Creamy Homemade Chipped Beef on Toast: A Comforting Classic

Creamed chipped beef, a classic comfort food, has delighted diners with its hearty and satisfying qualities for generations.

This humble dish combines tender beef strips with a rich, creamy white sauce that blankets crispy toast.

Military personnel and home cooks alike have embraced this simple yet delicious meal as a staple of American cuisine.

The preparation involves transforming dried or salted beef into a luxurious, velvety mixture that promises warmth and nostalgia.

Its origins can be traced back to early American cooking traditions, where resourceful cooks transformed preserved meats into flavorful meals.

Hearty and filling, this dish continues to resonate with those seeking a quick, satisfying meal that connects them to culinary memories of the past.

Why Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast Feels Nostalgic

• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Whip up this classic dish in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses affordable ingredients like dried beef, butter, flour, and milk, making it an economical option that doesn't compromise on flavor or filling satisfaction.
• Nostalgic Diner Classic: Reminiscent of old-school American diner cuisine, this recipe brings a touch of retro comfort food directly to your home table, evoking warm memories of simpler times.
• Versatile Breakfast or Dinner: Equally delightful as a hearty breakfast or quick dinner option, this creamy beef dish adapts seamlessly to different meal times and hunger levels.

What You Need For Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast

Main Ingredients:

Protein Base: – Dried Beef: Thinly sliced, salt-cured beef with intense flavor and classic texture for traditional creamed chipped beef.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for creating a luxurious sauce and adding depth of flavor.

Sauce Components:

Thickening Agents: – All-Purpose Flour: Creates smooth, velvety roux for sauce structure and thickness.

Liquid Base: – Whole Milk: Provides creamy consistency and helps create classic white sauce texture.

Seasoning Elements:

Flavor Enhancers: – Black Pepper: Adds sharp, warm spice and complements the salty beef.

• Salt: Optional seasoning, careful due to beef's natural saltiness.

Serving Base: – Bread: White or wheat toast as classic foundation for creamed chipped beef, offering crisp texture and sturdy platform for sauce.

How To Make Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast

Step 1: Sizzle The Butter

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Drop butter into the pan, letting it melt and shimmer with golden promise.

Step 2: Create A Silky Roux

• Flour
• Melted butter

Sprinkle flour into the bubbling butter. Whisk energetically, transforming the mixture into a smooth, pale landscape. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Transform Into Luxurious Sauce

Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking with confident, circular motions. Watch the sauce gradually thicken and turn velvety. Simmer gently for five minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Introduce Savory Beef

Add chipped beef to the creamy sauce. Crack fresh black pepper over the mixture. Stir and heat for two additional minutes, allowing flavors to dance and meld together.

Step 5: Toast And Plate

Crisp bread slices to golden perfection. Generously ladle the rich, creamy beef mixture over the toast. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and inviting.

Tips For Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast Success

• Manage Salt Wisely: Since dried beef is naturally salty, taste before adding extra salt to prevent an overly sodium-heavy dish.
• Control Roux Consistency: Whisk flour and butter carefully to avoid lumps, creating a smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• Select Quality Bread: Choose thick, sturdy toast like sourdough or Texas toast that won't get soggy when topped with the beef mixture.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap dried beef with cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add brightness and subtle herbal notes to the classic comfort meal.

How To Store And Reheat Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
• Microwave Method: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent separation and ensure even warming.
• Freezing Option: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating, knowing sauce might slightly separate upon thawing.

What Goes With Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic white like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and balance the saltiness of the beef.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Toss a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, refreshing contrast to the heavy, creamy dish.
• Add Roasted Vegetables: Prepare herb-roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts to introduce a vegetal crunch and earthy flavor that enhances the beef's savory profile.
• Serve with Pickled Side: Include quick-pickled cucumber or onions to add tangy acidity that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy chipped beef.

Ways To Switch Up Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour for the roux. Use gluten-free bread as the base to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap beef with sliced mushrooms or plant-based beef crumbles. These options provide similar texture and protein while maintaining the creamy sauce's richness.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium beef or turkey jerky. Substitute regular milk with unsweetened almond milk to further lower salt content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Create the sauce using dairy-free butter and unsweetened oat milk. Choose a non-dairy cheese alternative to maintain creaminess while accommodating lactose-intolerant individuals.

Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast FAQs

• What is chipped beef?

Chipped beef is thinly sliced, dried, and salted beef that’s typically sold in small jars. It has a very intense, salty flavor and is commonly used in classic American comfort food dishes like this creamed chipped beef on toast.

• Is this dish considered breakfast or dinner?

Creamed chipped beef, often called “S.O.S” (Sh*t on a Shingle), is traditionally a breakfast dish popular among military personnel. However, it’s versatile and can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, brunch, or quick comfort meal any time of day.

• What's the best type of bread to use?

Thick-cut white bread or Texas toast works best. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the creamy beef sauce without getting soggy. Toasting the bread adds a nice crunch that complements the soft, creamy sauce.

• Can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use low-fat milk, whole wheat bread, and lean beef to reduce calories. Adding some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can boost nutritional value and add extra flavor to the traditional recipe.

Perfect Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, a hearty dish whisking home cooks back to childhood memories. Savory dried beef melts into a rich, creamy white sauce, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave time and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 (2.5 ounces) dried beef, chopped

Dairy and Thickening Agents:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk

Seasonings and Serving Base:

• 1 teaspoon fresh black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Toasted bread (white, sourdough, or rye)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Position a large skillet on medium heat and gently melt the butter until it coats the bottom of the pan with a smooth, golden sheen.
2. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, pale roux. Continue stirring for approximately one minute until the mixture becomes slightly foamy and loses its raw flour aroma.
3. Incrementally stream the milk into the roux, maintaining constant whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it transforms into a luxuriously thick and velvety consistency.
4. Introduce the chipped beef into the creamy sauce, distributing it evenly. Crack fresh black pepper across the surface, creating a fragrant layer of seasoning. Warm the mixture thoroughly, ensuring the beef is heated through and perfectly integrated with the sauce.
5. Toast bread slices until they achieve a golden-brown crispness, providing a sturdy foundation for the rich, savory topping.
6. Generously ladle the steaming beef and cream sauce over the prepared toast, allowing the sauce to cascade delicately across the bread’s surface. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Opt for low-sodium dried beef to control salt levels and create a lighter version of the dish.
• Toast bread until golden and crispy to provide a sturdy base that won’t get soggy under the creamy sauce.
• Experiment with whole wheat or sourdough bread for added nutritional value and deeper flavor profile.
• Use clarified butter or ghee for a richer taste and higher smoke point, preventing potential burning during roux preparation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg