For those who grew up with it, the mention of "Creamed Chipped Beef" (often lovingly referred to as SOS – "shit on a shingle") brings back a flood of memories. This humble dish, with its creamy, savory sauce and salty dried beef, is a true comfort food classic, particularly popular in military families and throughout parts of the American Midwest.
While
its name might not sound the most glamorous, don't let that deter you! This
recipe is incredibly simple, budget-friendly, and delivers a deeply satisfying,
hearty meal that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a nostalgic weeknight
dinner. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and reminds
you of simpler times.
What
exactly is Chipped Beef?
Chipped
beef is thinly sliced, air-dried, salted beef. It's incredibly flavorful and
adds a unique salty punch to the creamy sauce. You'll typically find it in
small, vacuum-sealed pouches in the canned meat or deli section of your grocery
store.
Classic
Creamed Chipped Beef (S.O.S.) Recipe
Yields:
4 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces
dried beef, thinly sliced (often found in pouches)
- 3
tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3
tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole
milk (or 1.5 cups milk + 0.5 cup half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon
black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
- Pinch of
cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt to
taste (be careful, the beef is salty!)
- 4-6 slices
of toast (white bread, sourdough, or even biscuits)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the
Chipped Beef: If your chipped beef is very salty, you might want to briefly
rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Tear or cut the
beef into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Roux: In
a medium saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter
is melted and slightly foamy, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2
minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This mixture is called a roux, and
it's the base for your creamy sauce.
3. Create the Sauce:
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to
whisk as the sauce heats up and thickens. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, still whisking, until it's thick enough
to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Add the Beef and
Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the prepared chipped beef pieces.
Add the black pepper and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste the sauce. Since the
chipped beef is salty, you likely won't need to add much, if any, additional
salt, but season to your preference. Allow the beef to heat through in the
sauce for a couple of minutes.
5. Serve: While the
chipped beef is simmering, toast your bread. Spoon the hot creamed chipped beef
generously over the toast.
Tips
for Enjoying:
- Serving
Suggestions: While toast is traditional, this also pairs wonderfully with
warm biscuits, English muffins, or even over baked potatoes.
- Additions:
Some people like to add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dry
mustard to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Make it
Heartier: For a more substantial meal, you could serve it with a side of
scrambled eggs or home fries.
Whether
you're reliving childhood memories or discovering this classic for the first
time, Creamed Chipped Beef is a testament to how simple ingredients can create
something truly comforting and delicious. Give it a try – you might just find
your new favorite easy meal!
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