Home » Recipes » Dinner » Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe (S.O.S)
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
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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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Dinner, Frugal Meal
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.
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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Reader Interactions
Comments
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.
Thanks for sharing you connection to this recipe and your “upgrades”.
We had this every other Tuesday. A lot of times my dad made it because it was his favorite.
I love the stories behind this recipe. Thanks for sharing yours.
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!!
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!
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FAQs
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 SOS gravy made of? ›
It's a simple recipe consisting of ground beef mixed with milk, margarine and beef broth.
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.
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.
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.
Is chipped beef the same as SOS? ›
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.").
Is biscuits and gravy the same as SOS? ›
As the recipe suggests, S.O.S. is less of a dish and more of a rubric: Make a sauce, add meat of some type, and serve over bread. In this light, the dish fits into the same culinary genre as the southern staple biscuits and gravy, or even the British classic beans on toast.
What meat is KFC gravy? ›
What is the gravy at KFC made of? The restaurant uses a simple combination of gravy powder, water, and – their secret ingredient – chicken crackling. This is a collection of the browned bits and pieces leftover from frying their world famous chicken.
What is a Southern gravy called? ›
Red-eye gravy is a Southern favorite. It requires just two ingredients: the drippings of pan-fried country ham and black coffee.
Why is it called sawmill gravy? ›
The term "sawmill gravy" comes from early logging camp food and old-time sawmills. It was originally made with cornmeal, bacon drippings, milk, and seasonings. This resulted in a somewhat gritty gravy; in fact, rumor has it that the loggers would accuse the cooks of putting sawdust in the recipe!
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.
Where did chip beef gravy originate? ›
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.
How long is chipped beef good for? ›
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. Really good dries beef that holds together well when cooked.
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 does SOS mean for food? ›
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.
Who invented creamed chipped beef on toast? ›
It seems evident that homemakers invented chipped beef on toast during the depression era, but we actually have our WWII vets to thank for this one. This meal was a traditional army recipe that was super easy to make, cheap, and incredibly filling.
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…
What are beef scraps called? ›
Beef trimmings are pieces of meat remaining after steaks, roasts, and other cuts are removed. Beef trimmings are very often used to make ground beef.
