Last night I randomly shared a pic of our dinner on Facebook. That conversation was so fun! When I asked what it was, you said “Chipped Beef on Toast, Creamed Beef, SOS.” Yes, you all got it! (My mom never said the words in the acronym; she just said “Stuff on a Shingle”;))
This meal was a classic from my childhood. And as many of you mentioned it is a popular military meal from way back too. I can just tell from your comments, that this meal holds memories for many of you too. Interesting how food does that!.
So here is the “recipe” for classic Chipped Beef on Toast. I know this isn’t the healthiest meal, but it’s quick, cheap, and comforting.
Chipped beef is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. The dried and salted beef is simmered in a creamy white sauce to make a dish formally known as SOS (creamed chipped beef on toast). But can you use leftover corned beef instead of chipped beef?
The short answer is yes! Corned beef makes an excellent substitute for chipped beef in SOS. The salty seasoned flavor of corned beef pairs deliciously with the creamy gravy. With a few tweaks corned beef can transform this classic into an easy way to repurpose leftovers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- An overview of creamed chipped beef
- How to substitute corned beef for chipped beef
- Recipe adjustments needed when using corned beef
- Cooking tips for preparing the corned beef
- Serving ideas and variations on the classic dish
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
By the end, you’ll have all the information needed to successfully use corned beef in place of chipped beef for a unique twist on this comforting dish. Let’s get started!
An Overview of Creamed Chipped Beef
Another name for creamed chipped beef is SOS. It is a simple dish made of dried beef in a creamy gravy. A white sauce base of butter, flour, and milk is used to make the gravy. Chipped beef is thin slices of beef that has been salt-cured and dried in the air. It is sold in jars or plastic bags. When added to the gravy, the chipped beef soaks up the flavorful sauce. The dish is classically served over toast.
Some key characteristics that define creamed chipped beef include
- Shredded dried beef rehydrated in creamy gravy
- Mildly salty flavor from the cured meat
- Smooth, velvety texture from the flour-thickened sauce
- Comforting, nostalgic appeal as a familiar breakfast dish
By using corned beef, we can put a fun spin on this classic while still retaining its comforting essence
How to Use Corned Beef in Place of Chipped Beef
Corned beef makes an ideal substitute for chipped beef in creamed chipped beef recipes. To swap it in:
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Use leftover cooked corned beef or cook it specifically for this dish
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Chop the corned beef into small, minced pieces
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Add the chopped corned beef to the gravy instead of dried chipped beef
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Use a little corned beef cooking liquid to boost flavor
That’s it! The seasoned flavor of corned beef pairs deliciously with the creamy gravy. With just a few simple substitutions, you can give this classic comfort food a fun Irish-inspired twist.
Recipe Adjustments Needed for Corned Beef
When using corned beef instead of chipped beef, keep these recipe tweaks in mind:
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Reduce added salt, as corned beef is already quite salty
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Add other seasonings like black pepper, paprika or allspice to complement the corned beef
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Use corned beef cooking liquid instead of milk for more flavor
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Increase thickness with a little cornstarch if needed
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Add veggies like onions, carrots or potatoes to balance the saltiness
Corned beef’s distinct salty seasoning requires adjusting the gravy to prevent over-salting the dish. Otherwise, the steps remain the same for a tasty rendition of this classic.
Preparing the Corned Beef
For best results, start with cooked corned beef. Here are tips for preparing it:
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Cook corned beef according to package directions until fork tender
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Allow cooked corned beef to rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture
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Slice corned beef across the grain in thin pieces
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Chop slices into smaller 1/4 inch pieces for the gravy
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Save about 1/2 cup cooking liquid for extra flavor
Proper cooking and chopping gives you perfectly seasoned and textured corned beef ready to mix into the creamy gravy.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Get creative with how you serve the corned beef version of this dish:
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Over buttered toast for the classic SOS
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Nestled on top of cornbread instead of toast
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Served over mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
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Stuffed into an omelet along with veggies
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Over the top of cooked egg noodles or pasta
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Inside baked potatoes with cheddar cheese
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As a topping on shepherd’s pie or cottage pie
The salty savoriness of corned beef SOS pairs well with starchy sides and eggs. Take your pick for a satisfying meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When adapting this classic recipe with corned beef, avoid these common pitfalls:
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Overcooking the corned beef into tough, dry shreds
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Adding too much salt without tasting due to corned beef’s saltiness
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Not thickening enough to support chopped corned beef pieces
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Letting the gravy come to a full rolling boil and curdling the milk
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Using a weak cornstarch slurry that doesn’t adequately thicken
With proper corned beef cooking technique and gravy adjustments, you can avoid these issues and make perfect SOS.
The Verdict on Corned Beef in SOS
Creamed chipped beef is a nostalgic comfort food that can get a fun twist by using corned beef instead of the traditional chipped dried beef. The salty, robust flavor of corned beef pairs deliciously with the creamy white gravy. With a few simple recipe tweaks like reducing added salt and using the beef cooking liquid, corned beef can become a tasty, budget-friendly substitute. For a unique rendition of a classic dish, give SOS made with corned beef a try!
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Classic Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe
A Meal That Cost Less Than a Gallon of Gas? | Chipped Beef Gravy | Low-Cost Comfort Food | SOS Gravy
Is chipped beef better than corned beef?
Chipped beef is a more affordable option than corned beef, and is also lower in fat and calories. Corned beef, on the other hand, is made from a brisket of beef that is cured in a brine solution. The brine solution is made from a mixture of water, salt, and other seasonings. The brisket is then cooked and served as a sandwich filling.
How do you eat creamed chipped beef?
Creamed chipped beef is a classic meal of dried beef cooked in a roux of flour, butter, milk, salt, and pepper. It is generally served over toast. Rinse the dried beef in cold water and pat it dry. (Skip this step if using deli lunchmeat.) Roughly chop the beef into bite-size pieces. Set aside. Add the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat.
Can dried beef be used in creamed chipped beef?
Yes, dried beef can be used in creamed chipped beef. While any dried beef, including canned varieties, can be used, we recommend Buddig beef for this recipe as it is already cooked and comes chopped, and is not as salty as other brands. Seasonings: Freshly ground black pepper is the only seasoning used in this creamed chipped beef on toast recipe.
How do you cook chipped beef in a frying pan?
To cook chipped beef in a frying pan, 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. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and butter and stir it in until a paste forms.