Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (Classic Homemade SOS)

Preparation Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Difficulty: Easy

• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the creamed chipped beef:

• 8 oz (225 g) dried chipped beef, thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon bacon grease (optional)

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups whole milk

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)

• Salt to taste, if needed

For serving:

• 4–6 slices thick-cut bread

• 1 tablespoon butter for toast

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dried beef

Remove the dried beef from its packaging and slice it into small strips or bite-sized pieces.

If the beef tastes very salty, rinse it briefly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare the toast

Toast the bread slices until golden brown and crispy.

Spread lightly with butter and set aside.

Step 3: Melt the butter

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add the butter and bacon grease. Allow the butter to melt completely.

Step 4: Cook the dried beef

Add the chopped dried beef to the saucepan.

Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly browned around the edges.

Step 5: Add the flour

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef.

Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to coat the beef and cook out the raw flour taste.

Step 6: Add the milk

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously.

Adding the milk gradually helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth, creamy gravy.

Step 7: Season the gravy

Add black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Be careful with salt because dried beef is naturally salty.

Step 8: Simmer until creamy

Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Cook for approximately 5–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy becomes thick, smooth, and creamy.

If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little extra milk.

Step 9: Serve over toast

Arrange the warm toasted bread on serving plates.

Generously spoon the creamy chipped beef gravy over each slice.

Step 10: Garnish and enjoy

Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Helpful Cooking Tips

1. Use whole milk for the richest and creamiest gravy.

2. Cut dried beef into small strips for easier serving.

3. Whisk continuously when adding milk to prevent lumps.

4. Cook the flour for at least 1 minute before adding milk.

5. Use bacon grease for an extra smoky flavor.

6. Add milk gradually if the gravy becomes too thick.

7. Taste before adding salt because dried beef contains plenty of sodium.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving, including toast. Actual values depend on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nut Information (Q/S)

Allergen information:

• Contains dairy (butter and milk).

• Contains wheat/gluten (all-purpose flour and regular bread).

• Dried beef may contain additional ingredients; check its packaging.

• The standard recipe contains no added nuts, but check product labels for cross-contact warnings.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk, stirring until smooth.

• Freezing: Not recommended because milk-based gravy can separate after thawing.

• Toast: Prepare fresh when serving for the best crispy texture.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy this delicious creamy chipped beef gravy over buttered toast, biscuits, English muffins, or baked potatoes.

Enjoy this old-fashioned homemade comfort food!