This quick and easy Creamed Chipped Beef is rich and hearty, and sure to fill you up. It’s the ultimate no-fuss, nostalgic 4 ingredient comfort food perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. My recipe is passed down through my family, so it’s tried and true for decades.
The saying “oldie but goodie” especially rings true for food, don’t you think? And it doesn’t get more delicious or old-school than Creamed Chipped Beef — I grew up eating this classic comfort food dish packed with salty dried beef in a rich, creamy sauce served over toast. Also known as S.O.S, this simple dish has nostalgic roots, is quick to make in under 30 minutes and is unbelievably satisfying.
Savory dried beef in a creamy, stick-to-your-ribs sauce is served over crusty toast or fried hash browns for a hearty and comforting meal like you’ve never had before. And if Creamed Chipped Beef is new to you, you’re in for a treat. Super affordable and versatile, this dish comes together fast, so it’s the perfect easy breakfast or cozy dinner. Chipped beef is downright homey and delicious, so no wonder it’s making such a comeback.
If you like this classic dish, try some of these other comforting recipes. We love these hearty Homemade Swedish Meatballs and Biscuits and Gravy are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 Minutes: With an unbelievably simple process and just a few ingredients, this dish comes together super quickly.
- Uses Simple Pantry Staples: You probably have most of the ingredients to make this on hand already, so whip it up anytime — it’s easy and affordable.
- Versatile to Enjoy for Any Meal: Serve this for any meal of the day, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Great Way to Use Dried Beef: Don’t let leftover dried beef to to waste — this is the ideal way to use it up in a new, tasty, dish.
What Is Creamed Chipped Beef?
Creamed Chipped Beef is a classic comfort food made with dried beef in a creamy white gravy traditionally served over toast. Also known as S.O.S because of its’ military nickname (Sh*t On a Shingle, with the toast being the shingle), this dish was popular in Army and Navy mess halls — it was a staple for U.S. soldiers during the World Wars. Now, it remains popular country-wide, especially in the mid-Atlantic.
Ingredients
- Dried Beef: Lean, salt-cured and smoked — the star ingredient here.
- Butter: Rich and flavorful, to build the creamy sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: The thickener for the sauce.
- Milk: Use whole milk for the best texture.
- Salt & Pepper: Be sure to season generously.
How to Make Creamed Chipped Beef
1. Place your butter in a pan and let melt. Once melted, sprinkle in flour and whisk well to incorporate. Make sure your heat is on low/ medium and pour in milk, 1 cup at a time.
2. Let your cream mixture thicken with a low simmer adding all the milk. Add in the chipped beef, salt and pepper and let simmer on low.
3. Serve with hashbrowns or toast.
Expert Tips
- Rinse the Beef: If you want a less salty flavor, soak the beef for 5-10 minutes in water, give it a quick rinse and then pat it dry before using.
- Whisk Constantly: This will give you the smoothest, creamiest texture and help avoid lumps.
- Use Whole Milk: For extra creaminess, use whole, instead of 1% or 2%.
- Adjust Thickness: Add another splash of milk and stir in gradually to adjust the thickness — this will thin the overall consistency slightly.
- Toast Bread Well: A nicely toasted, thick slice of bread holds the thick, creamy gravy well, so don’t skip this step!
Variations
- Add Peas: For a pop of color and fresh veggie twist.
- Serve Over Biscuits: For a “biscuits and gravy” type of meal, serve over your favorite store-bought or homemade biscuit instead of toast.
- Add Sautéed Mushrooms or Onions: For added savory flavor.
- Use Half-and-Half: For an ever richer, more indulgent sauce, swap out the milk and use this.
What To Serve With Creamed Chipped Beef
Creamed Chipped Beef is so versatile and pairs great with almost anything. Here are our favorites to serve it with.
- Scrambled Eggs
- Hash Browns or Roasted Potatoes
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- Simple Green Salad
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to loosen. Serve over freshly toasted bread.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, then warm gently on the stove until bubbly and hot. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen.
FAQs
You don’t need to, but if you’d like it to be slightly less salty in flavor (because it is naturally quite salty), you can soak it in water for a few minutes then give it a quick rinse and pat dry before using.
Yes — use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour alternative in place of all-purpose flour.
You can add another splash of milk to the gravy then whisk vigorously and this should help to smooth it out.
More Delicious Beef Recipes
- French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Easy Beef Lo Mein
- Buttery Beef Stroganoff
- Tender Crockpot Roast Beef
Creamed Chipped Beef Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Place your butter in a pan and let melt. Once melted, sprinkle in flour and whisk well to incorporate. Make sure your heat is on low/ medium and pour in milk, 1 cup at a time.
- Let your cream mixture thicken with a low simmer adding all the milk. Add in the chipped beef, salt and pepper and let simmer on low.
- Serve with hashbrowns or toast.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to loosen. Serve over freshly toasted bread.
- Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, then warm gently on the stove until bubbly and hot. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen.
My dad taught me how to make this when I was a kid. He made it when he was in the army. He had a different name for it though! LOL
Where do you find dried beef?
In the canned aisle at the grocery store where the tuna is!