Some dishes don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated instructions to win your heart—they just need to show up with flavor, warmth, and memories. Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, also lovingly known as “SOS” by many military families, is one of those timeless comfort meals that hits the spot every time.
Whether you grew up eating it at grandma’s house, in a military mess hall, or are discovering it for the first time, this dish is creamy, salty, savory, and deeply satisfying. Plus, it comes together in minutes with just a few pantry staples
🍞 What Is Creamed Chipped Beef?
Creamed chipped beef is a simple but hearty dish made with dried beef (often found in jars or vacuum-sealed packets), cooked in a rich white sauce, and served over toasted bread. It’s old-school, budget-friendly, and loaded with flavor.
The saltiness of the beef pairs perfectly with the creamy roux-based sauce, and when spooned over warm, crispy toast? Pure nostalgic heaven
🧂 Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk (whole milk works best)
1 jar (2.5 oz) dried beef, sliced into strips
Black pepper to taste
4 slices of toasted bread (white, wheat, or sourdough—your choice)
How to Make It:
Rinse the dried beef briefly in warm water to remove excess salt, then pat dry and slice into thin strips.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, creating a light roux.
Slowly add in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and stir until it thickens—about 3–5 minutes.
Add the sliced beef to the sauce and stir. Let it warm through for another 2–3 minutes.
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Spoon the hot creamed beef generously over toasted bread slices
🍽 Pro Tips:
Extra creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream or a pat of extra butter at the end.
Add a twist: Stir in a pinch of paprika or nutmeg for a subtle depth of flavor.
Feeling bold? Top with a poached egg for the ultimate brunch comfort.
❤️ Why We Love It
Creamed chipped beef on toast isn’t just a recipe—it’s a story. It’s the kind of dish that reminds people of Sunday mornings, hard times that were made softer with a hot meal, or the care of someone who cooked from the heart.
It’s rustic, it’s real, and it’s ready in less than 20 minutes
📣 Final Thought
If you’ve never tried it, now’s the time. And if it’s been years since your last plate of creamed chipped beef, this is your sign to bring it back to the table.
👉 Share this recipe with someone who loves comfort food done right. Let the memories—and the creamy goodness—flow!