Creamed Chipped Beef is the ultimate comfort dish, combining chopped dried beef in a creamy and lightly seasoned white sauce, served atop toasted sourdough or European whole grain bread.
I fondly recall my mother preparing this for me during my childhood. It was one of those dishes that always brought warmth to the table and hearts. As I grew older, she passed down the recipe, and I later discovered that this treat is colloquially known as “SOS,” standing for “shit on a shingle,” with the ‘shingle’ being the toast. Naturally, my Catholic mother never disclosed this humorous nickname, likely hoping to keep my vocabulary refined.
While Creamed Chipped Beef may not be the epitome of health-conscious cooking, indulging occasionally in this nostalgic dish is perfectly fine. After all, a delightful recipe that transports us to cherished memories can’t be all that bad.
What is Creamed Chipped Beef?
Creamed Chipped Beef is a delightful ensemble of chopped dried beef immersed in a velvety, lightly seasoned white sauce. This creamy concoction is typically a béchamel sauce, crafted from flour, butter, and milk. Though it’s traditionally served over toast, it pairs beautifully with eggs and potatoes too.
How to Whip Up Creamed Chipped Beef:
The process is as straightforward as it gets. Begin by dicing the beef into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring constant stirring. Sprinkle in the black pepper and cayenne, then gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is creamy.
Incorporate the chopped beef, allowing it to simmer for 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve generously over toast, eggs, hash browns, or biscuits.
Recipe Tips and Insights:
- While any dried beef can be utilized, Buddig beef is particularly well-suited for this recipe. It’s available in most supermarkets and tends to be less salty or dry than other brands. Look for it alongside other packaged luncheon meats.
- Ensuring the butter-flour mixture (roux) cooks for 2-3 minutes helps eradicate the raw flour taste.
- For a smooth sauce, add the milk gradually, whisking consistently.
- Should the sauce become overly thick, integrate less than a quarter cup of milk at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Tailor the seasoning with salt, seasoned salt, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of Worcestershire Sauce.
- Creamed Chipped Beef is best served fresh, though it does reheat rather well.
Prep Time: 2
Cook Time: 10
Total Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Buddig original beef (see notes)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 pinches ground cayenne pepper
- 2 cups milk (see notes)
- salt and pepper to taste
In Closing:
May this Creamed Chipped Beef recipe evoke cherished memories or inspire the creation of new ones. With the weekend on the horizon, it’s the perfect opportunity to craft something delightful for breakfast or lunch!
image source : small town woman
