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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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
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.
Why is creamed chipped beef called SOS? ›
Chipped beef even found its way into the white gravy mixture with the future doughboys right before World War I. Soldiers and sailors eventually dubbed it “SOS” (“Save Our Souls” or “Same Old Slop” being the PG-rated translations) when served on a piece of toast.
How to make sos on the stove? ›
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.
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's the difference between ground beef and chipped beef? ›
The biggest difference between chipped steak and ground beef is that the former is thinly sliced while the latter is finely chopped. To swap the ground beef with chipped steak, you'll need to adjust the cooking time because the thinly sliced chipped beef cooks rather fast.
Does the military still eat SOS? ›
He said that veteran's groups who tour the base are taken to a mess hall and served creamed beef on toast made using the recipe in the 1944 Army recipe book, TM 10-412. Again, many veterans tell Hanson it their favorite meal while in the Army. And SOS remains popular among soldiers today.
What part of the cow 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. You can now also find chipped beef that's been smoked while it dries, adding additional flavor to the meat.
Did Esskay stop making chipped beef? ›
"Our organization made the difficult decision to discontinue Esskay hot dogs, and stopped production in December of last year. We will continue to make Esskay deli meat and chipped beef products, which can be found in Baltimore-area grocery stores," said Chad McFadden, Esskay brand manager, in an email to WJZ.
Is buddig beef the same as chipped beef? ›
Buddig beef is the most common brand of chipped beef that is the easiest to find! You can usually find it in the same aisle as canned tuna.
Where did chipped beef on toast originate? ›
The History Behind 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.
There is great love and distain for SOS. Can you a sos meal? If you had leftovers or wanted to make a large batch, freezing it is a great way to store it. Be sure to store in air tight containers with as much air removed as possible.
What is a good substitute for chip beef? ›
If you can't find the jarred dried beef, substitute any sliced deli beef (roast or corned beef would be excellent), even using uncured meat if desired. Leftover roast beef, bacon, shredded pork, or even leftover rotisserie chicken would be a great meal here, though with different flavors and depth.
What goes in SOS? ›
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef.
- 2 cubes chicken bouillon, crumbled.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour.
- 1 ½ cups low-fat milk.
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.
What is SOS in the military? ›
Welcome to the U.S. Army Reserve Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) website. If you came to this page because you are a surviving Family member, please know we are here for you. SOS is the official U.S. Military program designed to provide long term support to surviving Families of Fallen Soldiers. This is your program!
Why is ham gravy called red eye gravy? ›
This classic sauce is made by combining two unusual ingredients. A beloved Southern favorite, red eye gravy is made with the duo of ham drippings and black coffee. The dish gets its unique name from how the round circles of ham fat look like red eyes when floating on top of the coffee.
What part of the animal is gravy beef? ›
Gravy beef is a cut that comes from three main areas; the hind leg and the front leg (also known as shin) plus the neck area. It is rich in flavour and is traditionally used with the bone in for excellent stews and soups.
