Creamed chipped beef on toast, also called SOS or Shit on a Shingle, is a vintage military recipe that doubles as a quick, hearty breakfast comfort food.
The simple white sauce combined with the fried chipped beef, all poured over thick toasted bread, will be your new favorite comfort food breakfast recipe.
If you have an extra packet of dried chipped beef, you are going to want to make my favorite chipped beef dip recipe or a chipped beef cheese ball. And if you love to make dips you are going to want to try my cast iron pizza dip, hot artichoke spinach dip, and my easy Mexican corn dip.
Ingredients to make shit on a shingle recipe:
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
Tip
Chipped beef is very salty on its own, so taste before adding extra salt.
Is buddig beef the same as chipped beef?
Buddig beef and chipped beef are similar, but not quite the same:
- Chipped beef is dried, thinly sliced, and salted. It's often sold in jars or pouches and has a concentrated, salty flavor. This is the traditional choice for SOS.
- Buddig beef is a lunch meat-style beef. It's not dried or salted, so the flavor is milder and the texture softer. It can work in a pinch, but won't deliver the same salty punch or texture as true chipped beef.
If you want the classic retro flavor, stick with chipped beef.
How to Make Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (Shit on a Shingle)
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and add the diced chipped beef.
- Fry the dried beef over medium-high heat until it curls up and takes on color.
- Add the flour by sprinkling it over the meat and butter.
- Stir until it forms a paste (roux).
- Slowly add warmed milk, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Season with black pepper (and Worcestershire if using).
- Serve hot over thick, toasted bread.
Did you make this recipe?
Do you have feedback that would be helpful to others? If so can help this small business owner by leaving a rating and a review in the comments section? Thank you for being part of the Savoring The Good Community. ~ Sarah
Pro Tips for a Lump-Free Sauce
Here are some tips to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce every time:
- Start with a proper roux: Cook butter and flour together for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add milk slowly: Start with a splash, whisk until smooth, then add more.
- Keep stirring: Use a whisk or spoon constantly while adding milk.
- Warm milk (optional): Warm milk blends more smoothly into the roux.
- Break up clumps early: If lumps form, whisk them out before the sauce thickens.
Why Is Chipped Beef on Toast Called SOS?
SOS is old military slang for this dish. Depending on who you ask, it can mean:
- Shit on a Shingle
- Stew on a Shingle
- Same Old Stuff
- Save Our Stomachs
Chipped beef on toast was served in U.S. military mess halls during wartime, earning a reputation as filling, inexpensive fuel for soldiers.
My father served in the military, so I grew up hearing it called "SOS." The first time I used that nickname at the table, he was less than amused, but the name stuck for me ever since.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Yes, you can prepare SOS in advance and it reheats well with a little care:
- Prepare the creamed beef: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
- Toast fresh: Always toast the bread right before serving so it stays crisp.
- Freezing option: Creamed chipped beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently with extra milk.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over thick toast (Texas toast, sourdough, or homemade white bread).
- Try it over biscuits, English muffins, or even baked potatoes.
- Pair with fried eggs and coffee for a full hearty breakfast.
Creamed chipped beef on toast questions, answers and tips:
If the gravy boils too long it can become pasty. Reduce the heat and whisk in a tablespoon of milk at a time until smooth.
Yes, but the results differ. Buddig beef is softer and less salty, corned beef has a stronger cured flavor, and roast beef is mild. Chipped beef is best for the classic flavor.
Thick, sturdy bread holds up best. Texas toast, sourdough, or homemade white bread are excellent choices.
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Seasonal Favorite
Cranberry Salsa
Try this instead of cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving.
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and add the diced chipped beef.3 Tablespoon Butter, 3 Ounces dried chipped beef
- Fry the dried beef over medium high heat until it curls up and takes on color.
- Add the flour by sprinkling it over the meat and butter.2 Tablespoon Flour, All Purpose
- Stir the flour into the butter and chipped beef until a paste forms.
- Slowly add warmed milk to the pan, stirring as you add it with a wooden spoon.1 Cup Whole Milk
- Bring to a boil, stiring occasionally. Allow to thicken to desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add the Worcestershire sauce, if desired.1 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, Salt and pepper
- Serve over thick, toasted bread.4 pieces texas toast
Nutrition
Nutrition Discolure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
Video
Notes
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 15 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
Lesa says
Can you use regular 2% milk instead of whole milk?
Sarah Mock says
yes!! For sure! In my opinion the 2% milk will be not as thick as if you used the whole milk. You may want to reduce the sauce longer.
Connie says
I did make it. I was successful. Have been looking for exact recipe my mother used for years. I am old now. This is it! The meat is a bit salty. We washed it prior to cooking, but be careful not to wash way to much.Thank you so much!
Randy says
Thanks for the instructions.
Mary K says
So many memories of chipped beef on toast! A comfort food for me!
wilhelmina says
This is simple and easy, thanks for the recipe!
Sarah says
Thanks Wilhemina! Sometimes simple is the best.
Jennifer Farley says
Delicious! Thank you for this recipe!
Sarah says
You are welcome Jennifer. I hope your family loves it as much as mine does.