Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (Shit on a Shingle)
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast – Also known fondly as “Shit on a Shingle,” this Creamed Chipped Beef recipe is a classic breakfast staple that is simple to make and oh-so-satisfying to enjoy.
Why We Love This Creamed Chipped Beef Recipe
There’s no better way to start the day than with a good breakfast.
Some mornings you want something light and healthy, like a smoothie, to get going. On other days you need a rich breakfast meal that really “sticks to your ribs,” as my mom would say. Something served hot that’s heavy, meaty, salty, and truly scrumptious.
We are big fans of biscuits and gravy, but it’s a yummy combination that can take quite a bit of time and effort to make. This Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast recipe has a similar rich and satisfying taste, but takes only a few minutes to whip up for a quick breakfast.
You’ve probably had (and likely loved) this dish before, sometimes called “Shit on a Shingle” or simply SOS. It has been a staple for generations as a cheap, simple, and hearty go-to breakfast… And, despite the nickname, should definitely be in your regular rotation of breakfast and brunch recipes!
What is creamed chipped beef?
Creamed chipped beef, also known as “Shit on a Shingle” is a retro war-time recipe made with white bread, dried Buddig Beef slices, and white gravy… Which were easy ingredients to find when rations were low. These are items still readily available at nearly any grocery store, and are usually pretty inexpensive.
Although this humble Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast recipe goes by a name that doesn’t sound very appetizing, it is in truth ultra-rich and utterly comforting. Creamy white gravy with wonderfully salty beef smothers the toast, creating a great mix of textures and flavors. It is simply everything you want for breakfast… Or a snack, or lunch, and yes also for dinner.
Try making it for yourself at home, and you’ll see why this classic cream chipped beef recipe has stayed popular for so long!
What Ingredients You Need
The original recipe for “Shit on a Shingle” was created in the early 1900s as a military meal, with just a few pantry staples, all of which are still used today.
Here is everything needed to make the best Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast:
- Dried beef slices – like Buddig Beef
- Unsalted butter – the beef slices have plenty of salt!
- All-purpose flour – you can also use GF flour mix
- Milk – we recommend whole milk
- Spices – onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (salt and black pepper for taste.)
- Texas toast – brioche, or thick-cut white bread
Pro Tip: If you can’t find dried beef such as Buddig Beef, you can use thin pieces of pastrami, beef, ham, or turkey sliced deli meat. These won’t be as salty so you might need to add a pinch of salt to your creamy white sauce gravy.
How to Make Creamed Chipped Beef AKA “Shit on a Shingle”
From start to finish, this easy breakfast recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make. It is perfect for whipping up as a last-minute meal before heading out the door or when you’re just enjoying a relaxing day at home.
First, cut the Buddig Beef into strips, and then into short segments.
Next, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, quickly whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue whisking as you cook the roux for just a few minutes, until light-gold in color.
Then whisk in the milk. Keep whisking and add the onion powder, thyme, and cayenne. Simmer the gravy to thicken for another couple of minutes. Add in the dried beef, stir, and cook another minute or two to warm the beef and thicken the gravy. If the gravy thickens too much, just add another splash of milk to reach the consistency you like.
While you’re making the cream chipped beef, toast the white bread slices in a toaster. Once the gravy is your preferred thickness, place 2 slices of toast on each plate and cover it with cream chipped beef.
I usually serve this dish with scrambled or fried eggs. You can also include a side of fresh fruit to lighten up and add a bit of sweetness to the meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Creamed chipped beef is generally made with chopped dried beef that is cooked in a creamy, lightly seasoned sauce. My version adds some extra herbs and spices for added flavor!
Chipped beef is salted, dried beef that has been pressed and sliced into thin pieces. This salty form of beef makes creamed chipped beef have loads of flavor! And since it is so salty, there is no need to add salt to this recipe. If you add salt, it will probably end up being too salty!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days! You can reheat and serve over more toast or even biscuits!
Try our classic Chipped Beef Dip Recipe, for a bold zesty appetizer or party snack!
Get the Complete Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe + Video Below. Enjoy!
Looking for More Classic Breakfast Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
- The Creamiest Cheese Grits
- Easy Waffle Recipe
- Corned Beef Hash Recipe
- How to Make French Toast
- Breakfast Fruit Pizza
- Sweet Potato Hash
Check the printable recipe card below for nutrition information including calories, carbohydrates, protein, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, fiber, vitamin, and calcium percentages.
Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (Shit on a Shingle)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried beef slices (Buddig Beef)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 slices Texas toast, brioche, or thick-cut white sandwich bread
Instructions
- Cut the Buddig Beef into strips, then into short segments. (Approximately ½ X 1 inch)
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes until light-gold in color.
- Whisk in the milk. Then add the onion powder, thyme, and cayenne. Simmer to thicken for 2-3 minutes. Then add in the dried beef. Cook another 1-2 minutes to warm the beef and thicken. (If the gravy thickens too much, add another splash of milk.)
- Meanwhile, toast the white bread slices in a toaster. Once the creamed chipped beef is your preferred thickness, place 2 slices of toast on each plate and cover with chipped beef gravy.
I added more pepper doubled the onion and garlic powders. It tasted better to me.
Making this right now for the literal 20th time ,×while it’s simmering I thought I’d tell you what a perfect recipe this is ! Love the cayenne , and I make a roll of Bob Evans spicy sausage crumbled and my husband and son put it on top of theirs but hands down I am so happy this is the recipe I chose to follow and thank you so much for putting it online for me
My Grandma used to make this with hamburger meat. So delicious!
I Haven’t made this for many years. Your recipe is like an adult version, with the spices adds flavor and subtle spiciness.
Loved it.
Drop a poached egg on top of the chipped beef and you’ll instantly be catapulted into the stratosphere of Best Breakfast Cook on the Planet. Add a side of thinly sliced fried potatoes and you’ll be crowned King or Queen of the Breakfast Universe.
You think I’m kidding?