Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast (S.O.S.)

This creamed chipped beef on toast (aka S.O.S.) is an upgraded version of a traditional budget-friendly military breakfast. It features toasted sourdough bread smothered in a creamy dried beef gravy. It's savory, hearty, and the perfect meal for anyone who enjoys comfort food.

For savory breakfast options, try my cathead biscuits, potatoes O'Brien, hashbrowns egg cups, or tater tot breakfast casserole.

Jump to:

• 🥘 Ingredients
• 🔪 How To Make Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast
• 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
• ⭐ Testimonials
• 🥡 Storing & Reheating
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments & Reviews

This creamy chipped beef gravy recipe is one of my husband's favorites (or, S.O.S., as he calls it), and a bonus is that it's completely budget-friendly. It's a similar dish to classic biscuits and gravy but is much simpler and quicker to prepare.

It's one of my Grandma's recipes that needs no adjustment, just mix, toast, and serve. I've made this for decades, and the whole family enjoys it for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

🥘 Ingredients

• Dried Beef Slices - Also known as chipped beef, you should be able to find this at most grocery stores near the breakfast meats. I'm using my area's most commonly found brand, a brand I recognize from my childhood, Carl Buddig.
• Roux - Unsalted butter is melted and whisked together with all-purpose flour and milk to form a roux, which acts as the gravy base.
• Seasonings - Onion powder, dried thyme, and some optional cayenne pepper.
• Sourdough - Sliced sourdough bread will be toasted and used to serve your chipped beef gravy. Pick a sturdy bread to serve with your beefy gravy.

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Make Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast

This simple breakfast will be on the table in only fifteen minutes! Make sure you have a cutting board, a knife, your measuring utensils, a toaster, and a large skillet.

This recipe will make enough for four servings of two pieces of toast each.

Make The Chipped Beef Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the beef. Prepare your 8 ounces (227 grams) of dried beef slices by rinsing them under cool water, patting them dry, and then chopping them. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the roux. Melt ¼ cup (57 grams) of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup (31 grams) of all-purpose flour and cook for a couple of minutes or until golden in color.

Step 3: Add milk and seasonings. Slowly whisk in 3 cups (710 milliliters) of milk and add the seasonings (½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and the optional ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper).

Step 4: Simmer. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the prepared dried beef to the gravy and continue to cook for a couple more minutes or until thickened.

Toast Your Bread & Serve

Step 5: Toast the bread. While the gravy is cooking, toast your eight slices of sourdough bread.

Step 6: Serve. Cover the toasted bread with the chipped beef gravy and serve immediately.

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

• Rinse the meat. Dried beef is incredibly salty, so it is very important that you rinse it well before using it. I usually rinse until the water runs clear. I feel this is key to making the best chipped beef gravy.
• Adjust the consistency. If your gravy becomes too thick, add another milk splash.
• Use your favorite bread. Feel free to switch up the type of bread you use. Try it with Texas toast, brioche, biscuits, waffles, or even chaffles. You'll want to use a variety of bread that can hold up to the wetness of the gravy.
• Don't skip cooking the flour. Once the flour has been whisked into the melted butter, let it cook for a few minutes. If you immediately add the milk, your gravy will taste like flour. The longer the roux cooks, the more flavorful the gravy will become.

⭐ Testimonials

In response to an email, a reader shared how to make this a true breakfast treat:

Add chopped boiled eggs to the chipped beef. My Grandmother's recipe. Really makes it feel like breakfast.

~ Karen

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Your chipped beef on toast should be enjoyed immediately, as the toast will become soggy. However, you can store any leftover gravy in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating

Reheat your gravy on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Serve over freshly toasted bread.

Make In Advance

The bechamel sauce (the base sauce for this gravy) freezes exceptionally well. Just hold off on adding the meat until it's thawed and reheated for a fresh batch of this comfort food dish in no time at all.

📖 Recipe Card