Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, affectionately known as “S.O.S.” in military circles, is a nostalgic comfort food that’s creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to make. Thin slices of dried beef are enveloped in a silky white sauce and served over crisp, buttery toast. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that brings back memories for many and introduces a unique classic to new generations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy with just a few ingredients
- Classic comfort food with nostalgic appeal
- Hearty, savory, and filling
- Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect over toast, biscuits, or even mashed potatoes
- Minimal cleanup—just one pan
- Great use for pantry-stable dried beef
- Easily doubled for feeding a crowd
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dried chipped beef (jarred or packaged)
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Black pepper
- Toasted bread (white, wheat, or sourdough)
- Optional: parsley or paprika for garnish
directions
- Rinse the chipped beef under cold water to reduce saltiness, then pat dry and chop into bite-sized strips.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to make a roux, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add chopped beef and stir to combine. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
- Season with black pepper to taste (salt is usually not needed due to the beef’s saltiness).
- Spoon the mixture over warm toast and serve immediately. Garnish if desired.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10–15 minutes
- Total time: 15–20 minutes
Variations
- Add onions or garlic: Sauté finely chopped onions or garlic in the butter for more depth.
- Cheesy version: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve over: Biscuits, hash browns, mashed potatoes, or puff pastry instead of toast.
- Creamier texture: Add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Not recommended for freezing due to the dairy base potentially separating when thawed.
FAQs
What is chipped beef?
Chipped beef is thin slices of dried, salted beef—often sold in jars or packets. It has a long shelf life and a distinct salty flavor.
Do I need to rinse the beef?
Yes, rinsing helps reduce the saltiness. You can soak it briefly if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Is this the same as “S.O.S.”?
Yes, “S.O.S.” stands for “Stuff on a Shingle”—a humorous military nickname for this dish served over toast.
Can I use another type of beef?
Yes, thin-sliced roast beef or even ham can be used in place of chipped beef for a variation.
What kind of milk should I use?
Whole milk is best for a rich sauce, but 2% or even evaporated milk can be used.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
Add milk gradually and stir constantly; you can always add more if it thickens too much.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux and serve over gluten-free toast.
What bread is best for this?
Classic white toast works well, but you can use wheat, sourdough, or even Texas toast for a heartier version.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach can be mixed in for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is a timeless, comforting dish that delivers hearty flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re reliving a nostalgic memory or discovering it for the first time, this easy, savory recipe is a dependable go-to for a quick meal that warms you from the inside out.
Print
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, also known as “SOS,” is a creamy white sauce loaded with slices of dried beef and served over toasted bread. It’s rich, savory, and super simple — a beloved diner-style dish that’s stood the test of time.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk (warm)
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4 oz dried beef, chopped or torn into small pieces
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Black pepper, to taste
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Pinch of cayenne or paprika (optional)
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4 slices of white or sourdough bread, toasted
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Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Prep the beef (optional):
If your dried beef is very salty, rinse it under cold water and pat dry before chopping. This helps cut the saltiness. -
Make the roux:
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and golden (this removes the raw flour taste). -
Add the milk:
Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and is smooth. -
Add the beef:
Stir in the chopped dried beef and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Add black pepper and cayenne or paprika if using. -
Serve:
Spoon the creamed beef over hot, buttered toast. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
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You can use half-and-half for an even richer sauce.
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For a twist, serve it over biscuits or baked potatoes.
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Add cooked peas or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.