A Comfort Food Classic
If you grew up with old-school diner breakfasts or military mess hall meals, then Chipped Beef Gravy on Toast probably brings back warm, savory memories. Also lovingly known as “S.O.S.”, this dish is rich, creamy, salty, and comforting—served hot over toast and perfect for mornings when only a stick-to-your-ribs meal will do.
I love this recipe because it’s fast, filling, and made with pantry staples. The creamy white sauce with salty, chopped dried beef is simple to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s retro comfort food at its finest.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What is chipped beef?
Chipped beef is dried, pressed, salted beef that comes in thin slices, usually sold in jars or packets. It’s shelf-stable and adds salty, meaty flavor to creamy dishes like this one.
Q: What does “S.O.S.” stand for?
Historically, this dish was nicknamed “Sh*t on a Shingle” by soldiers, referring to the beef gravy over toast—fondly or not, depending on who you ask!
Q: Can I use another type of meat?
Yes! You can use deli roast beef, corned beef, or even ham chopped finely. But dried chipped beef is the classic.
Q: Is this the same as creamed beef?
Yes—this is essentially creamed chipped beef, traditionally served over toast, biscuits, or even mashed potatoes.
Q: Can I make it less salty?
Soaking the beef slices in warm water for 5–10 minutes and draining them helps remove excess salt.
What You Need to Make Chipped Beef Gravy Toast
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 jar (2.5 oz) chipped beef, rinsed and chopped
- Pinch of black pepper
- 4 slices of toasted bread (white, wheat, or sourdough)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley, paprika, or a fried egg
How to Make Old-School Chipped Beef Gravy Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Remove chipped beef from the jar, rinse under warm water, pat dry, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Roux
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux.
Step 3: Add the Milk
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until thickened.
Step 4: Stir in the Beef
- Add the chopped beef and a pinch of black pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Serve Over Toast
- Spoon the gravy generously over toasted bread.
- Garnish with parsley or a pinch of paprika if desired.
- Serve hot and dig in!
Tips for the Best Chipped Beef Gravy
✔ Rinse the beef if you’re salt-sensitive—it makes a big difference.
✔ Whisk constantly when adding the milk to avoid a lumpy sauce.
✔ Use whole milk for the creamiest, most authentic texture.
✔ Toast your bread well so it doesn’t go soggy under the gravy.
✔ Double the gravy and serve leftovers over biscuits, baked potatoes, or rice.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “My dad used to make this when I was little. Brought back so many memories—tasted just like I remembered!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Simple, salty, comforting. I added a fried egg on top and it was perfect.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “I made this for my kids and they loved it—who knew a vintage recipe would be such a hit!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Takes me back to my army days. Easy to make, filling, and totally nostalgic.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Delicious and satisfying. Definitely adding this to my breakfast-for-dinner rotation.”
Printable Recipe
Old-School Chipped Beef Gravy Toast
This Old-School Chipped Beef Gravy Toast is a nostalgic classic made with a creamy white sauce and salty dried beef served over toasted bread—simple, hearty comfort food!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 jar (2.5 oz) chipped beef, rinsed and chopped
- Pinch of black pepper
- 4 slices of toasted bread (white, wheat, or sourdough)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley, paprika, or a fried egg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Remove chipped beef from the jar, rinse under warm water, pat dry, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Roux
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux.
Step 3: Add the Milk
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until thickened.
Step 4: Stir in the Beef
- Add the chopped beef and a pinch of black pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Serve Over Toast
- Spoon the gravy generously over toasted bread.
- Garnish with parsley or a pinch of paprika if desired.
- Serve hot and dig in!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If this Old-School Chipped Beef Gravy Toast took you back or won you over with its simplicity, don’t forget to share it with friends, pin it for later, or send it to someone who loves vintage comfort food. Tag your creations with #funcraftykitchen so I can see how you serve it up!
