shit on a shingle recipe
- The Best shit on a shingle recipe
- Shit on a Shingle (Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast)
- 🥘Ingredients
- 👨🍳Directions
- 🔧Equipment
- 📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 📝Notes
- Watch Video Of How Shit on a Shingle (Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast) Works
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Shit on a Shingle (Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast)
The Best shit on a shingle recipe
What I love most about this dish is how adaptable it is. You can use ground turkey or even lentils if you want to lighten it up, and it still tastes great. The gravy is made with milk and a little flour, so it’s got some protein and calcium, and the toast gives you that carb energy to keep everyone going. My youngest, who’s picky about textures, doesn’t even complain about the gravy—it’s smooth enough that she doesn’t notice it’s there. It’s also perfect for those busy weeknights when you’ve got homework and sports practices pulling everyone in different directions. Ten minutes of prep, twenty minutes on the stove, and you’ve got a meal that fills the table without filling the sink with dishes.
I’ve also found that it’s a great way to use up leftovers. If I’ve got a little ground beef from taco night or some extra bread that’s going stale, this recipe comes together in no time. And because it’s so simple, my kids have even started making it themselves when they’re home alone after school. There’s something about a meal that’s easy enough for a twelve-year-old to master that makes it a winner in my book. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that feels nostalgic without being complicated—like something your grandma might have made, but without the hours of simmering. It’s just good, honest food that does the job.
Shit on a Shingle (Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast)
A classic military and diner staple, this dish features creamy chipped beef served over crispy toast. Simple, hearty, and nostalgic, it’s a quick meal with bold flavors.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 (2.5 oz) jars dried chipped beef, rinsed and chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 4 slices thick-cut white or sourdough bread
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting)
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Rinse the chipped beef under warm water to remove excess salt, then pat dry and chop into smaller pieces. -
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. -
3
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. -
4
Stir in the chopped chipped beef, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
5
Toast the bread slices until golden brown. Butter lightly if desired. -
6
Spoon the creamed beef mixture generously over each slice of toast. Serve immediately.
🔧Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Toaster or skillet
- Serving plates
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Shit on a Shingle (Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast) Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Shit on a Shingle (Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast)
1. What is “Shit on a Shingle” (SOS) and where does the name come from?
“Shit on a Shingle” (SOS) is a classic military and diner dish consisting of creamed chipped beef or ground beef in a white sauce, served over toast or biscuits (the “shingle”). The name is a humorous, slightly vulgar nod to its appearance—creamy meat sauce spread over a flat piece of bread. It became popular in the U.S. military during World War II due to its simplicity, affordability, and shelf-stable ingredients.
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2. What are the key ingredients in a traditional SOS recipe?
The traditional SOS recipe includes:
– Chipped beef (dried, salted beef, often sold in jars)
– Butter or margarine
– Flour (for a roux)
– Milk or cream (to make the white sauce)
– Black pepper (a must for seasoning)
– Toast or biscuits (the “shingle”)
Some variations use ground beef instead of chipped beef, and a few add Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
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3. How do you make the creamy sauce for SOS without lumps?
To avoid lumps in the SOS sauce:
1. Melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a smooth roux.
2. Cook the roux for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add milk (or cream), whisking continuously to blend it into the roux before adding more. This prevents clumping.
4. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens—it should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Add the beef (chipped or ground) and stir until heated through. If using chipped beef, rinse it first to reduce saltiness.
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4. Can you make SOS with ground beef instead of chipped beef?
Yes! Ground beef is a common substitute, especially for those who find chipped beef too salty or hard to find. Here’s how to adapt it:
– Brown ½ lb ground beef in a pan, draining excess fat.
– Make the roux (butter + flour) separately, then add milk to create the white sauce.
– Combine the cooked beef with the sauce and season with black pepper, salt (sparingly, as the beef may already be salty), and Worcestershire sauce if desired.
Ground beef SOS is heartier and less salty than the traditional version, making it a popular home-cooked alternative.
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5. What are some common variations or modern twists on SOS?
While the classic SOS is simple, many variations exist:
– Vegetarian SOS: Replace beef with mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a meat-free version.
– Spicy SOS: Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for heat.
– Cheesy SOS: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a richer sauce.
– Breakfast SOS: Top with a fried egg for extra protein (a diner favorite).
– Open-faced SOS: Serve the creamy beef mixture over an English muffin or waffle instead of toast.
– Low-sodium SOS: Use unsalted butter, low-sodium beef broth (instead of milk), and rinse chipped beef thoroughly to reduce salt.
