Quick Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe

There’s just something about these creamed chipped beef on a toast that makes everyone happy.

Maybe it’s the creamy sauce or the crispy toast, or maybe it’s just the comfort food nostalgia factor.

It’s that savory, creamy gravy loaded with salty chipped beef, all ladled over a perfect piece of toast, it just hits the spot.

I always laugh when I hear that it is also called “SOS” (what my grandfather called it), you can figure that out.

Creamed chipped beef on toast has always been a family favorite for me. However, I know there are many who can not deal with the food.

We’re giving you some homemade creamed chipped beef on toast ideas to make it your own.

This is in my opinion the best creamed chipped beef on toast recipe because it’s so straightforward. It’s especially great if you’re looking for an easy creamed chipped beef on toast for beginners.

So whether you’re in a hurry or just need something easy and fuss-free, this recipe for chipped beef on toast is the ONE for you.

It’s a true family friendly creamed chipped beef on toast.

It’s actually a very delicious breakfast or lunch. I grew up with it as dinner once in a while.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in minutes: This comes together super fast on the stovetop.
• Simple pantry ingredients: You just need a few basics like flour, butter, and milk.
• A true classic: It’s pure comfort food that tastes just like you remember.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, a quick lunch, or even a simple dinner.

It’s a meal that will make you feel warm and happy inside. And one that you’ll want to share with your loved ones.

Ingredients:

• Dried beef
• Butter unsalted
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Heavy whipping cream
• Pepper to taste
• Toast

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Dried beef: This is the classic choice. It usually comes in a jar, either sliced or shredded. You’ll want to rinse it if you’re sensitive to salt. If you can’t find it, very thinly sliced deli roast beef will work.
• Unsalted butter: This lets you control the salt level, which is important since the beef is already salty.
• All-purpose flour: This is what thickens the gravy. You could experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose blend if needed.
• Milk and heavy cream: I use a combination for the perfect creamy texture, you can use all whole milk if you prefer, but the cream adds a richness that’s hard to beat.
• Toast: Simple white sandwich bread is traditional. You can also use sourdough, Texas toast, or even biscuits.
• A note on a healthy creamed chipped beef on toast version: To lighten this up, you could try using 2% milk instead of whole milk and skipping the heavy cream. You can also use a lower-sodium dried beef.

How to make Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast:

Step 1. Melt the butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Make sure the skillet is large enough to hold all the sauce later.

Step 2. Add the flour to the butter, and whisk to combine well, cooking for a minute or two until the raw flour taste has been cooked off. This combination of fat and flour is called a ‘roux’. This is what makes your sauce thick and creamy without any lumps. Keep whisking so it doesn’t brown.

Step 3. Slowly whisk in first the milk and then the heavy whipping cream. Go slowly. Add just a splash of milk at first and whisk it into the roux until it’s smooth. Then you can gradually add the rest of the liquids while whisking.

Step 4. Add pepper to taste. You probably won’t need any salt because the dried beef is very salty.

Step 5. Bring the mixture to a rolling simmer over medium heat, and whisk often to prevent burning. Don’t walk away. The sauce can burn on the bottom of the pan quick. Keep that whisk moving.

Step 6. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the beef into the skillet or saucepan, and stir to combine. Cook an additional 3-5 minutes. This step just heats the beef through and lets it flavor the sauce.

Step 7. Serve over toast. Ladle it on generously right before you’re ready to eat so the toast doesn’t get soggy.

Tips for Success

• Rinse the dried beef if you are watching your salt intake. Just run it under cold water for a few seconds and pat it dry.
• Whisk constantly when making the sauce. This is the key to getting a perfectly smooth, lump-free gravy.
• If your sauce gets too thick, just whisk in an extra splash of milk, until it reaches the consistency you like.
• Toast your bread right at the end. You want it warm and crispy when the hot gravy hits it.

Storage & Reheating

How should I store creamed chipped beef? The creamed chipped beef should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 2 days.

To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat. You might need to add a splash of milk to thin it out as it will thicken when cold.

You can also store the Creamed Chipped Beef in an airtight container for 2 months in the freezer.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating it on the stove. I wouldn’t recommend microwaving it from frozen.

Serving Suggestions

How to serve creamed chipped beef on toast? The heated meat in the thick cream sauce can be served over a slice of toast.

It has been served over a biscuit also.

This dish is fantastic served alongside some scrambled eggs or with a side of fruit. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a nice bit of color.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is chipped beef?

Chipped beef is processed meat that has been seasoned. It’s then sliced very thin.

Why is it called chipped beef?

It’s believed that it’s called chipped beef due to being sliced thin and then cut into smaller pieces.

Is creamed chipped beef healthy?

Not one of the healthiest foods, however, it is not terribly unhealthy either. It’s high in fat and calories.

Can corned beef replace chipped beef?

Corned beef can replace chipped beef. It’s thicker and heartier than chipped beef. And considered more substantial.

Why is dried beef so expensive?

It’s trimmed of fat, cut into thin strips and then dried. All this takes time and that’s why it’s so expensive.

How many calories are in creamed chipped beef?

Approximately 300 calories in a serving of Creamed Chipped Beef.

Notes

My granddad used to make this for us on Saturday mornings (giving Grandma a break, though she usually was out grocery shopping). 

He’d be at the stove with his old cast-iron skillet, and the whole house would smell like butter and black pepper.

He always served it on the “heel” of the bread, because he said it was the sturdiest piece. It’s one of my favorite food memories.

More easy beef recipes?

Crockpot Italian Beef Po’ Boys {Beef Sandwiches} – Easy to make, and you barely have to lift a finger, and the result is an amazing meal.

Beef and Macaroni Soup – It’s very easy and comforting!

Easy Beef Stew – The easy comfort food dinner for cold weather!