Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Quick Dinner

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⭐ Introduction

If you’re craving a classic, creamy, and comforting breakfast, look no further than Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast. Known affectionately in American diners and military kitchens as “SOS” (short for “Stuff on a Shingle”), this dish is simple, hearty, and utterly satisfying.

It features thin slices of dried beef gently simmered in a rich, buttery white sauce, served over crisp, golden toast. With just a few pantry staples and 25 minutes, you can recreate this timeless comfort meal at home. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick dinner, Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is both nostalgic and deliciously budget-friendly.

Let’s dive into the creamy, salty, buttery goodness of this old-school favorite.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Creamed Chipped Beef:

• 8 ounces (225 g) dried beef (such as Buddig or Armour, rinsed and sliced into strips)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 3 cups whole milk, warmed

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for a hint of warmth)

• Salt, to taste (optional — dried beef is often salty enough)

For Serving:

• 8 slices white or sourdough bread, toasted until golden

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional garnish)

• Optional sides: sliced tomatoes, fried eggs, or a sprinkle of paprika

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🔥 Cooking Intensity & Timing Breakdown

Total Time: ~25 minutes
Overall Intensity: ⭐⭐ (2/5 — Easy)

This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet comforting enough for seasoned cooks who love classic American fare.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Rinse the dried beef: Dried beef is naturally salty. Rinse it briefly under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Slice the beef: Cut the beef into thin strips or small bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

3. Warm the milk: In a small saucepan or microwave, gently warm the milk. This prevents lumps when adding it to the roux later.

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Step 2: Make the Roux

1. In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

2. Once melted and foamy, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour.

3. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture turns pale golden and smells slightly nutty. This forms the base of your creamy sauce.

Tip: Don’t let the roux brown too much — you want a light, smooth flavor, not a toasted one.

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Step 3: Add the Milk and Thicken

1. Slowly pour the warm milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

2. Continue whisking as the mixture thickens. It will start to bubble gently after 4–5 minutes.

3. When the sauce reaches a smooth, gravy-like consistency, reduce the heat to low.

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Step 4: Add the Beef and Season

1. Stir in the sliced dried beef.

2. Add black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).

3. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing the beef to warm and the flavors to meld.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning — you may not need additional salt since dried beef is naturally salty.

Optional: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a small knob of butter before serving.

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Step 5: Toast and Assemble

1. While the sauce simmers, toast your bread slices until golden and crisp.

2. Arrange 2 slices per serving on each plate.

3. Spoon the creamed chipped beef generously over the toast, letting some of the sauce soak into the bread.

4. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or paprika for color.

Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

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🧈 Chef’s Tips for Success

1. Adjust the salt carefully: Dried beef varies by brand — always taste before adding salt.

2. Rinse the beef: This crucial step helps control the saltiness and prevents the dish from becoming overly briny.

3. Use whole milk: The richness of whole milk (or even half-and-half) gives the sauce its silky texture.

4. Serve immediately: The sauce thickens as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed fresh off the stove.

5. Make it hearty: Top with a fried or poached egg for a filling breakfast twist.

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🥖 Variations

• Classic Military-Style SOS: Serve the creamed beef over buttered toast or biscuits with a side of hash browns.

• Southern Comfort: Use country ham or leftover roast beef instead of dried beef.

• Low-Sodium Version: Substitute turkey deli meat or corned beef to control salt levels.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

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🕰 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover creamed chipped beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 1 month, but the texture may change slightly.

• Reheat: Warm slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can cause separation.

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🥗 Suggested Sides

• Scrambled or fried eggs for a hearty breakfast

• Roasted potatoes or hash browns for a diner-style meal

• Steamed asparagus or green peas to lighten up the plate

• Fresh fruit for a sweet, refreshing balance

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🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on the brand of dried beef and type of bread used.

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💬 Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is delicious any time of day. For breakfast, serve it alongside coffee or orange juice. For dinner, it pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables and a simple salad.

If you want to elevate this humble dish for brunch, add a fried egg on top and sprinkle with chives — it turns into an elegant, retro comfort food classic.

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🕰 The History Behind the Dish

Creamed Chipped Beef has its roots in early 20th-century American military cuisine, where it was a hearty, inexpensive way to feed troops. The nickname “SOS” became famous in military slang, standing for “Stuff on a Shingle” — though the soldiers had a saltier version of that phrase!

Over time, this dish made its way into home kitchens and diners across the United States, where it became a nostalgic favorite. Today, it remains one of the most comforting, old-fashioned meals you can make from simple ingredients.

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🍽️ Final Thoughts

There’s something timeless about Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast — a dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying. In under 30 minutes, you can transform humble pantry ingredients into a creamy, savory meal that feels like a warm hug from the past.

Whether you’re reliving childhood memories, exploring vintage recipes, or just looking for an easy, comforting meal, this recipe hits all the right notes: rich, hearty, salty, and smooth.

Serve it up for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated — just made with love (and a good dose of butter).