Chipped Beef on Toast
A nostalgic American comfort food classic. Salty, savory dried beef is enveloped in a rich, creamy white gravy and served over crisp toast. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a quick, satisfying lunch.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Beef (2 minutes)
- b.Separate the slices of dried beef. For a less salty dish, briefly rinse the slices under cool water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- c.Roughly chop the beef into bite-sized pieces or ribbons.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Roux (2 minutes)
- b.In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- c.Whisk in the all-purpose flour until a smooth paste forms. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should be bubbly and golden.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Cream Gravy (5 minutes)
- b.Gradually pour in the room temperature milk, about half a cup at a time, while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
- c.Once all the milk is incorporated and the mixture is smooth, bring it to a gentle simmer.
- d.Continue to cook, stirring often, for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Season (3 minutes)
- b.Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped dried beef.
- c.Season with black pepper and the optional Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- d.Taste the gravy. Only add salt if necessary, as the beef is already very salty.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Toast and Serve (3 minutes)
- b.While the gravy simmers, toast the bread slices until golden brown and crisp.
- c.Place two slices of toast on each plate.
- d.Ladle the hot creamed chipped beef generously over the toast.
- e.Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest gravy, ensure your milk is at room temperature before adding it to the hot roux.
- 2Toast the bread well so it provides a sturdy base and doesn't become soggy immediately.
- 3If the gravy gets too thick, whisk in a splash more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 4A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a pleasant warmth to the dish.
- 5For an extra rich gravy, substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with heavy cream.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the dried beef with 1 cup of cooked, crumbled ground beef for the classic military 'S.O.S.' version. You can also use canned tuna or shredded chicken.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Stir in 1/2 cup of thawed frozen peas or corn along with the beef for added color and nutrition.
Serving StyleServing Style
Serve the creamed beef over split buttermilk biscuits, baked potatoes, or egg noodles instead of toast.
Flavor BoostFlavor Boost
Add 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder or a pinch of nutmeg to the gravy for more complex flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
The dried beef provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Calcium
Made with a significant amount of milk, this dish is a good source of calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Quick Energy Source
The carbohydrates from the toast and flour provide a quick and accessible source of energy to fuel your day.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Chipped Beef on Toast (2 slices of toast with gravy) contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the type of bread and milk used.