Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – ready in under 30 minutes
- Rich, creamy white sauce from scratch
- Budget-friendly ingredients with big flavor
- Classic American nostalgia — diner-style at home
- Easily customizable for modern tastes
✅Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Creamed Chipped Beef:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for ultra creaminess)
- 1 jar (8 oz) dried beef (Hormel, Buddig, or similar)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
For the Toast:
- 4–6 slices thick-cut bread (Texas toast, sourdough, brioche)
- Butter for toasting (optional but encouraged)
✅ Instructions – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Dried Beef
- Remove the beef from the jar or packaging.
- Rinse under cold water to reduce excess salt (important!).
- Pat dry with paper towels and slice or tear into bite-sized pieces.
⭐Pro Tip: Don’t skip rinsing the beef — it balances the saltiness and keeps the final dish from becoming overly briny.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour, forming a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. The goal is to remove the raw flour taste without browning the roux.
- Slowly whisk in the warm milk (and heavy cream, if using) — whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir the sauce until it thickens to a smooth, gravy-like consistency, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well.
⭐Step 3: Add the Dried Beef
- Stir in the prepared dried beef.
- Simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust salt only if needed — the dried beef is salty on its own, so be cautious.
⭐ Step 4: Toast the Bread
- While the sauce simmers, toast your thick-cut bread until golden brown.
- For extra flavor, butter the toast lightly while it’s still warm.
⭐ Step 5: Assemble & Serve
- Place 1–2 slices of toast on each plate.
- Generously ladle the warm chipped beef sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper for presentation.
- Serve immediately.
📝 Serving Suggestions
- Brunch-Style Upgrade: Top with a fried or poached egg for extra richness.
- Texture Twist: Add caramelized onions, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne, dash of hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Version: Add a handful of shredded cheddar or parmesan to the cream sauce.
- enjoy 😍