Of course! Here is a comprehensive, in-depth look at the classic comfort food, Creamed Chipped Beef, presented as a “big recipe” with all the elements you requested.
Introduction: A Dish Steeped in Comfort and Nostalgia
Creamed Chipped Beef, often colloquially and irreverently known as “S.O.S.” or “Sh*t on a Shingle,” is a recipe that evokes strong feelings of nostalgia. For many, it’s a taste of childhood, a family breakfast tradition, or a reminder of time served in the military. It is not a dish of haute cuisine, but one of humble origins and profound comfort. At its core, it is a simple, creamy, peppery white sauce laden with thin slices of dried beef, served piping hot over a slice of toasted bread. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, its affordability, and its incredible ability to satisfy.
A Brief History: From Army Kitchens to Family Tables
The history of Creamed Chipped Beef is deeply intertwined with the United States military, particularly during World War I and World War II. The armed forces needed a way to feed vast numbers of troops with ingredients that were non-perishable, cheap, and easy to transport and prepare. Dried or salted beef, which could last for months without refrigeration, was a perfect candidate.
Military cooks would reconstitute the salty beef in water, create a large-volume white sauce from rations of flour, butter, and milk, and serve it over toast—a simple way to stretch expensive protein and fill hungry soldiers. The toast, or “shingle,” was an efficient base that could be made from standard-issue bread. The dish’s efficiency and stick-to-your-ribs nature made it a military staple, and millions of soldiers brought their taste for it—and its memorable nickname—back home, cementing its place in American comfort food lore.
The Benefits and Formation: Why It Works
· Economic Staple: The dish is incredibly cost-effective, using a small amount of preserved meat to create a hearty meal for a family.
· Comforting “Formation”: The formation is key to its appeal. The toast provides a sturdy, crisp base that contrasts with the creamy sauce. The sauce itself is a classic Béchamel, a “mother sauce” of French cuisine, made by forming a roux (a cooked mixture of fat and flour) and then slowly incorporating milk to create a smooth, velvety texture. The chipped beef, once rinsed and sautéed, adds a savory, salty, and textural counterpoint throughout the sauce.
· Customizable: It’s a perfect “canvas” dish. While the classic is perfect, it can be easily adapted with the addition of peas, sautéed mushrooms, or a dash of hot sauce.
For the Lovers of Savory Breakfasts
This dish is for those who crave a hearty, savory start to their day. It’s for the home cook who finds joy in the simple alchemy of a perfectly made white sauce. It’s for veterans and their families remembering meals past, and for a new generation discovering the profound comfort of a recipe that was born from necessity but perfected by taste.
The Recipe: Classic Creamed Chipped Beef
Ingredients:
· 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
· 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
· 3 cups whole milk, warmed (plus more for thinning if needed)
· 1 (8-ounce) jar dried beef, thinly sliced
· 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (to taste)
· 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
· 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)
· A dash of Worcestershire sauce (optional)
· 6 slices of good-quality bread (white, Texas toast, or sourdough work well)
· Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Methods & Instructions
Method 1: The Stovetop & Oven-Broil Method
This is the traditional and most common method, giving you full control over the sauce.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Unpack the dried beef.It is notoriously salty, so this step is crucial. Rinse the slices thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels, then chop or tear the slices into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef
In a medium to large skillet or saucepan,melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it just begins to crisp slightly at the edges. This step deepens its flavor. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Create the Roux
In the same skillet,melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted and foamy, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and smells slightly nutty. Do not let it brown.
Step 4: Build the Sauce (Béchamel)
Gradually pour in the warmed milk,whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Once the sauce has thickened to a creamy,gravy-like consistency, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the black pepper, optional garlic powder, nutmeg, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the reserved sautéed beef back into the sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust pepper (you likely will not need added salt).
Step 6: Prepare the Toast
While the sauce is simmering,toast your bread until golden and crisp. For an authentic “shingle” experience, you can place the toasted bread on a baking sheet and briefly run it under the oven broiler to make it extra crisp and sturdy.
Step 7: Serve
Place a slice of hot toast on a plate.Ladle a generous amount of the creamed chipped beef over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~450-550
Total Fat 25-30g
Saturated Fat 15-18g
Cholesterol 80-100mg
Sodium 1500-2000mg
Carbohydrates 35-40g
Protein 20-25g
Important Note: This is a hearty, indulgent dish. The sodium content is high primarily due to the dried beef, even after rinsing. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Comfort
Creamed Chipped Beef is far more than the sum of its simple parts. It is a culinary time capsule, a direct link to a pivotal era in history, and a testament to the power of comfort food. It proves that a meal doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated to be deeply satisfying and memorable. Whether you call it by its proper name or its famous moniker, making this dish is a way to connect with a piece of American culinary history and create new, warm memories around your own breakfast table. For the lovers of rich, savory, and nostalgic dishes, it remains an unbeatable classic.
