CREAMED CHIPPED BEEF!!!

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chipped Beef

Start by opening your jar of chipped beef. Carefully rinse or blot the beef with paper towels to remove any excess salt. Since chipped beef is typically quite salty, it’s important to reduce some of that saltiness to prevent the dish from becoming too overpowering. Once it’s rinsed or blotted, slice the beef into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the Roux (Base of the Sauce)

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture. This is known as a roux, which will thicken the sauce as it cooks. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until it’s lightly golden.

3. Add the Milk and Seasonings

Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk (or half-and-half for a richer texture), whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Taste the sauce, and adjust the seasoning if necessary—remember, the chipped beef will add some saltiness, so you may not need much additional salt.

4. Add the Chipped Beef

Next, add the sliced chipped beef to the creamy sauce. Stir it in gently, making sure the beef is evenly coated with the sauce. Allow the beef to heat through for about 2-3 minutes. If you like, you can also add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard at this stage for extra depth of flavor.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the beef is heated through and the sauce is smooth and creamy, your creamed chipped beef is ready! Serve it generously over toast, biscuits, or baked potatoes for a hearty meal. Garnish with chopped parsley if you’d like a fresh touch of color and flavor.

Tips for the Best Creamed Chipped Beef:

• Control the Salt: Chipped beef is naturally salty, so be sure to rinse or blot it before using it in this recipe to control the level of saltiness in the final dish.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer, creamier sauce, use half-and-half or even heavy cream instead of milk. Alternatively, for a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or a non-dairy substitute, like almond milk, though the texture might change slightly.
• Add Veggies: For an extra boost of flavor and nutrition, consider adding vegetables like sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce. Just cook them along with the beef for an added layer of depth.
• Make it a One-Pot Meal: If you’d like a heartier dish, try serving the creamed chipped beef with a side of mashed potatoes or rice. You can even stir the sauce into the potatoes for an all-in-one meal.
• Serve with a Side of Eggs: For a classic breakfast twist, serve your creamed chipped beef with scrambled or fried eggs on the side, or top the beef with a poached egg for extra richness.

Why You’ll Love Creamed Chipped Beef:

This dish is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of tender, flavorful chipped beef and a creamy, savory sauce is irresistibly satisfying. Whether you grew up eating it or are trying it for the first time, it’s easy to see why this dish has stood the test of time. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and incredibly filling, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings, quick dinners, or a lazy weekend brunch.

Creamed chipped beef is also incredibly versatile. You can make it as simple or as fancy as you like, adding extra seasonings, vegetables, or garnishes to suit your taste. The creamy sauce works well on just about any type of bread, biscuit, or carb, so it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re craving a nostalgic taste of comfort or looking for a new dish to add to your weekly rotation, creamed chipped beef is a timeless classic that never disappoints. With its rich, creamy sauce and hearty beef, it’s a meal that will keep you coming back for more. Make it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner—the possibilities are endless!