🌾 What Is Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast?
At its core, this dish features thin slices of dried beef gently simmered in a creamy, buttery white sauce, served over toasted bread. It’s creamy, salty, and wonderfully filling. Originally popularized as a military mess hall staple due to its low cost and long shelf life, it eventually found its way into home kitchens, diners, and hearts across the country.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic, delicious version of the recipe:
- 8 oz jar of dried beef (such as Hormel or Armour), sliced into thin strips
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of garlic powder or nutmeg (optional, for a flavor twist)
- 6 slices of toasted bread (white, wheat, or sourdough)
👩‍🍳 How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Rinse the dried beef briefly under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry and slice into bite-sized pieces or strips.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble but doesn’t brown.
Step 3: Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking, smoothing out any lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency—about 4–6 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Beef
Stir in the sliced beef and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the beef to warm through and the flavors to meld. Season with pepper and any optional spices.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Spoon the creamy beef mixture generously over hot toast and serve immediately.
🍽 Tips & Twists
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs or sautéed mushrooms for extra body.
- Use biscuits or puff pastry squares instead of toast for a more decadent version.
- Turn it into a casserole by layering everything in a baking dish, topping with cheese, and broiling for a bubbly golden top.
đź’¬ Why We Still Love It
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is the kind of meal that proves food doesn’t have to be fancy to be delicious. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying. A little salty, a little creamy, and a whole lot comforting.
For many, it tastes like childhood. For others, it’s a new discovery waiting to become a tradition.
Try it today and serve up a taste of American culinary history—with a creamy twist!