Ah yes—Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, aka the classic “SOS” from old-school diners and military mess halls 😄—salty, creamy, and comforting. Here’s a traditional stovetop recipe:
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Ingredients (serves 2–4)
- 4 oz dried beef, thinly sliced (chipped beef)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg
- 4 slices of bread, toasted
Instructions
1. Prepare the beef
- Rinse dried beef briefly under cold water if very salty, then pat dry.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the roux
- In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Make the cream sauce
- Gradually whisk in milk, a little at a time, until smooth.
- Cook 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens, whisking constantly.
4. Add the beef
- Stir in chopped dried beef.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Taste carefully—dried beef is already salty.
5. Serve
- Spoon the creamed beef over hot toasted bread.
- Serve immediately for a comforting, hearty breakfast or lunch.
Tips
- Milk choice: Whole milk makes it creamier; 2% works fine.
- Thickness: Add more milk if too thick; simmer longer if too thin.
- Variations: Some add sautéed onions or a touch of mustard for extra flavor.
- Serving ideas: Also delicious over baked potatoes or biscuits.
If you want, I can give a “lighter, creamier skillet version” that uses half-and-half for richness without being too heavy.
Do you want me to do that?