Creamed Chipped Beef is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey back to simpler times. This comforting, classic, and incredibly hearty dish features tender, dried beef enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, making it an ideal choice for any meal of the day. Best of all, it’s an affordable option that can be prepared in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy mornings, quick lunches, or a satisfying dinner.
A Timeless Comfort Food Classic: Creamed Chipped Beef
There are certain dishes that instantly transport you back to childhood, and Creamed Chipped Beef is undoubtedly one of them. For many, this simple yet profoundly satisfying meal holds a special place in their hearts, evoking memories of cozy mornings or quick, fulfilling dinners. It’s the kind of food that truly “sticks to your ribs,” providing warmth and sustenance with every spoonful. Along with my cherished S.O.S. (Creamy Hamburger Gravy) recipe, Creamed Chipped Beef ranks high on my list of ultimate comfort foods. Its straightforward preparation means you can have a delicious and filling meal on the table in a flash, especially when paired with perfectly toasted bread.
“Delicious! I had never made this homemade before and it was SO good! Will definitely make again.
– Helen”
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamed Chipped Beef
The nomenclature of this dish often sparks debate. While some affectionately (or perhaps infamously) refer to it as S.O.S. (Sh*t on a Shingle), a term popularized within military circles, to many, including myself, it’s simply Creamed Chipped Beef. It’s true that the military version of S.O.S. traditionally features a creamy gravy served over toast, but the type of meat can vary. In my family, we have a treasured S.O.S. recipe passed down through generations, which uses ground beef – a tradition my Grandpa, an Army cook in World War II, and my retired Navy Veteran Dad both upheld. So, while the names might differ, the essence of a hearty, comforting, and incredibly delicious meal remains the same. Whether you call it S.O.S. or Creamed Chipped Beef, get ready for a treat that promises to fill your belly and bring a smile to your face!
Dried beef, by its very nature, is a cured and preserved product, meaning it’s packed with salt. This can sometimes make the finished dish saltier than desired. To mitigate this, a simple yet effective trick is to pre-soak the dried beef. Place the chopped dried beef in a bowl of water for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, drain the water thoroughly and rinse the beef under cold running water. Pat it completely dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe. This process helps to draw out a significant amount of the excess salt. Additionally, it is absolutely crucial to use unsalted butter in this recipe. Using salted butter will only contribute more sodium and could overwhelm the dish, making it overly salty. Always taste your Creamed Chipped Beef before adding any additional salt at the end.
Finding jarred dried beef can sometimes be a challenge, or you might simply be looking for a different flavor profile. Thankfully, there are several excellent alternatives that work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Country Ham: This is a fantastic option if you live in an area where country ham is readily available. It often proves to be a more economical choice than jarred dried beef. Similar to dried beef, country ham is cured with salt, so remember to soak it for a period (around 10-15 minutes, depending on its saltiness) and rinse it thoroughly before adding it to your sauce to prevent an overly salty dish.
- Buddig Brand Beef: For a convenient and widely accessible alternative, sliced Buddig beef (often found near other lunch meats in the deli section) works very well. It offers a similar thin-sliced texture and mild beef flavor.
- Leftover Corned Beef: If you happen to have leftover corned beef from a holiday or special meal, it can be transformed into a delicious version of Creamed Chipped Beef. The savory notes of corned beef add a unique depth to the creamy sauce.
When substituting, aim for approximately 10 ounces of your chosen alternative to match the quantity of dried beef specified in the recipe. The exact amount isn’t critical; feel free to adjust based on your preference for a meatier or saucier dish.
The beauty of Creamed Chipped Beef lies in its incredible versatility when it comes to serving. While the classic presentation over warm, crispy toast is undeniably popular and a personal favorite, the possibilities truly are endless. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this creamy concoction:
- Classic Toast: Simple, satisfying, and perfect for soaking up every drop of the rich gravy.
- Fluffy Biscuits: The soft, flaky texture of biscuits provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy beef.
- Southern Fried Potatoes or Hash Browns: For a hearty breakfast or brunch, serving it over crispy potatoes is an absolute delight.
- Rice or Noodles: A great option for soaking up the sauce and making it a complete meal.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Baked Potatoes: The ultimate comfort pairing, offering a smooth, buttery base.
- English Muffins: A more structured alternative to toast, with nooks and crannies to capture the sauce.
Essentially, if you believe it will complement a rich, savory cream sauce, chances are it will be a fantastic pairing for Creamed Chipped Beef!
Storing and reheating Creamed Chipped Beef is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish days after its initial preparation.
- Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, Creamed Chipped Beef freezes exceptionally well. Transfer the cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: When reheating, whether from the fridge or thawed from the freezer, the sauce will likely have thickened considerably. To restore its original creamy consistency, simply add a splash or two of milk (or even water) as you gently warm it over low-medium heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly. This will help to loosen the sauce and bring it back to its desired texture without compromising flavor.
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal whenever a craving strikes!
Essential Ingredients for Creamed Chipped Beef
Crafting the perfect Creamed Chipped Beef requires just a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. The quality and type of each ingredient play a crucial role in achieving that classic, comforting flavor and texture.
- Unsalted Butter: This is a non-negotiable ingredient. As dried beef is already quite salty, using unsalted butter is critical for controlling the overall sodium content of the dish. It forms the base of our rich roux, contributing essential flavor and richness without adding unnecessary salt.
- All-Purpose Flour: The workhorse for thickening our creamy sauce. When combined with butter, it creates a roux that provides the perfect consistency, ensuring a smooth and luxurious gravy.
- Whole Milk: For the ultimate creamy texture and rich flavor, whole milk is highly recommended. Its higher fat content contributes significantly to the dish’s lusciousness. While 2% milk can be used, we advise against skim milk, as it won’t yield the desired creaminess.
- Dried Beef: The star of the show. You can typically find it in small jars in the canned meat aisle of most grocery stores. Popular brands like Hormel and Armour are common. Alternatively, thinly sliced Buddig beef (found near other luncheon meats) makes for an excellent substitute. Remember to chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier eating and distribution within the sauce.
- Fresh Black Pepper: Often underestimated, fresh black pepper is a crucial flavor enhancer in this recipe. Its pungent, earthy notes beautifully complement the savory beef and creamy sauce. Freshly cracked pepper will offer the most vibrant flavor.
- Salt: Use with caution! Given the inherent saltiness of dried beef, it is paramount to taste the sauce before adding any additional salt. Many find that the dried beef provides sufficient seasoning on its own. Refer to the FAQ section above for tips on reducing saltiness if needed.
- Toast: The traditional and beloved accompaniment for Creamed Chipped Beef. It acts as the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious creamy goodness. Explore the FAQ section for more serving ideas beyond toast!
How to Make Creamed Chipped Beef: A Simple Guide
Creating this classic comfort food is surprisingly easy and takes just a few steps. Follow these instructions for a perfectly creamy and delicious Creamed Chipped Beef every time.
- Melt the Butter and Create the Roux: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has fully melted and is shimmering, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Continue to whisk and cook this mixture for about 1 minute. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and forming what is known as a roux, which will thicken our sauce.
- Whisk in the Milk to Form the Cream Sauce: Gradually stream in 3 cups of whole milk while continuously whisking the mixture. It’s important to add the milk slowly and whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has noticeably thickened to your desired consistency.
- Incorporate the Beef and Pepper: Once the sauce is thick and creamy, add the chopped dried beef and 1 teaspoon of fresh black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the beef is well coated in the sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the beef is warmed through.
- Taste and Serve: Before adding any salt, taste the Creamed Chipped Beef. As mentioned, the dried beef can contribute a fair amount of saltiness, so you may find it perfectly seasoned as is. If desired, add a pinch of salt to taste. Serve immediately over warm, crispy toast or your preferred accompaniment.
Craving More Comfort Food Recipes?
If you love the hearty and comforting flavors of Creamed Chipped Beef, you’ll surely enjoy these other classic recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- S.O.S. (creamy hamburger gravy)
- Chicken a la King
- The Best Cheese Toast
- Homemade Sausage Gravy
- Ground Beef and Gravy
- Hamburger Steaks with Tomato Gravy
- Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
- Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
- Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
- Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit Casserole
Creamed Chipped Beef Recipe
A simple creamy sauce with tender bits of dried beef, perfectly served over toast for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 (2.5 ounce) jars dried beef, chopped (approximately 10 ounces total, see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- Salt, to taste (see note below)
- Toast, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and let it melt.
- Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Slowly stream in the milk while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Add the chopped beef and pepper, stir to combine, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until warmed through.
- Taste and add salt if desired (refer to the notes and FAQ section above regarding saltiness).
- Serve immediately over toast.
Notes
- For more detailed information on substitutions, serving suggestions, and troubleshooting, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and ingredient list sections above.
- Dried beef is cured with salt, so it can be very salty. Always taste the dish before adding any extra salt. To reduce saltiness, soak the dried beef in water for about 10 minutes, then rinse well and pat dry before adding to the recipe.
- As a more affordable alternative to jarred dried beef, consider using Buddig beef luncheon meat. Use approximately 10 ounces (check packaging for exact weight). The quantity doesn’t need to be precise; adjust to your preference.
Recipe Details
- Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 204mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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