Old-fashioned comfort food, this cream-dried beef over toast is the definition of simple, warm, and satisfying. Known lovingly as SOS, this quick skillet meal brings back all the cozy diner-style vibes. It’s salty, creamy, buttery, and ridiculously easy. Even better, it uses ingredients you almost always have in the pantry, so it’s a recipe you can whip up anytime.
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This is my favorite version—extra creamy gravy, and a whisper of nutmeg that makes the sauce taste like it came straight from a restaurant. And of course… these are RIDIC-ULICIOUS.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Cream Dried Beef Over Toast
- Using only pantry staples, cream dried beef makes a delicious toast topping that features the classic combination of cream dried beef over toast.
- Takes less than 15 minutes
- Classic, nostalgic, budget-friendly comfort food
- Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick dinner
- One skillet and no fuss
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creamed Beef Ingredients
- 4 oz dried beef, chopped (no rinsing needed)
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 small pinch nutmeg (just a hint)
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or paprika
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley
For Serving
- 4–6 slices toasted bread (Texas toast, sourdough, or homemade white)
- Butter for toast
How to Make Cream-Dried Beef Over Toast
Step 1 — Chop the Beef
Step 2 — Make the Roux
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth and slightly bubbly. This gives the gravy that silky SOS texture, perfect for serving over toast.
Step 3 — Add Milk & Seasoning
Slowly whisk in the milk. Keep whisking for about 3–5 minutes until the gravy thickens. Stir in the beef, black pepper, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg—just enough to warm the flavor without making it taste sweet. The cream beef mixture will soon be perfect to spoon over toast.
Step 4 — Simmer
Let everything simmer for about 2 minutes so the beef heats through.
Step 5 — Serve Over Toast
Toast your favorite bread, and spoon that creamy dried beef right over top for a delicious meal of cream dried beef over toast. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro Tips
- Add an extra splash of milk if your gravy gets too thick.
- A little nutmeg goes a long way—just a tiny pinch!
- Texas toast holds up beautifully under creamy gravy.
- Add cayenne if you want a little kick.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Reheat gently and add a splash of milk to bring the texture back.
Does leftover SOS store well?
Absolutely. Keep refrigerated up to 3 days.
Can I serve this over something besides toast?
Yes! Try biscuits, English muffins, potatoes, noodles, or puff pastry.
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Cream Dried Beef Over Toast (SOS)
Ingredients
- 4 oz dried beef chopped
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch nutmeg
- Optional: paprika or cayenne
- Optional: parsley
- 4 slices bread toasted
Instructions
- Chop dried beef into small pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in milk. Cook until thickened, 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in beef, pepper, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Spoon over buttered toast and serve warm.
Notes
Notes
- If gravy thickens too much, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of milk.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Delicious over biscuits, potatoes, or noodles.