Shit on a Shingle is a funny name for a great recipe. Also called SOS recipe or creamed chipped beef, you’ll love this easy breakfast recipe!
This easy creamed chipped beef recipe is the perfect way to start your morning. Creamy dried beef gravy over a thick slice of crunchy toast is a great addition to other breakfast favorites like crockpot breakfast casserole or a homemade bear claw.
Shit on a Shingle (Creamed Chipped Beef)
Shit on a Shingle
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 Creamy, hearty, and delicious
📌 A filling breakfast with protein, dairy, and carbs
📌 Super nostalgic!
Creamed Chipped Beef Ingredients
- Beef – Dried beef, also sometimes called chipped beef. Located near the canned tuna and spam in most markets.
- Butter – Salted or unsalted depending on your preference. The dried beef is salted so you’ll want to keep that in mind.
- Flour – All purpose flour.
- Milk – Whole milk.
- Seasonings – Salt and pepper, to taste.
- Toast – For serving. We like a hearty thick sliced bread like Texas toast. Brioche would be a good option as well.
How do you make creamed chipped beef on toast? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, in a skillet, melt the butter, then add the flour and whisk together. Continue cooking.
⭐ Next, whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the milk has thickened. Remove from heat.
⭐ Then, stir in the chopped beef and season with salt and pepper to taste.
⭐ Finally, spoon the chipped beef gravy over your toast.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
What kind of meat for SOS recipe?
SOS (shit on a shingle), also called creamed chipped beef on toast uses dried beef (also called chipped beef for the way it is prepared).
Can you make creamed chipped beef ahead of time?
Absolutely, chipped beef gravy can be prepared a few days ahead and stored in the refrigerator or longer and kept in the freezer. You’ll want to make the toast right before you’re ready to eat though.
What kind of toast for shit on a shingle?
This is definitely a matter of preference, but we like a good hearty thick sliced bread, like Texas toast.
You could also use brioche if you want to balance the salty gravy with some sweetness or even make a batch of French bread for it!
Storage and leftovers
How long does creamed chipped beef last?
Store in the refrigerator in an air tight container for 3 – 4 days or longer in the freezer.
Can you freeze dried beef gravy?
Yes! Allow it to cool, then store in an airtight freezer safe container in the freezer for up to a month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
How do you reheat creamed chipped beef?
Reheat on the stove top over low/medium heat. If it has thickened in the refrigerator, you can whisk in more milk or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
You can also reheat in the microwave on high in 30 second increments, stirring between heat cycles.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called ‘shit on a shingle’?
The exact origin of the recipes name is unknown, but it is rumored to have come from the military.
This was a common meal served to soldiers during World War II and it is believed that SOS was a way to describe it’s appearance (like a piece of wooden roofing material with shit on top).
It is also called creamed chipped beef, creamed dried beef on toast, and S.O.S.
What is chipped beef?
Chipped beef (also called dried beef) is shelf stable thin slices of beef that have been salted and air-dried or smoked to extend their shelf life. The name “chipped beef” comes from the traditional method of preparation, where the dried beef is typically sliced into thin, chip-like pieces.
What is the difference between sausage gravy and creamed chipped beef?
The recipes are nearly identical with the difference being one is made with dried beef and the other with ground sausage.
Also traditionally sausage gravy is served over biscuits while SOS is served on toast.
What can I add to my gravy?
We like this classic and just as it is, but if you want to mix things up, try adding fresh herbs like sage and rosemary, red pepper flakes for spice, a dollop of whole ground mustard, sautéed onions and mushrooms, or some crumbled bacon.
Tips and tricks
✅ Choose quality beef: Look for a high-quality chipped beef that is tender and not overly salty. You can find it pre-packaged at grocery stores or delis.
✅ Soak or rinse the beef: If you find the chipped beef too salty, you can soak it in cold water or rinse it briefly to remove excess salt.
✅ Prepare the white sauce carefully: The white gravy is a crucial component of creamed chipped beef. Stir constantly while cooking the sauce to avoid lumps and ensure a silky texture.
✅ Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving, and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You can add black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or other herbs and spices to enhance the flavor if you’d like.
✅ Serve immediately: Creamed chipped beef is best enjoyed when served immediately after preparation. This helps maintain the texture and temperature of the dish. If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, you can thin it out with a little extra milk or cream.
More delicious breakfast recipes
- White chocolate banana bread
- Air fryer bagel recipe
- Hard boiled eggs in the air fryer
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Sausage gravy recipe
- See all our easy breakfast recipes!
Tools we love
- Enameled cast iron pot – I love this pot for our one pot meals, soups, and so much more!
- Wooden spatula – My wooden spatulas are my absolute favorite to stir with. I don’t know why, but I feel like a real cook when I use them.
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How to Make Shit on a Shingle (Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast)
Shit on a Shingle
Ingredients
- 8 slices toasted bread we used Texas toast
- 8 ounces dried beef chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium sized skillet, melt the butter, then add the flour and whisk together. Cook for a 2 - 3 minutes while stirring.
- Whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the milk has thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the chopped beef and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the creamed mixture over the slices of toast.
Notes
Nutrition
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Shit on a Shingle
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Deb says
This is also good on mashed potatoes.
Sherry says
Thanks for the memories! As a military Brat we had SOS on many occasions. Saw your recipe and will be making soon. Thanks for all tour great recipes and easy to follow directions Happy Memorial Day!.