Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or weeknight dinners.

• Comforting Flavors: The creamy sauce paired with savory dried beef offers a nostalgic taste that warms the soul.

• Versatile: Serve it over toast, biscuits, or even waffles for a delightful meal.

• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients commonly found in your pantry.

• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with spices or alternative proteins to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 jar of dried beef slices, rinsed well and chopped

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Pinch of cayenne pepper

• 2 cups milk

• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• Bread, toasted

Directions

1. Rinse the dried beef slices thoroughly to reduce saltiness. Pat them dry and chop into bite-sized pieces.

2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

3. Add the flour and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the melted butter, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly golden, about 45 seconds.

4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

5. Stir in the chopped dried beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

6. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

7. Serve the creamed chipped beef over toasted bread slices.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper for more heat.

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute dried beef with sautéed mushrooms or tofu slices.

• Herb-Infused: Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce for added flavor.

• Cheesy Delight: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.

• Alternative Bases: Serve over biscuits, English muffins, or hash browns instead of toast.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover creamed chipped beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

• Note: Store the sauce separately from the toast to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

What is chipped beef?

Chipped beef is a form of pressed, salted, and dried beef that has been sliced into thin pieces. It's often used in dishes like Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast due to its savory flavor and long shelf life.

Can I use fresh beef instead of dried beef?

While traditional recipes use dried beef, you can substitute with thinly sliced cooked beef or even deli roast beef. Keep in mind that the flavor and saltiness may vary.

How can I reduce the saltiness of dried beef?

Rinsing the dried beef slices under cold water and patting them dry before use can help reduce their saltiness.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and serve the creamed beef over gluten-free bread to make this dish gluten-free.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the creamed chipped beef sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving over freshly toasted bread.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Common sides include scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Can I freeze creamed chipped beef?

Freezing is not recommended as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.

What type of bread works best?

Thick slices of white, sourdough, or Texas toast are ideal as they hold up well under the creamy sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the flour and butter thoroughly to create a smooth roux, and add the milk gradually while continuously whisking to maintain a smooth consistency.

Is this dish suitable for children?

Yes, it's generally kid-friendly. You may want to omit the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast is a timeless comfort food that combines simplicity with rich, savory flavors. Whether you're reminiscing about childhood meals or discovering this classic for the first time, it's a dish that promises warmth and satisfaction. With its quick preparation and versatile nature, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.