In this post, I’m going to talk about a dish that many of us love: Chipped Beef Gravy on Toast! It’s also known by its cute (and slightly cheeky) nickname, S. O. S, this meal is a real blast from the past. Chipped beef gravy is the kind of comfort food that many of us remember eating at Grandma’s cozy kitchen table. It has smooth white gravy, tasty bits of dried beef, and a little heat from the cayenne. Plus, it’s really simple to make, yet undeniably delicious!.
Chipped beef gravy was first made to feed hungry soldiers. This hearty meal quickly became a favorite in Southern homes, known for making people happy at breakfast without breaking the bank. Chipped beef gravy is great because it can be used in a lot of different ways. I like to put it on toast, but you can also use this recipe to put it on biscuits, rice, or your favorite noodles.
Creamed chipped beef, also known as SOS (creamed ground beef on toast), is a delicious and hearty classic comfort food that many grew up eating. This creamy gravy made with dried beef, milk or cream, spices, and often onions or mushrooms spooned over toast, biscuits, potatoes or rice is simple yet so satisfying. But like any leftover, the question arises – can you freeze creamed chipped beef?
The good news is yes you absolutely can freeze leftover creamed chipped beef! With proper storage and thawing methods this flavorful gravy can be enjoyed for months after preparing it. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully freezing creamed chipped beef to maintain quality and taste.
An Overview of Creamed Chipped Beef
First, let’s go over exactly what creamed chipped beef is Also known as dried beef, it starts with salted and dried beef slices that are shredded into small pieces To make the gravy, the chipped beef is cooked with flour and spices, then simmered into a smooth, creamy white sauce made with milk or cream. Sometimes onions or mushrooms are also added for extra flavor. The velvety creamed chipped beef sauce is spooned over toast, biscuits, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or other sides. It makes for a warm, comforting meal any time of day.
How to Freeze Creamed Chipped Beef
Freezing leftover creamed chipped beef is simple:
- Allow the creamed chipped beef to fully cool after cooking.
- Transfer to airtight freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
- Remove as much air as possible and seal the containers tightly.
- Label the container with contents and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Freezing in meal-sized portions allows for quick and easy reheating later on. Make sure containers have tight lids to prevent freezer burn. For best quality, store creamed chipped beef at 0°F or below using the coldest sections of the freezer.
Tips for Freezing Success
Follow these handy tips for the highest quality frozen creamed chipped beef
- Chill it completely before freezing.
- Portion into recipe-ready amounts like 1-2 cups.
- Wrap tightly in freezer bags, plastic wrap, or foil to eliminate air exposure.
- Use freezer-safe containers to prevent cracking.
- Label contents, quantity, and freeze date clearly.
- Know your freezer’s temp (set to -0°F or below).
- Use the bottom or back shelves which are coldest.
Proper freezing techniques prevent freezer burn and maintain quality for months of frozen storage.
Thawing and Reheating Creamed Chipped Beef
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen creamed chipped beef using these safe methods:
- Refrigerator thawing – Thaw overnight in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- Cold water bath – Submerge sealed container in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. Takes 1-2 hours to thaw.
- Microwave thawing – Defrost in 30 second intervals on medium power, stirring between. Takes about 5 minutes.
- Cook frozen – Add frozen creamed chipped beef straight to recipes, just increase cook times.
For best texture, thaw creamed chipped beef overnight in the fridge. Do not leave it thawing at room temperature. Once thawed, use within 3-5 days and do not refreeze.
To reheat thawed creamed chipped beef, gently simmer on the stovetop stirring constantly, bake in the oven covered at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in 30 second bursts on medium power, stirring between. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling. Stir frequently for even heating.
Enjoying Thawed Creamed Chipped Beef
Once thawed and reheated, you can enjoy creamed chipped beef on biscuits, toast, eggs, hash browns, potatoes, rice, pasta, and more! With proper freezing, it will keep for 2-3 months so you can savor the creamy comfort food flavor anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does fresh creamed chipped beef last in the fridge?
About 3-4 days stored in an airtight container.
Can you freeze the toast/biscuits too?
It’s best to freeze them separately to prevent sogginess.
What if my creamed chipped beef got freezer burnt?
It’s still safe to eat but may have dry spots – just trim off any burnt parts.
Can I add milk or cream when reheating if too thick?
Yes, feel free to add small amounts of liquid to adjust consistency.
Is thawed creamed chipped beef safe to eat?
Yes, if thawed properly overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any other freezing questions! Proper handling is the key to enjoying delicious creamed chipped beef anytime.
Conclusion
How to make Chipped Beef Gravy On Toast
- In a small saucepan, melt butter.
- Sprinkle flour over butter.
- Whisk vigorously, creating a paste.
- Stirring constantly, slowly add milk.
- After adding all the milk, add the beef, pepper, and cayenne.
- Whisk and continue cooking until gravy is thickened.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Breakfast sausage: Chopped up cooked breakfast sausage can be used instead of dried beef to add a different savory twist.
- Cheddar or pepper jack cheese should be added in the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy touch that changes the creamed chipped beef on toast in a big way.
- Spices: If you don’t like cayenne, try smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to make your gravy warmer and a little smoky.
- Herbs: Sprigs of fresh parsley, thyme, or chives can be added just before serving to make it taste better and add color.
- Mushrooms: To make it vegetarian, use sautéed mushrooms instead of dried beef. They become meaty when cooked and soak up all the tasty gravy flavors.
- Chopped Bacon: Who doesn’t like bacon? For a salty, smoky crunch, sprinkle chopped cooked bacon on top right before serving.
