Hey! Welcome to my recipe blog�Beyond the Bayou Blog.�I’m so excited to share my favorite comfort food recipe with you today:�Shit on A Shingle. Now, I know what you might be thinking � �Shit on a what?� But trust me, this easy recipe might just surprise you.
Growing up, my dad served in the military, and whenever he talked about his time in the service, he always mentioned this dish. He’d laugh about the name, but he also spoke fondly of how it brought everyone together, especially during tough times. I remember him telling me stories of late-night chats in the mess hall and cooking Cucumber Salad, where soldiers bonded over plates of creamy beef gravy served on toast.
So, when I stumbled upon his old recipe card tucked away in a drawer, I knew I had to give it a try. As I cooked up the beef and stirred in the creamy gravy, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection to my dad and his experiences. And let me tell you, when I took that first bite, I understood why it held a special place in his heart.
Now, I love making creamed chipped beef on toast for my own family. It’s become a cozy tradition in our household � a reminder of the importance of coming together over a good meal, no matter how simple it may seem.
So, if you’re curious to try a good recipe for yourself, grab some toasted bread and join me in the kitchen. Let’s whip up a batch of this classic comfort food together! And if you’re interested in more comforting recipes like this one, be sure to check out my other posts for some tasty inspiration. Let’s get cooking!
What Is Shit on A Shingle?
This dish is typically white bread or biscuits. The dish is simple, affordable, and quick to prepare, making it popular in mess halls and among soldiers. Despite its unappetizing name, it’s actually quite tasty and filling. Variations of this very simple dish may include adding ingredients like onions, mushrooms, or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. While it may not sound appealing at first, �shit on a shingle� remains a nostalgic comfort food for many who have served in the military or grew up enjoying its straightforward, hearty goodness.
How to Make Shit on A Shingle Recipe?
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chipped beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Cook until browned.
Step 2: Thicken the Gravy For Creamed Chipped Beef
- Sprinkle flour over the beef.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
- Gradually pour in milk while stirring continuously.
- Cook creamed chip beef until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Season
- Season creamed chip beef with salt, black pepper, and any additional spices you like.
- Stir to combine evenly.
Step 5: Toast the Bread
- While the beef mixture is simmering, toast the bread slices or biscuits until golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish (Optional)
- Garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and presentation and serve creamed chipped beef toast.
This should guide you through making a delicious creamed chipped beef with a cream sauce.
Time for the Tips!
- Use Lean Ground Beef:�Opt for lean ground beef to minimize excess fat in the dish.
- Toast-Bread Properly:�Ensure bread slices or biscuits are toasted to a golden brown to add texture and prevent sogginess.
- Adjust Consistency:�Control the thickness of the gravy by adjusting the amount of flour and milk added. Add more milk for a thinner consistency or more flour for a thicker one.
- Season to Taste:�Taste the gravy as you season it to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking. Don’t forget to adjust the salt and black pepper accordingly.
- Customize Flavors:�Experiment with additional spices or flavorings like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or paprika to enhance the taste according to your preference.
- Make Ahead:�The beef mixture can be made ahead and reheated before serving. Toast the bread just before serving to maintain its texture.
- Garnish Creatively:�Add a fresh touch by garnishing with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, or grated cheese for extra flavor and visual appeal.
What to Serve with Shit on Shingle Recipe?
What to Do with Leftovers?
- Stuffed Bell Peppers:�Use the leftover chipped beef mixture as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. Simply cut the tops off the peppers, remove the seeds, and stuff them with the beef mixture. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender.
- Beef and Potato Hash:�Chop up the leftover chipped beef and mix it with diced potatoes, onions, and any other vegetables you have on hand. Cook everything together in a skillet until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
- Beef Pot Pie:�Add the leftover chipped beef mixture to a pie dish and top it with a layer of puff pastry or pie crust. Bake until the crust is golden brown and crispy for a comforting pot pie.
- Beef and Noodle Casserole:�Combine the leftover chipped beef mixture with cooked egg noodles and a creamy sauce. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake until bubbly and golden brown for a hearty casserole.
- Beef and Vegetable Soup:�Use the leftover chipped beef mixture as a base for a hearty vegetable soup. Add diced vegetables, broth, and seasonings, then simmer until everything is tender and flavorful.
- Beef and Cheese Quesadillas:�Spread the leftover chipped beef mixture onto tortillas, top with shredded cheese, and fold them in half. Cook in a skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted for a quick and tasty quesadilla.
Q: What is the origin of the term �shit on a shingle�?
A: The term �shit on a shingle� for creamed chipped beef originated from the military, particularly during World War II, where it referred to the dish’s appearance: creamed chipped beef served over toast. The unappetizing name reflects the straightforward and sometimes unglamorous nature of military cuisine.
Q: Can I customize the spices and flavors in creamed chipped beef?
A: Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce to enhance the flavor of the dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.
What kind of meat is chipped beef?
A: Chipped beef is salted, dried beef that has been pressed and sliced into thin pieces. This salty form of beef makes creamed chipped beef have loads of flavor! And since it is so salty, there is no need to add salt to this recipe. If you add salt, it will probably end up being too salty.
Shit on a Shingle Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet or frying pan
- Oven
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
- 450 gram ground beef
- 8 slices bread
- 2 tbps all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Thicken the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the beef. Stir well to combine. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Gradually pour in milk while stirring continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like. Stir to combine evenly.
- Toast the Bread: While the beef mixture is simmering, toast the bread slices or biscuits until golden brown.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and presentation.
