly 1-inch in length.

Start the Roux: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely, making sure it doesn’t brown or burn. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue whisking for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flour to cook through and eliminate any raw flour taste, but be careful not to let it turn brown.

Add Milk to Make the Sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk, a little at a time, while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. This step helps to incorporate the flour into the milk and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Once the milk is fully added, keep stirring constantly as the sauce begins to thicken. It should take about 5-7 minutes to reach the desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.

Season the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add freshly ground black pepper. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and taste to adjust, depending on how much spice you want. If you’d like to elevate the flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper at this point for some extra warmth and complexity.

Stir in the Dried Beef: Add the sliced dried beef to the creamy sauce and stir well to combine. Allow the beef to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The beef will soften slightly and become infused with the creamy, peppery sauce.

Prepare the Toast: While the beef and sauce are simmering, toast your bread slices. You can use any bread you like, but white bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat works best. Toast the bread to a nice crispness, ensuring it’s golden brown and ready to hold the creamy beef mixture.

Assemble the Dish: Once the toast is ready and the beef mixture has heated through, it’s time to assemble the dish. Place the toasted slices of bread onto plates, then generously spoon the creamed beef over the toast. Make sure each slice gets a good amount of the creamy beef and sauce.

Serve and Enjoy: This dish is best served hot, immediately after assembly. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfying, and the crunch of the toast provides a perfect contrast to the smooth, savory beef mixture. This is the kind of meal that brings comfort with every bite.

Optional Additions

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Eggs: For a more filling breakfast or brunch, top the creamed chipped beef on toast with a fried or poached egg. The richness of the egg yolk pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Vegetables: You can add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach to the beef sauce for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Cheese: A sprinkle of grated cheese (like Parmesan or cheddar) on top of the creamed beef mixture can add a bit of melt and extra savory depth.

Storage and Leftovers

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Creamed chipped beef on toast is best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers, you can store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency.

A Brief History

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Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, or S.O.S., has roots in military cuisine, where it was often served as a hearty meal to soldiers during World War II. The dish is simple, filling, and inexpensive, which made it ideal for large groups. Its name, “S.O.S.,” refers to the slang term “Save Our Souls,” a playful nod to the dish’s ability to sustain soldiers in tough times.

Why It’s Comfort Food

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Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is a quintessential comfort food because of its simplicity, warmth, and nostalgic appeal. For many, it evokes memories of childhood meals or simpler times. The creamy texture and savory beef are soothing, while the crunchy toast adds texture and substance. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting in a way few other meals can match.

Budget-Friendly Meal

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In addition to being comforting, this dish is also a great option for anyone looking to prepare a meal on a budget. The ingredients are inexpensive, and the recipe can easily be scaled to serve more people. The dried beef, while salty, goes a long way, and the creamy sauce helps to stretch the dish further, making it an excellent choice for feeding a family or group without breaking the bank.

Tips for Success

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Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Be sure not to overcook the sauce after adding the milk. Stirring constantly is key to avoiding lumps and ensuring that the sauce has the right creamy consistency.

Be Mindful of Salt: Dried beef is typically quite salty, so be cautious when adding additional salt. Taste the sauce first before seasoning to avoid over-salting.

Toast Just Right: For the best texture, aim for toast that’s golden brown and crispy but not too hard. The bread should be able to soak up the creamy sauce without falling apart.

This Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a quick, filling, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys hearty comfort food.