Sh#t on a Shingle or SOS
Chipped Beef on Toast
Sh*t on a Shingle- What a name? The good news: there is no actual sh*t or shingles in this Chipped Beef on toast recipe! Even better news: Delicious!
Creamy white gravy with dried beef, hard boiled egg and a little spinach over crunchy toast. A delicious meal served hot.
Maybe not the most appetizing name- but it’s time-tested and nostalgic. Definitely a taste memory for so many people- and lovingly called S.O.S
Why is Chipped Beef on Toast
called Sh#t on a Shingle?
Creamed Chipped beef recipes, also called ‘SOS’ go back to the early 1900s as a breakfast staple for military troops.
It doesn’t sound fancy- but actually not that different than the French BECHAMEL SAUCE . The “Shit on a Shingle recipe first appeared in the 1910 Manual for Army Cooks, which listed it as “stewed, chipped beef”.
Chipped Beef on Toast became a staple in all of the branches of the service because the jarred chipped beef had been dried, salted, pressed, and thinly sliced, making it a practical, compact, and shelf-stable food that’s an ideal source of protein for soldiers. Of course, so many veterans remember and still enjoy dried beef in a creamy gravy served on toast – Such an easy breakfast recipe.
Personal Note:
My father was a WWII veteran who altered a baptismal certificate to enter the navy before he turned 18. He served in the Pacific sea – and ended up being pulled from the ocean twice. There were many memories he didn’t want to share with us- but Sh#t on a Shingle was one he did.
My mom made slight alterations to her original recipe over the years. She served it kids, grandkids, and great grandkids- a family tradition. It’s with loving admiration that I share her recipe. I think of her every time I prepare this for my family.
Here is everything needed to make the best Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast:
- Dried beef slices – like Buddig Beef , Hormel, or Armour Dried Beef- typically in jars or pouches near the canned tuna
- Unsalted butter – the beef slices have plenty of salt!
- All-purpose flour – you can also use GF flour mix
- Milk – Recommend whole milk, but Lactose-Free milk also works well
- Worcestershire Sauce–Adds flavor
- Spinach– Fresh or frozen. Great color, texture- and health benefits
- Hard-Boiled Eggs– Bring ’em on! Makes the dish
- Spices – Pepper (Be careful with adding salt- Your chipped beef is already salty)
- Texas toast – brioche, or your favorite thick-cut white bread
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Why will you love Chipped Beef on Toast – SOS?
- Family Meal Prepare SOS as a great family meal, or for anyone who loves a modern version of creamed chipped beef.
- Simplicity You will appreciate the simple ingredients and the flavors that blend together in this dish.
- Tradition/Nostalgia One reason why you may love Shit on a shingle is the nostalgic feeling it evokes. Many people who have grown up in military families or have heard stories from their grandparents about the dishes served during war time have a special connection to this dish. It reminds them of a time when food was simple, yet delicious and comforting. The creamy sauce, slightly salty dried beef, and the crunch of the toasted bread create a texture that is warm, hearty, and satisfying.
- Versatile You will love this dish for its versatility. The Shit on a shingle gravy can also be customized with different spices or herbs to suit your tastes. It can be served on different types of bread such as white, wheat, brioche, sourdough, or biscuits instead.
- Easy/Quick Lastly, Shit on a shingle is an easy dish to prepare, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. The ingredients are affordable and readily available in most grocery stores, and the recipe can be made in less than thirty minutes with items that are easy to have on hand.
Tips for making Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast (Our SOS recipe)
- SOS can be made in a large skillet over medium heat, or it can be made in a large glass baking dish in the microwave.
Use quality ingredients: Choose high-quality bread, such as freshly baked bread or your favorite crusty brand. Biscuits and English muffins are also popular choices.
Thicken your white sauce or roux by stirring frequently to your desired consistency. Whisk int he milk a little at at a time.
Toast the bread: Toasting the bread before adding the SOS gravy will give the dish a nice crunchy texture and prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Serve hot: Shit on a shingle is best served hot, so make sure to serve it immediately after cooking.
Customize to your liking: Feel free to add other ingredients like green onions, or mushrooms to make the dish your own.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Top your shit on a shingle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Make Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
Make the Cuss Kitchen® SOS, a modern take on a beautiful comfort food.
This is a creamed Chipped Beef gravy, with egg, and spinach served over toast or biscuits. Feed a crowd, create a breakfast, brunch, or lunch tradition.
Easy meal to reheat. Have a few jars of the Buddig beef on a shelf, and it’s a easy to whip up a meal. Additionally, it’s a great recipe to upcycle your left over Easter Eggs!
Chipped Beef is a classic, and still a family & military favorite -No Sh#t!
Making SOS
The Best Shit on a Shingle for 2025
Sh#t on a Shingle
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Materials
- 1 4.5oz Armour Sliced Dried Beef
- 1 stick Butter
- ¾ cup Flour
- 5½ cup Milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 oz Frozen spinach, defrosted and pressed
- 6 Hard-boiled Eggs
- Favorite Bread, toasted
Instructions
Hard Boil Eggs
- Fill a saucepan ⅓ full of cold water
- Place eggs in the saucepan, being sure the eggs are covered by 1-2 inches of water
- Turn the burner to high, and bring the water to a full rolling boil
- Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and keep it on the burner for 12 minutes
- Drain the eggs and allow them to cool
- Peel, and dice the eggs and then set the eggs aside
Prepare the Spinach
- Thaw Spinach in the microwave for 2-3 minutes
- Drain and press the water out of the Spinach
- Set the Spinach aside
Breakfast Gravy
- Melt the Butter in a large skillet at a low temperature
- Chop Dried beef into small squares, and add to pot
- Cook the Dried beef in the butter until the edges curl, and keep stirring for 3-4 minutes
- Stir the Flour into the Dried Beef Mixture
- Add the Milk and continue stirring as the gravy thickens
- Cook and stir until thick and bubbly
- Add Worcestershire sauce, and Pepper, and stir
- Add the Hard-boiled eggs and the Spinach, and stir the mixture
- Remove the skillet from the heat
Prepare your Breakfast Plate
- Prepare your favorite slice of toast
- Pour a generous ladle of our breakfast gravy over the toast and serve
Frequently Asked Questions
What the FAQ?
for Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
aka – Sh*t on a Shingle (SOS)
What is SH*t on a Shingle (SOS)?
‘Sh#t on a Shingle is a vintage war-time recipe made with dried beef and creamy white sauce much like Béchamel and toast.
Also called creamed or chipped beef on toast, the ingredients were easy to buy and store during times of ration, and the meal was simple and budget-friendly.
It is said that sailor’s ate so much of it they renamed the dish ‘affectionately’. The dish has many variations and upgrades- but many still love this nostalgic dish.
Is Corned Beef the same as dried beef?
Corned beef and dried beef are different. They both have a high sodium content but the corned beef is brined cured and the dried beef is salt-cured. The flavors and textures are not similar. Dried beef is sometimes smoked for added flavor.
What are the popular brands of jarred Dried Beef?
- Hormel Dried Beef
- Buddig Dried Beef
- Armour Dried Beef
- Fresh Chipped Beef from your deli
There are so many brands of dried beef. Use any dried beef and stock up. It’s great to have on hand for a quick and delicious meal.
How can I avoid getting lumps in my Creamed Chipped Beef Sauce?
The recipe starts with melting butter at a low heat, and adding the sliced beef. You continue to simmer on low heat until the edges of the chopped dried beef curl. Stir the flour into the dried beef mixture. Slowly add milk and continue stirring or whisking as the gravy thickens, and until you reach your desired consistency. At this point, you add Worcestershire, salt and black pepper, hard boiled eggs, and spinach (if desired).
Why do SOS recipes look so different?
Over the years families adapted SOS recipes to what they had available in the cupboard- especially during WWII, when supplies were scarce.
Some chipped beef on toast recipes feature ground beef or other meats. Some recipes feature a creamy white gravy with Worcestershire sauce, while some are more like a biscuits and gravy, sometimes even with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use our Béchamel style cream sauce with chopped beef and amp it up with spinach, hard boiled eggs, salt and pepper.
Can I use different types of meat for Shit on a Shingle?
While traditional shit on a shingle is made with chipped beef, some use hamburger / ground beef, sausage, or even turkey as a substitute. Each type of meat will bring a different flavor to the dish.
How do I make a vegetarian version of ‘Shit on a Shingle’?
To make a vegetarian version of shit on a shingle, you can use meat alternatives like tofu crumbles or tempeh instead of beef. You can also add mushrooms, green onions, or other vegetables to bulk up the dish. Garnish with herbs and spices.
Can I make shit on a shingle ahead of time?
Shit on a shingle is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the dish right before serving. Store the SOS gravy mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving over freshly toasted white bread slices.
12 Responses
I remember eating ‘Chipped Beef on Toast’ as a kid- but this is better than I remembered
nice upgrade to nostalgic dish. fav!
A classic thats done right! perfect!
I love this and make it for my family often. Fast, easy, budget-friendly- and the leftovers are fought for the next day. I especially love the hard boiled eggs and Spinach in it- nice touch
THIS IS MY FAVORITE THING TO EAT! If I could eat this every morning I would. 10/10 try this if nothing else.
I enjoyed this recipe as a kid- but you have made it more delicious. I love the hard-boiled eggs and Spinach. Easy dish. Leftovers are great too.
Great upgrade to a classic dish. Enjoyed and will make again
Better than Mom’s. Really good
This has become a favorite and easy meal at our house. Ultimate comfort food
This is a recipe for Easy Sunday Mornings. Creamy and full of flavor
I love the creamy sauce -You list it for brunch- but I love it any time. This one is a classic A+ recipe
I love the added spinach-great twist