Creamed chipped beef, often affectionately (or not so affectionately) referred to as "Shit on a Shingle" (S.O.S.), is a dish with a long history, appearing in the 1910 Army Cooks Manual. Traditionally made with a flour-butter roux and served over toast, it's a comforting classic. This keto version recreates the creamy richness without the carbs, making it perfect for a low-carb lifestyle. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
What is Keto Creamed Chipped Beef?
Keto Creamed Chipped Beef is a low-carb adaptation of the classic comfort food dish. The traditional version uses flour to thicken the cream sauce, but this keto-friendly recipe uses cream cheese and heavy cream instead. It features thinly sliced dried beef in a velvety cream sauce, making it a quick and easy meal that's perfect any time of day.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food while staying within your ketogenic diet. The few ingredient changes make it keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s quick to make, customizable, and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.
Ingredients: Choosing the Best
Chipped Beef: Look for chipped beef in a bag in the refrigerator section of your grocery store. The Esskay brand is a popular choice, but any brand of beef only (not prepackaged with gravy) will work. If you can't find it in a bag, dried beef in a can can also be used. Knauss brand dried beef can be used, with the acknowledgement that other brands may have slightly different macros.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is the most keto-friendly of the dairy milks and is essential for creating a rich and creamy sauce.
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Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is used to thicken the gravy and add richness.
Butter: Salted butter is used to sauté the beef, but unsalted butter can also be used.
Seasonings: Black pepper and Worcestershire sauce are used to season the creamed chipped beef. The amount of Worcestershire sauce is minimal enough that it shouldn't be a concern for those strictly following a keto diet.
Thickener: Xanthan gum is used to thicken the gravy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chipped Beef: Rinse dried beef under running water for 10 seconds, fanning the slices so each gets lightly rinsed. Pat dry with a paper towel, then coarsely chop or cube the beef. Alternatively, rinse the beef in a bowl of warm water a few times, changing the water each time, to reduce saltiness if desired.
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Sauté the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. When the butter melts, add the chipped beef and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until heated through and lightly browned.
Make the Gravy: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese dissolves and the mixture is smooth, about 3 minutes.
Season and Thicken: Add Worcestershire sauce and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine. In a small bowl, mix xanthan gum with heavy cream or melted butter until it forms a paste. Add the paste to the creamed chipped beef and stir until incorporated. It will thicken quickly. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with additional beef broth or water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Simmer: Turn the heat down to simmer and stir occasionally, allowing the gravy to thicken. If you think it’s too thick, thin it with a little more beef broth or water.
Serve: Serve the creamed chipped beef over chaffles, toasted keto bread, scrambled egg bowls, cauliflower mash, or any other keto-friendly base.
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Serving Suggestions
- Over Chaffles: Prepare savory chaffles (made with egg and cheddar cheese) and top with creamed chipped beef for a low-carb twist on toast.
- Over Keto Toast or English Muffins: Toast slices of keto bread or English muffins and spoon the creamed chipped beef over the top.
- With Scrambled Eggs: Serve creamed chipped beef alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
- Over Cauliflower Mash: For a comforting dinner, serve the creamed chipped beef over a bed of mashed cauliflower.
- Green Bean Casserole: Combine the creamed chipped beef with green beans in a cast iron skillet or casserole dish and bake. Top with pork rinds or cheese crisps.
Tips and Variations
- Adjusting Saltiness: Chipped beef is naturally salty. To reduce the saltiness, rinse the beef in a bowl of warm water a few times before cooking.
- Adding Vegetables: Add finely diced onion, green onions, or green bell pepper to the chipped beef gravy for added flavor and texture.
- Using Different Dairy: While heavy cream is the most keto-friendly option, you can use a combination of heavy cream and whole milk, half and half, or low-fat milk. If you are dairy-free, use a soy-based cream or milk.
- Thickening Alternatives: If you don't want to use xanthan gum, you can use cream cheese to thicken the gravy, but the flavor will change. If you are not following a ketogenic diet, you can use a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of warm water). Add it right after you add the cream and begin to warm everything up. You will have to heat the mixture to a nice simmer for it to thicken.
- Making Ahead: Creamed chipped beef can be made ahead of time and reheated. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can you freeze Creamed Chip Beef Gravy?
Yes, you can. It is preferable to make it fresh because it only takes a few minutes, but if you wanted to meal prep and make a large quantity at once, you can certainly freeze individualize-size portions. To reheat, you can certainly use a low setting on the microwave, but it is preferable to let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it in a skillet. This way you can add more heavy cream if needed and heat it gently enough that the gravy doesn't split.
Can you Double the Recipe?
Absolutely! You can increase all of the ingredients and make as much as you like. If you are making it for a crowd, you might want to sauté the chipped beef and butter and then put it in a slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients and keep it on low until you are ready to serve it.
A Note on "Shit on a Shingle"
The name "Shit on a Shingle" is a somewhat derogatory term for creamed chipped beef that originated in the military. While some find the name offensive, it's a part of the dish's history. This recipe aims to elevate the dish beyond its humble origins, using quality ingredients and careful preparation to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, not counting base)
- Calories: 147
- Net Carbs: 2 grams
- Protein: 9 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
Make sure to calculate the macros for any base you serve the creamed chipped beef over, such as chaffles or keto toast.