Creamed Chipped Beef, also known as S.O.S, consists of a creamy white gravy full of chopped dried beef served on toast. It can be made in just minutes for an easy breakfast and it is pure comfort food.
In military slang this dish is called “Shit on a Shingle”. It dates back to the early 1900s and it is a classic military dish.
I feel like Creamed Chipped Beef is the beef equivalent of sausage gravy and I find it to be almost as delicious. (Nothing beats sausage gravy.) Like sausage gravy, this Creamed Chipped Beef is so easy to make.
You do want to do one easy step before you make it though. Soak the dried beef in hot water for 10 minutes to remove some of the salt. Like country ham, dried beef is extremly salty. So salty you will probably not need to add any salt to the gravy/sauce. I find 10 minutes is enough time to soak it.
I have to really search for the dried beef at the grocery store becasue I don’t purchase it often. Except for this recipe and an occasional cheese ball, I really don’t use it.
It comes in jars and you can find it near the canned meat. It’s usually tucked away on the bottom shelf or the topped shelf.
Creamed Chipped Beef reheats well. You may need to add a little milk to thin it.
More Classic Breakfast Recipes:
Creamed Chipped Beef
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) jar sliced dried beef
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of nutmeg.
Instructions
- Soak dried beef in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain and chop into medium to small pieces.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef to butter and saute 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Increase heat and bring to a simmer.
- Add beef and pepper and simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Serve with toast.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Simply the best chipped beef on toast!
I bought my dried beef at the local Amish store. They sliced it for me as it was in the deli case. This was how how I remember it from years ago, not like the beef in the jars! Absolutely delicious. This recipe was spot on for authenticity.
I’ve seen both dried beef and prepared dried beef in milk gravy in my local ShopRite.
Found in the deli aisle near the packs of sliced cheeses and tubs of sliced meats.
This was just like MOMS !
So Easy 😊
Can steakum style meat be used in place of dried beef?
You will have to cook the sliced steak first to a “just done” stage, will also need to add salt.
It should work, though I never tried it.
It wouldn’t have the same flavor or texture but you could try it. It will just be different.
This recipe is fabulous! We have always liked chipped beef and my retired Navy husband still calls it shit on a shingle. I always like to make Belgium Waffles for the toast portion of this recipe. The Nutmeg seems to give this recipe an extra zing and I had never thought to saute’ the chipped beef in the butter, it gives both the gravy and the meat a special taste. I am so pleased with your recipe, Thank You for sharing it.
I forgot to rinse my dried beef before adding to my white sauce and it’s so salty we cant eat it. Is there a way to cut the salt. Would adding more milk help? I don’t want to throw it out.
My first stepfather made S.O.S. with left over turkey the day after thanksgiving. It was wonderful. I agree with you about sausage and gravy. Are you a Southerner? You can also make this with ground beef or ground turkey. It’s great when you serve it with left over steamed rice.
I have a book on American military recipes. S.O.S. is the third most hated Amer. military dish(M.R.E.’s scored #1;SPAM scored #2).I’ve had this made with chipped beef twice. I had it with rice both times.
I always add Worcestershire (1 teaspoon) to mine with the milk. Reminds me of my pappy 💗
This has been a favorite of mine for years!