Creamed Chipped Beef
Creamed Chipped Beef is an old-fashioned comfort-food classic made with thin slices of dried beef simmered in a rich, creamy white sauce. Often served over warm toast, this simple dish is hearty, inexpensive, and wonderfully satisfying.
Sometimes called “SOS”, this vintage recipe is especially popular for breakfast or a quick, comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried chipped beef
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
- Toast, biscuits, or English muffins for serving
Directions
1. Prepare the Chipped Beef
Remove the chipped beef from its packaging and separate the slices.
If the beef is particularly salty, place it in a bowl of warm water for 5–10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Cut the beef into small strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Melt the Butter
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
Be careful not to let the butter brown.
3. Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter.
Whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes.
This cooks the raw flour and creates the foundation for the creamy sauce.
4. Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly.
Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Cook over medium heat for approximately 4–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the Beef and Seasonings
Stir in the chopped chipped beef.
Add the black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika.
Cook for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is heated through and the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
Taste before adding any salt because dried beef is naturally quite salty.
6. Finish and Serve
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Spoon the creamy chipped beef generously over warm toast, biscuits, or English muffins.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Creamed Chipped Beef
Watch the salt: Dried beef can be extremely salty, so taste the sauce before adding additional salt.
Whisk the milk gradually: Slowly adding the milk helps prevent lumps.
Don’t boil the sauce aggressively: Gentle cooking creates a smoother, creamier texture.
Adjust the consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for another few minutes.
Easy Variations
Creamed Chipped Beef with Peas
Add ½–1 cup cooked green peas during the final few minutes.
Mushroom Chipped Beef
Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms in the butter before adding the flour.
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Extra Creamy
Replace ½ cup of the milk with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Breakfast Version
Serve over biscuits and top with a fried or poached egg.
What to Serve With It
Creamed chipped beef is traditionally served over toast, but it’s also delicious with:
- Buttermilk biscuits
- English muffins
- Baked potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Toasted sourdough
For breakfast, pair it with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
Creamed Chipped Beef is a simple recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t need complicated ingredients. Salty dried beef combined with a smooth, creamy white sauce creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s especially delicious spooned over crisp golden toast.
It’s an inexpensive, filling classic that makes a wonderful breakfast, brunch, or cozy weeknight meal.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Meta Description
Make classic Creamed Chipped Beef with dried beef and a rich, creamy white sauce served over toast or biscuits. An easy old-fashioned comfort-food recipe for breakfast or dinner.