
Do you have any childhood recipes that still make your mouth water? For me, it’s definitely chipped beef on toast. It’s nothing fancy and certainly not the healthiest option, but I absolutely adore it. Growing up, my parents made it regularly, and it quickly became a breakfast classic for me. Because it’s a bit indulgent, I usually save it for special occasions—like my birthday—making it a rare, delicious treat.
What Exactly Is Chipped Beef?
Chipped beef is thinly sliced, salted, dried, and pressed beef. Back in the mid-1800s, it was a protein-rich favorite for travelers trekking the Overland Trail.
Also called dried beef, it’s often made from lean cuts such as beef round. The beef is cured in brine for several days, then drained and air-dried. Some versions are even smoked during drying, giving them an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
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1 jar dried beef slices, rinsed and chopped
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4 tablespoons butter
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4 tablespoons flour
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A pinch of cayenne pepper
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2 cups milk
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Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Toasted bread