Chipped Beef

If you’re looking for a classic, budget-friendly comfort food recipe, this Chipped Beef is it. Also known as Creamed Chipped Beef or “SOS,” this simple skillet meal is made with dried beef in a rich, creamy white sauce served over toasted bread.

With just a handful of pantry ingredients, butter, flour, milk, and jarred dried beef, you can have a hearty, filling meal on the table in under 20 minutes. It’s old-fashioned comfort food that stretches ingredients and feeds a family without stretching your grocery budget.

What Is Chipped Beef?

Chipped Beef is a classic American comfort food made with thin slices of dried beef cooked in a creamy white sauce and served over toast. It became popular during World War II because it was inexpensive, filling, and made with shelf-stable ingredients.

It’s often called “SOS” (which originally stood for “Stuff on a Shingle”), referring to the creamy beef mixture spooned over toast.

Today, it remains a nostalgic, budget-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy families.

Recipe Snapshot

• Serves: 6
• Ready In: 20 minutes
• Cooking Method: Stovetop
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Budget-Friendly: Yes
• Main Ingredients: Dried beef, butter, flour, milk
• Best Served: Over toast, biscuits, or potatoes
• Leftovers: Reheat beautifully

Ingredients

• Dried Beef – This is the classic ingredient that gives chipped beef its signature salty, savory flavor. Rinse briefly if you prefer a milder taste. If you do not want to use dried beef, you can use approximately 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained instead. 
• Butter – Creates the base for the creamy white sauce. Salted or unsalted both work.
• All Purpose Flour – Thickens the sauce and creates a smooth roux.
• Black Pepper – Adds classic flavor and balances the creaminess.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Whole Milk – Makes the sauce rich and creamy. You can substitute 2% if needed.
• Toasted Bread – Traditional serving option. Texas toast, white sandwich bread, or sourdough all work great.

How to Make Chipped Beef

Step 1 – Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  

Step 2 – Slice the beef into thin strips and then dice into small pieces. 

Step 3 – Add to the skillet and cook until warmed through.

Step 4 – Season the beef with salt, pepper and garlic powder.  

Step 5 – Stir in the flour and cook for approximately 2 minutes.

Step 6 – Slowly stir in the milk. Continue to stir the mixture and bring to a low simmer over medium.  Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.  Serve the mixture over the toast and enjoy!  

Tips for Success

• If you’re concerned about the salt content in the recipe, rinse the dried beef before adding it to the skillet.  
• Slice the beef into small pieces so it distributes evenly in the sauce.
• Cook the flour for at least 1–2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste.
• Add milk slowly while stirring to prevent lumps.
• Simmer gently — do not boil, or the sauce may separate.
• Toast the bread well so it holds up under the creamy sauce.

What to Serve with Chipped Beef?

This dish is traditionally served over toast, but you can also serve it:

• Over buttermilk biscuits
• On mashed potatoes
• Over baked potatoes
• With scrambled eggs for breakfast
• Over rice for a budget-friendly twist

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well while reheating.