Homemade Creamed Chipped Beef Recipe

Introduction

Creamed chipped beef is a classic comfort food known for its rich, creamy sauce and savory dried beef. This simple dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner served over toasted bread.

Ingredients

• 4 oz dried beef (jarred or pouched)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
• 4-6 thick slices of sourdough or brioche bread
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the dried beef from the package and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form.
5. Step 5: Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and reaches a simmer.
6. Step 6: Stir in the chopped beef and black pepper (and nutmeg if using). Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. Step 7: While the beef simmers, toast your bread slices until golden brown and butter them lightly.
8. Step 8: Spoon the warm beef and gravy generously over the toast.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use sourdough or brioche bread for a sturdy base that soaks up the sauce without getting soggy.
• For a richer flavor, substitute some of the whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.
• Fresh thyme or chives can be added as alternative garnishes for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store any leftover creamed chipped beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of dried beef?

Yes, you can use any jarred or pouched dried beef you find at your local grocery store. Just be sure to rinse and chop it as directed to remove excess salt.

What can I substitute for sourdough or brioche bread?

Any sturdy bread like country white, rye, or even English muffins can work well. Avoid very soft or thin breads that might become soggy quickly.

Homemade Creamed Chipped Beef Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

Classic Homemade Creamed Chipped Beef is a comforting American dish featuring savory dried beef in a creamy white sauce, served over toasted sourdough or brioche bread. This rich and flavorful recipe combines a buttery roux with whole milk to create a smooth, velvety gravy seasoned with black pepper and a hint of nutmeg, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Sauce

• 4 oz dried beef (jarred or pouched)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

To Serve

• 4–6 thick slices of sourdough or brioche bread
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Remove the dried beef from its packaging and rinse under cold water to reduce saltiness. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels, then chop into approximately 1/2-inch pieces.
2. Melt the butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter until fully liquefied and slightly bubbling.
3. Create the roux: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup flour evenly over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour flavor and form a smooth paste.
4. Add milk gradually: Slowly whisk in the 3 cups of whole milk a little at a time, ensuring the mixture remains smooth with no lumps forming.
5. Thicken the sauce: Continue to cook while stirring frequently, allowing the sauce to thicken and come to a gentle simmer.
6. Incorporate beef and seasoning: Stir in the chopped dried beef along with 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper and an optional pinch of ground nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Toast the bread: While the beef mixture simmers, toast 4 to 6 thick slices of sourdough or brioche until golden brown, then lightly butter each slice.
8. Serve: Generously spoon the warm creamed chipped beef mixture over the toasted bread slices.
9. Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional black pepper on top if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Rinsing the dried beef helps reduce its intense saltiness, making the dish more balanced.
• Use whole milk for a rich and creamy sauce; low-fat or skim milk will yield a thinner texture.
• Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice flavor contrast and subtle heat.
• Sourdough or brioche bread works best for toasting due to their texture and taste, but any sturdy bread will do.
• For a nut-free version, omit the ground nutmeg entirely.
• This dish pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or a light green salad.

Keywords: Creamed chipped beef, dried beef gravy, creamy beef sauce, breakfast skillet, savory white sauce, comfort food, traditional American recipe