Description
Chipped Beef on Toast is a classic American comfort food featuring tender dried beef ribbons simmered in a creamy, savory white sauce, generously spooned over toasted thick-sliced bread. This hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch and can be easily prepared in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chipped Beef Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1-2 (2.25-oz) jars dried beef, roughly cut into ribbons
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- 2 cups milk, at room temperature
For Serving
- 6 slices thick sliced bread
- Freshly minced parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the dried beef ribbons and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they darken in color and start to crisp slightly, enhancing their flavor.
- Create the Roux and Spice it Up: Stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and ground nutmeg into the skillet. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it becomes golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. This step helps cook out the flour taste and builds the sauce base.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking and cooking for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon before removing from heat.
- Toast the Bread: While the sauce is thickening, toast the thick slices of bread until golden and crisp to provide a sturdy base for the sauce.
- Serve: Place 1-2 slices of toasted bread on each plate. Generously ladle the creamy chipped beef gravy over the toast. Optionally, garnish with freshly minced parsley for a fresh, colorful touch before serving immediately.
Notes
- Leftovers: Store any leftover creamed chipped beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Optional: For a meatier sauce, double the amount of dried beef used in the recipe.
- Use fresh milk at room temperature to ensure the sauce thickens smoothly without curdling.
- To vary the spice level, adjust or omit the cayenne pepper based on your taste preference.
- For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk or adding a splash of cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 slices toast with chipped beef sauce)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: Thirty-seven, 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
