Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (2024)

Published: Feb 18, 2020 · Modified: Aug 11, 2023 by Tiffany · As an Amazon Associate, I earn referral fees from products I love and recommend at no extra cost to you.

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This recipe will show you how to make creamed chipped beef on toast, also infamously known as “sh*t on a shingle.” Chopped pieces of thin dried beef mixed into a creamy gravy poured over a piece of crunchy toast in an open sandwich style.

Origin

You have probably heard of it and wondered what it was.

Chipped beef on toast, also known by its military nickname “SOS” (which stands for “Sh** on a Shingle”), is a dish that has its origins in the United States, particularly within the military and rural American cuisine.

The exact origin of chipped beef on toast is a bit unclear, but it is believed to have become popular during or after World War II.

It was a staple in military mess halls due to its simplicity and the availability of ingredients. The dish typically consists of thinly sliced or chipped dried beef cooked in a creamy white sauce and served over toasted bread (often toast or biscuits).

Chipped beef on toast was also commonly prepared in rural households as an economical and filling meal. The dried beef was a preserved protein source that could be easily stored and used when needed.

While the dish’s popularity has waned over the years, it remains a nostalgic comfort food for some people, especially those who have a connection to military or rural traditions.

It’s a very simple and quick meal to make. After all, it only requires 4 ingredients to make the gravy in 10 minutes or less.

Not only that, it’s incredibly cheap!

I typically pay around $0.80 USD per packet of Buddig’s dried beef slices and the rest of the ingredients I already have on hand. You can also use Hormel or Armour’s dried beef.

Hormel’s usually comes in a package like Buddig’s in the refrigerated section of the store. Whereas, Amour’s brand is in a jar usually found close to canned deviled ham and tuna.

Ingredients to Make Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Butter
Milk
Flour
Salt & Pepper
Dried Beef (Buddig, Hormel, or Armour all work.)
Toasted Bread

I’ve seen other chipped beef gravy recipes with cream of mushroom soup or adding peas, but this recipe is the way my family always made it when I was a child and I very much prefer it!

Be sure you pay attention to the Buddig packet if that is the brand you are purchasing. I have accidentally picked up their corned beef packets before.

Not the flavor I was going for at all.

What is Dried Beef?

It is beef that has been salt-cured for a length of time, sometimes smoked for flavor, and dried. It is then sliced very thin like deli meat.

To add more beef, or not add more beef, that is the question.

When my mother and grandmother made this recipe they always used two packets, but I prefer more beef in mine.

I generally use three packets of Buddig chipped beef (6 ounces total). It depends on what ratio of meat vs. gravy you prefer.

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Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

This recipe will show you how to make creamed chipped beef on toast, also infamously known as "sh*t on a shingle." Chopped pieces of thin dried beef mixed into a creamy gravy poured over a piece of crunchy toast in an open sandwich style.

4.50 from 38 votes

Print Rate

Course: Main Dishes

Ingredients

4 oz Dried Beef, Hormel, Buddig, and Armour brands all work
3 tablespoon Butter
2 cups Milk
¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Toasted Slices of Bread

Instructions

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, add flour and stir to mix a roux.
Slowly whisk milk into roux mixture. Slice the beef into squares if not already done so. Add salt, pepper, and beef to the pot. Bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes and then remove from heat to allow gravy to thicken.
Toast bread and serve the gravy over top in an open sandwich style.

Recommended Products

Buddig Original Beef – 2 oz

Hormel Beef Dried Sliced, 2.5 oz

Armour Star Sliced Dried Beef, 2.25 oz

As an Amazon Associate, I earn referral fees from products I love and recommend at no extra cost to you.

Nutrition

Calories: 232 kcalCarbohydrates: 17 gProtein: 15 gFat: 12 gSaturated Fat: 7 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4 gCholesterol: 55 mgSodium: 1543 mgSugar: 1 g

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Hi, I’m Tiffany!

I'm the recipe developer and food photographer behind Simply Happenings. I'm also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. I like to feature quick 30-minute dinners, one-pot meals, and delicious recipes you can cook with all of your favorite household appliances. Read More →

Reader Interactions

Comments

Jay Williams
September 14, 2023 at 1:35 pm

I made per your recipe but used 6 oz. of Buddig beef. It was excellent… perfect! I haven’t had SOS in many years and it tasted just like I remember it! Thank you!
Reply
See Also
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Barb
September 12, 2023 at 9:23 am

Thank you for the recipe!! I made it. I also added a couple maybe four dashes of Worcestershire sauce. I put mine on toast with butter and then I add ketchup and pepper. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I am going to make it more often now.💜
Reply
Tawnya
August 06, 2023 at 12:11 pm

I totally forgot about this recipe! I ate this all the time growing up, and can’t wait to make it. I like more meat as well. Thank you for a trip down memory lane:)
Reply
Linda Francis
April 22, 2023 at 4:07 pm
I always include chopped hard boiled eggs with meat. May need more liquid. All time family favorite!
Reply
Beth Davis
December 13, 2022 at 7:51 pm

This is the right ratio for the gravy, but it’s too much beef for us. I think the 2.5 oz jar is perfect, but that’s how we like it. Otherwise, it’s mostly beef and much too salty. I also sauteed a bit of onion and garlic with the butter before making the gravy, but we love garlic and onions here! Thanks for sharing.
Reply
Tommy
November 05, 2022 at 6:27 am

I usually heat milk in microwave before adding to roux.
Reply
Don Baird
October 26, 2022 at 5:07 pm
We have been making this recipe for years and still love it. We will sometimes eat this with white rice or rice and toast or over torn un-toasted white bread. Mom always served slices of Longhorn cheese as a side. Comfort food that brings back fond memories.
Reply
Stacy
February 15, 2022 at 2:12 pm

I’ve been looking for this recipe that I remember eating when I was a little kid. I cannot believe this is something so many other people enjoy as well. Brings back memories. Thank you!
Reply
Kat
October 13, 2021 at 5:39 pm
The only thing I do different is that we started tearing our toast into bite size pieces. It is so much easier for little ones to eat it!, i think Ill make it tomorrow! Yum.
Reply
- Tiffany
  October 13, 2021 at 6:38 pm
  That’s a great idea! I bet my boys would enjoy that as well. Thank you for the tip!
  Reply
Jim
February 17, 2021 at 2:57 am

Delicious. Just like my mom made when I was growing up.
Reply
- Tiffany
  February 18, 2021 at 12:24 am
  Hello Jim,
  I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for coming back to leave feedback!
  -Tiffany
  Reply
- Samantha Alderfer Alderfer
  May 12, 2021 at 6:02 am
  @Tiffany, Hi Tiffany, can you please reach out to me regarding this recipe? I think this is amazing and I dont want to copy your work, so I am asking for permission. Could you please respond via email? I appreciate your hard work.
  Samantha
  Reply
  - Tiffany
    May 12, 2021 at 9:47 am
    Hi Samantha,
    I’ve sent you an e-mail. If you do not see it, check your spam folder.
    Thanks!
    Tiffany
    Reply
Becky Flynn
November 17, 2020 at 6:07 pm

This recipe is very easy to make and also quite delicious. Will definitely make this again!
Reply

FAQs

Why is chipped beef on toast called SOS? ›

This meal was a traditional army recipe that was super easy to make, cheap, and incredibly filling. Chipped beef on toast – otherwise known by soldiers as S.O.S, which stood for “Save Our Stomachs,” “Same Ole Stuff,” or another acronym we'd rather leave out…

Show Me More ›

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.

View Details ›

What is SOS made of? ›

Made from chipped beef and a simple seasoned roux served over toast, it continues to be a favorite dish for sailors and an easy meal for Navy Culinary Specialists to make. Like other preserved foods, the key ingredient of SOS, chipped (or dried) beef, stored easily and kept well on Navy vessels.

Keep Reading ›

Should dried beef be rinsed before cooking? ›

An important step when making this SOS recipe is to rinse the dried beef in warm water to remove the excess salt. If you skip this step it will result in an inedible too-salty breakfast.

Get More Info Here ›

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.

View Details ›

Who eats creamed chipped beef? ›

U.S. military cuisine

In the United States, chipped beef on toast was commonly served to service members of the United States Armed Forces from World War I through Vietnam. It was considered emblematic of the military experience and consequently also served to Boy Scouts of the era.

Learn More ›

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.

Is buddig dried beef? ›

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

See Details ›

Why are biscuits and gravy called 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 long is dried 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.

Do chefs wash steak before cooking? ›

While washing meat and poultry to remove dirt, slime, fat or blood may have been appropriate decades ago when many slaughtered and prepared their own food, the modern food safety system doesn't require it. Meat and poultry are cleaned during processing, so further washing is not necessary.

Explore More ›

Why clean meat with vinegar? ›

Older studies show that washing the surface of meat with an acidic solution like vinegar or lemon juice reduces the number of bacteria on raw meat, compared with washing with plain water (7).

Find Out More ›

What does SOS mean for food? ›

In U.S. military food terms, SOS generally implies some kind of meat in a sauce, served over toast (the toast being the “shingle”), and often served as a breakfast dish.

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.

When was chipped beef on toast invented? ›

The earliest date I could find was 1910, and its inclusion in The Manual For Army Cooks, where it was called “Stewed, chip beef.” That particular recipe called for 15 pounds of chipped beef to feed 60 men. Around WWII is when it became known as SOS but, it also had many other names…