Description
Hearty “creamed chipped beef on toast” delivers classic comfort from military kitchens to home dining tables. Salty beef swimming in rich, creamy sauce over crisp toast promises satisfying flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) dried beef, chopped or torn into small pieces
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk (warm)
- 4 slices of white or sourdough bread, toasted
Thickening Agents and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of cayenne or paprika (optional)
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Gently rinse dried beef under cold water if overly salty, then carefully pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth, glossy base for the roux.
- Whisk flour into melted butter, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a golden, fragrant blend without any raw flour undertones.
- Gradually stream warm milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming and creating a silky, uniform sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, stirring periodically to maintain a consistent texture and prevent scorching.
- Incorporate chopped dried beef into the creamy sauce, allowing the meat to warm through and infuse its savory flavor.
- Season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper, adding a touch of cayenne or paprika for optional subtle heat.
- Toast bread until golden and crisp, then spread with a thin layer of butter for extra richness.
- Generously ladle the creamy beef mixture over the prepared toast, ensuring each slice receives an ample coating.
- Optionally garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Reduce sodium by rinsing dried beef thoroughly under cold water, which helps minimize saltiness without compromising flavor intensity.
- Create a silky smooth sauce by gradually adding warm milk while continuously whisking, preventing potential lumpy textures that can disrupt the creamy consistency.
- Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different pepper variations like smoked paprika or adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami undertones.
- Transform this classic dish into a gluten-free version by substituting traditional flour with cornstarch or alternative gluten-free flour blends, maintaining the recipe’s rich, comforting essence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg