Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S) (2024)

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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 Recipe (S.O.S) (2)

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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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.

    Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S) (3)

  • 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

  1. Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S) (7)Kim Kacer says

    Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S) (8)
    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.

    Reply

    • Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S) (9)Mary says

      Thanks for sharing you connection to this recipe and your “upgrades”.

      Reply

  2. Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S) (10)Mindy says

    We had this every other Tuesday. A lot of times my dad made it because it was his favorite.

    Reply

    • Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S) (11)Mary Hoover says

      I love the stories behind this recipe. Thanks for sharing yours.

      Reply

  3. Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S) (12)Janet says

    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!!

    Reply

    • Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S) (13)Mary Hoover says

      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!

      Reply

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Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S) (2024)

FAQs

Why is chipped beef gravy called SOS? ›

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 made of? ›

My dad was in the Marine Corps and remembers eating this dish often. It's a simple recipe consisting of ground beef mixed with milk, margarine and beef broth. It's also good using ground sausage.

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.

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 does SOS stand for in food? ›

And no I'm not talking about the morse code for. extreme distress. In the world of nutrition S.O.S. stands for salt, oil, and sugar.

Where was SOS made? ›

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.

Where is chipped beef from? ›

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 kind of beef is chipped beef? ›

Chipped beef is pressed, salted, and dried beef. The thin, flexible slices are usually sold in glass jars. Creamed chipped beef (often called SOS) is chipped beef cooked in a cream sauce. A popular meal in the military, the comforting dish is traditionally served over toast.

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.

How long is chipped beef good for? ›

Knauss Dried Beef/Chipped Beef (4 pack, 3oz. Each)

A: They will keep in the refridgerator for 4 - 6 months, the packages are dated with use or freeze by dates.

Is chipped beef like beef jerky? ›

Chipped Beef is very thin slices of salted, smoked beef. It is not as dry as beef jerky, and doesn't have as much fat. It can be made in different ways. It can be slices of beef taken off a hunk of air-dried beef, usually a lean meat such as beef round.

Why is dried beef so expensive? ›

In most cases, dry-aged beef comes with a higher price tag. This price is attributed to two main factors: Reduced yields: Beef undergoes a significant moisture loss during the dry-aging process. As a result, the beef weighs far less than when it first started.

What does SOS mean on a burger? ›

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.

Where did chipped beef and gravy originate? ›

Originally made popular in the early 20th century by the U.S. military for its ability to quite literally feed an army, creamed chipped beef on toast eventually began making an appearance at breakfast time on many Southern family tables.

What is gravy called in the South? ›

Southern White Country Gravy is one of those southern dishes that has several variations known by other names such as sawmill gravy (made from meat drippings), white pepper gravy, milk gravy, southern gravy, or country-style gravy.

Why is it called shaking beef? ›

Vietnam's bò lúc lắc, or shaking beef, features stir-fried cubes of marinated beef and sliced onions served over a bed of watercress and accompanied by a dipping sauce of lime juice and pepper. The dish gets its name from the vigorous shaking and stirring required to achieve an even and thorough sear.

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