One of the fondest memories from my childhood is sitting around my Grandma’s kitchen table, enjoying the delicious meals she prepared. As time passes, I find myself yearning for the nostalgic flavors of her signature dishes.
If you, too, have fond memories of meals at your grandparents’ (or parents’) home, you might recall this classic: creamed chipped beef served on toast. Not only is this recipe economical and easy to make, but it also satisfies with its comforting flavors.
Creamed chipped beef has its roots in military cuisine, prized for its simplicity in storage and preparation. It involves combining dehydrated beef with a creamy white sauce, then generously ladling it over a thick slice of toast or a fluffy Southern biscuit. Once the dried beef melds with the sauce, it transforms into a tender delight.
A straightforward recipe for creamed chipped beef and toast, requiring only six ingredients, was crafted by Southern Living. The luscious white sauce is concocted from flour, butter, and milk, subtly seasoned with pepper to enhance its taste.
For the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions, you can find them here. Some aficionados opt to add peas to their creamed chipped beef, a delightful addition in my opinion! Moreover, this dish pairs wonderfully with a side of green bean casserole. Bon appétit and enjoy your culinary adventures!
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces dried beef, thinly sliced (you can find this in the canned meat section of most grocery stores)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of toast (white or wheat, your preference)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dried Beef:
If the dried beef is very salty, you may want to rinse it under cold water to remove some of the saltiness. Pat it dry with paper towels, then chop or shred it into small pieces.
Make the Cream Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the raw flour smell dissipates.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Dried Beef:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped dried beef to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Be cautious with the salt, as the dried beef may already be salty.
Toast the Bread:
While the sauce is simmering, toast your bread slices until golden brown.
Serve:
Place a slice of toast on each plate and spoon the creamed chipped beef over the toast.
Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, savory comfort food!
