Can You Use Corned Beef for Chipped Beef?

Chipped beef is a classic comfort food that brings back fond memories for many people. It consists of dried, salted beef that is shredded or “chipped” into small pieces and then simmered in a creamy white sauce. The dish is affectionately known as “SOS” or “creamed chipped beef on toast”. While dried chipped beef is traditional using corned beef is an inventive substitute.

Corned beef offers a uniquely seasoned flavor that can add interest to chipped beef. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, corned beef can transform into a stellar ingredient for creamed chipped beef recipes In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to use corned beef for chipped beef

An Overview of Chipped Beef

First, let’s discuss what exactly chipped beef is. Chipped beef starts with beef round that is salt-cured or brined. The meat is then slowly air dried or dehydrated until it achieves a concentrated, intensely beefy flavor. Commercial chipped beef is thinly sliced and usually sold in jars or plastic pouches.

When making creamed chipped beef, the dried beef is simmered in a creamy white gravy or béchamel sauce. Traditional recipes call for butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. The tender rehydrated chips of beef pair perfectly with the rich, creamy gravy. A spoonful over toast makes the ultimate comfort food.

What is Corned Beef?

Corned beef is beef brisket that has been cured or brined in a salt and spice solution. This curing gives it a distinctive pink color and seasoned flavor. Corned beef is usually simmered in liquid until fork tender, often alongside cabbage and potatoes for a St. Patrick’s Day feast.

The biggest difference between corned beef and chipped beef is that corned beef is a fresh cut of meat, while chipped beef is made from cured, dried beef. However, corned beef contains the delicious seasoned flavor that would pair well in a creamed chipped beef recipe.

Using Leftover Corned Beef

One of the best ways to use corned beef for chipped beef is to repurpose leftovers. St. Patrick’s Day or other celebrations may leave you with leftover cooked corned beef. This pre-cooked meat can easily be turned into chipped beef.

Start by cutting the corned beef into small pieces, about 1⁄4-inch cubes. Be sure to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. You can use a chef’s knife, food processor, or meat grinder to achieve a shredded “chipped” texture.

Simmer the cubes of corned beef in the white gravy sauce just until heated through. And that’s it – you now have corned beef chipped beef! It keeps all the flavor of corned beef in a fun new form.

Adjusting Seasoning for Corned Beef

When using corned beef in place of chipped beef, it’s important to remember that corned beef packs a salty punch. The beef is cured in a brine, so it already has a high sodium content before cooking.

Start by making the white sauce using half the salt you normally would. Taste the finished creamed corned beef before serving. You likely won’t need to add any extra salt thanks to the well-seasoned meat. Feel free to add pepper, hot sauce, or other seasonings to taste.

You can also use the leftover corned beef broth to infuse the gravy with flavor. Just be mindful of the extra salt it contains. A spoonful of the broth instead of milk may provide enough seasoning.

Choosing a Cooking Method

You can make chipped corned beef a few different ways depending on your preferences:

• On the stovetop: Simmer the corned beef in the gravy sauce over medium heat just until warmed through, 5-10 minutes.

• In the slow cooker: Combine ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

• In the oven: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish after simmering on the stove. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

The stovetop method is quick and simple, but the slow cooker and oven allow the flavors to meld together longer. Choose the technique that fits your schedule and preference.

Serving Suggestions

There are many options for serving chipped corned beef in addition to the obligatory toast:

• On biscuits, English muffins, or bagels instead of bread

• Over mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or potato pancakes

• Scrambled with eggs for a hearty breakfast

• On top of a bed of rice or buttered noodles

• Stuffed into a bread bowl or split baked potato

• On a sandwich with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut

With its adaptable flavor, chipped corned beef brings heartiness to whatever you pair it with. Get creative with serving ideas!

Chipped Corned Beef Recipes to Try

To get you started, here are some tasty creamed chipped corned beef recipes to try:

• All-American Chipped Corned Beef – Made with leftover roasted corned beef from the slow cooker for maximum flavor.

• Cheesy Chipped Corned Beef – Melted cheddar cheese gives this recipe a comforting twist.

• Chipped Corned Beef Casserole – Baked in the oven with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage until bubbly.

• Chipped Corned Beef Hash – Diced potatoes are sautéed with the corned beef for texture.

So don’t let leftover corned beef go to waste! With a few easy steps, you can reinvent it into the classic comfort dish of creamed chipped beef. The seasoned corned beef adds incredible flavor that puts a unique spin on the traditional version.