Home » Recipes » Dinner » Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S)
Last night I randomly shared a pic of our dinner on Facebook. Wow, I love the interaction that followed! I asked what is it? You answered- Chipped Beef on Toast, Creamed Beef, SOS. YES, you all got it right! (My mom never actually said the words in the acronym- it was “Stuff on a Shingle” ;))
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This meal was a classic from my childhood. And as many of you mentioned it is a popular military meal from way back too. I can just tell from your comments, that this meal holds memories for many of you too. Interesting how food does that!
So here is the “recipe” for classic Chipped Beef on Toast. Now I know that this is not the most healthy meal- but it is fast, frugal and comfort food for sure!
Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe
Classic Chipped Beef on Toast
This Chipped Beef on Toast recipe is classic comfort food. This frugal meal has roots in the military and usually stirs up nostalgia!
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Dinner, Frugal Meal
Ingredients
- Butter equal parts butter, flour, milk
- Flour equal parts butter, flour, milk
- Milk equal parts butter, flour, milk
- Pepper to taste
- Garlic Powder optional
- Corned Beef Deli Meat.
Instructions
First, create a simple gravy sauce by using aroux base. This basically means melt down 3-5 tablespoons of butter and add in equal parts flour and milk. Whisk until starts to thicken.
When that begins to thicken, you may need to add a little more milk to get the right consistency. At this point season to taste. I use pepper and a little garlic powder. I would not suggest adding salt since the meat is salty on it's own.
Now add in 3-4 packages of thin sliced Corned Beef cut in small squares. I use Buddig Meat from the packaged meat section of the grocery, very frugal!
Serve over toast!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
I chose to serve this with a powerhouse veggie- brussel sprouts (which are easy peasy in a rice and veggie steamer). But I have also heard that the traditional veggie with this meal is peas. Have you ever eaten SOS? Tell me your memories in the comments below!
Looking for another comfort food meal that is budget-friendly too. Check out another fam fave- Ground Beef Stroganoff.
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Yes we had this, not often, but when mom or dad suggested it or were craving it from their youth (or dad from either youth or military service). I did & do like it, but I like to spruce it up just a bit by adding some finely diced onion to the butter b4 the flour to add a little flavor, then some other spices, either curry powder (not much, just a little for flavor), paprika, or tarragon are the different versions I use.
Also if I have when the craving hits, I slice up a few mushrooms & toss in to cook the last 5 minutes or so.
I also like using the thicker bread if I have some on hand when the mood strikes. (usually an Italian loaf from bakery section, or Sara Lee Artesano Bakery Bread, or even one of the store-brand “Texas garlic toast” pieces.
Yes, most of my ‘upgrades’ = more $ , kinda defeating the original purpose…. still.
We almost always had w/ peas & applesauce.
Thanks for sharing you connection to this recipe and your “upgrades”.
We had this every other Tuesday. A lot of times my dad made it because it was his favorite.
I love the stories behind this recipe. Thanks for sharing yours.
We had chipped beef on toast a lot while I was growing up. I’m over 75 and still love it and make it. Like it both on toast and on a baked potato. For our purposes, to save money, I buy Buddig corned beef (found in most sliced sausage sections) or one of their other sliced meats. Yummy!!
I love how this recipe is so tied to “memories”! And YES I always (and my mom did too) use Buddig meat. So budget friendly!
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FAQs
Chipped beef is served in many diners and restaurants in the United States as a breakfast item. It is popular among the veteran community who generally refer to it by the dysphemism "sh*t On a Shingle" or "S.O.S." (when polite company and/or children are present, the acronym is said to mean "Same Old Stuff.").
What is SOS gravy made of? ›
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic until beef is cooked. Drain. Put hamburger back in skillet and add flour, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and milk. Simmer until gravy thickens.
What cut of meat is chipped beef? ›
Also called dried beef, chipped beef is typically made from a leaner cut of meat, such as beef round. The meat is brined and left to cure for several days before being drained and air-dried.
What is the difference between chipped beef and dried beef? ›
Dried beef, also called chipped beef, is beef that has been partially dried, salt-cured and thinly sliced. You can easily enjoy this cured meat as an appetizer, snack or meal. Dried beef has a rich past but is a relatively obscure meat product in most parts of the country today.
Is biscuits and gravy the same as SOS? ›
As the recipe suggests, S.O.S. is less of a dish and more of a rubric: Make a sauce, add meat of some type, and serve over bread. In this light, the dish fits into the same culinary genre as the southern staple biscuits and gravy, or even the British classic beans on toast.
What is the origin of the SOS recipe? ›
While the dish's exact origins cannot be determined, some argue that SOS can be traced to a pre-World War I Army “Chipped Beef” recipe that appeared in the 1910 Manual for Army Cooks. Due to its enduring popularity, SOS can now be found in many a Navy cookbook.
How to make SOS to eat? ›
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan over medium high heat, brown the ground beef. Season with a little salt and pepper. ...
- Melt butter in the same sauce pan. ...
- Add milk, salt, and pepper. ...
- Add cooked ground beef back in and stir.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (I usually like a bit more pepper). ...
- Serve over toast.
Why do they call sausage and gravy SOS? ›
Or, as we colloquially called it, “SOS” – “Sh*t On a Shingle.” Back in WWII when SOS was named “SOS,” it was made by serving creamed chipped beef gravy over toast.
How is SOS sauce made? ›
Traditional soy sauces are made by mixing soybeans and grain with mold cultures such as Aspergillus oryzae and other related microorganisms and yeasts (the resulting mixture is called Koji in Japan; the term koji is used both for the mixture of soybeans, wheat, and mold as well as for the mold itself).
Is there another name for chipped beef? ›
This chipped beef recipe is straight from my mom. We called it SOS (Same Ole Stuff), and it's great comfort food! It's easy to make and tastes great with a cold beer.
They both have a high sodium content but the corned beef is brined cured and the dried beef is salt-cured. The flavors and textures are not similar. Dried beef is sometimes smoked for added flavor.
Is buddig beef the same as chipped beef? ›
Chipped Beef AKA Dried Beef: Beef that has been salted, pressed, dried, and sliced thin. It's often called dried beef or Buddig beef. (Buddig is one of the most popular brands.) Since it's dried, it is not usually found in the deli section of the grocery store.
Why is chipped beef on toast called SOS? ›
sh*t on a Shingle might not sound dinner-appropriate, but it's definitely breakfast-appropriate. The unofficial term—abbreviated as “S.O.S.”—became popular slang among American soldiers during World War II. It refers to “cream chipped beef on toast,” a dish that's been featured in Army cookbooks for over 100 years.
Who invented chipped beef on toast? ›
It seems evident that homemakers invented chipped beef on toast during the depression era, but we actually have our WWII vets to thank for this one. This meal was a traditional army recipe that was super easy to make, cheap, and incredibly filling.
What is creamed chipped beef on toast? ›
Creamed Chipped Beef is a comforting, classic, hearty meal with creamy sauce and dried beef. An affordable meal ready in only 15 minutes and perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
What does SOS sauce mean? ›
Even on busy mornings, afternoons, and nights, restaurant kitchen staff know that "SOS" isn't a distress signal. Rather, this shorthand is vital in communicating a particular customer's preference regarding condiments. SOS merely indicates that a patron asked for their sauce on the side.
What does SOS breakfast stand for? ›
sh*t on a Shingle might not sound dinner-appropriate, but it's definitely breakfast-appropriate. The unofficial term—abbreviated as “S.O.S.”—became popular slang among American soldiers during World War II. It refers to “cream chipped beef on toast,” a dish that's been featured in Army cookbooks for over 100 years.
What does SOS stand for in food? ›
In the world of nutrition S.O.S stands for salt, oil, and sugar. Eliminating as much of these 3 things from your diet can produce HUGE health benefits.