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

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.

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.

What is creamed chipped beef made of? ›

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.

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.

Why is it called SOS gravy? ›

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.

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 is the nickname for creamed chipped beef? ›

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.").

How long does dried chipped beef last? ›

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. They will keep in the freezer for a year based on my experience.

Who invented chipped beef on toast? ›

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.

Is buddig beef the same as chipped beef? ›

Yes! 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.

What does chipped beef taste like? ›

Chipped beef comes in jars and can be found in the canned meat section in your grocery store. Note that chipped beef tastes VERY salty. So, feel free to rinse the beef in water to remove some of the salt.

Is buddig dried beef? ›

Buddig beef is the best dried beef substitute for creamed chipped beef!

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.

What does SOS mean in cooking? ›

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 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.

Why is ham gravy called red-eye gravy? ›

Legend has it President Andrew Jackson once requested gravy as red as his hungover cook's eyes, or that the red-eye name is due to the ability of the coffee in the recipe to keep people awake.

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.

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