Homemade Creamed Chipped Beef Recipe
Creamed chipped beef, often affectionately called “S.O.S.,” is a classic comfort food that’s simple, hearty, and delicious. It’s a dish made with dried beef, a rich creamy sauce, and served over toast or biscuits. It’s easy to make from scratch and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dinner. Here’s how to make Homemade Creamed Chipped Beef that’s full of flavor and comfort.
Ingredients:
For the Creamed Beef:
- 8 oz dried beef (usually found in jars or vacuum-sealed packages)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
To Serve:
- Toast or biscuits, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Rinse the Beef: If the dried beef is very salty, rinse it under cold water to remove some of the excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Chop the Beef: Slice or tear the dried beef into small, bite-sized pieces. Set it aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Make the Roux: Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This will help cook out the raw flour taste and create a smooth base for the sauce. The mixture should be slightly bubbly but not browned.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. If you want a richer, creamier sauce, you can also add the heavy cream at this point.
- Season the Sauce: Add the salt and pepper to taste. You can also add the optional garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Stir everything together.
3. Add the Chipped Beef:
- Once the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, add the chopped dried beef to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the beef to heat through and soak up the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
4. Serve:
- Spoon the creamy chipped beef over warm toast or biscuits. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it over mashed potatoes or even pasta.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Toast: Serve the creamed chipped beef over crispy buttered toast for a classic pairing.
- Biscuits: Fluffy homemade or store-bought biscuits also make a perfect base for the creamed beef.
- Potatoes: Serve it over mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Eggs: For a breakfast twist, serve with a side of scrambled eggs or fried eggs.
- Side Veggies: A side of steamed green beans or a simple salad adds freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Leftover creamed chipped beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little more milk if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the cream sauce may separate slightly when reheated. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove, stirring frequently to recombine the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Classic Comfort Food: This is a hearty, nostalgic dish that brings back memories of childhood or old-fashioned diner breakfasts.
- Quick & Easy: It’s simple to make with basic ingredients, yet it feels indulgent and satisfying.
- Versatile: You can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it’s great for using up leftover beef from a roast or stew.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Dried beef is already cooked, so you only need to heat it through. Overcooking it can make the beef tough.
- Adjust Salt: Since dried beef can be very salty, be sure to taste the sauce before adding extra salt. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and skip the heavy cream, though it won’t be as rich.
Homemade Creamed Chipped Beef is a cozy, indulgent dish that will warm you up on a chilly day. Whether served over toast, biscuits, or potatoes, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
