Creamed Chipped Beef is a classic comfort food dish, often served on toast (aka “S.O.S.”) for breakfast or brunch. The creamy, savory beef mixed with a smooth, rich sauce is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s simple to make but so flavorful. It’s a great way to use dried or jarred chipped beef, and it’s a favorite in many homes for its nostalgic, creamy goodness.
Here’s an easy and classic recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 1 jar (about 2 oz) of dried chipped beef (you can find this at most grocery stores, usually near the canned meats)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (you can also use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
- Toasted bread (for serving, typically white or whole wheat)
Instructions:
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Prepare the chipped beef:
- First, rinse the chipped beef under cold water to remove some of the salt. (This step is optional, but it helps cut down on the saltiness of the beef.)
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then cut it into small strips or roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces.
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Make the roux:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk to combine. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour turns a light golden color. This creates the roux, which will help thicken your sauce.
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Make the creamy sauce:
- Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste—you may need more salt depending on how salty the chipped beef is.
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Add the chipped beef:
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the chopped chipped beef to the pan. Stir well to coat the beef with the creamy sauce. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Serve:
- Serve the creamed chipped beef over toast, biscuits, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. It’s also great with some crispy bacon or a side of scrambled eggs!
Creamed Chipped Beef is a cozy, comforting dish that brings back memories of classic diner breakfasts and home-cooked meals. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking—some people prefer it thicker, while others like it a little runnier.
Would you serve this with any specific side dishes or perhaps some hot sauce to give it a little extra kick?