Creamed Dried Beef
Creamed dried beef offers a rich, savory flavor with tender slices of dried or smoked beef in a creamy sauce. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or quick lunch, this dish pairs beautifully with buttered toast and appeals to those who enjoy comfort food with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook beef with butter in a 10-inch skillet on medium heat for 3 minutes or until edges curl.
- Gradually stir in the flour.
- Add the milk all at once and stir until thickened and bubbly.
- Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and pepper to taste.
- Spoon over buttered toast before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using whole milk or even half-and-half instead of regular milk. If you want to add more flavor, sauté some chopped onions or mushrooms with the beef. You can substitute dried or smoked beef with thinly sliced deli beef or leftover roast beef for a different taste. Adjust the Worcestershire sauce according to your preference for a more pronounced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamed dried beef over warm, buttered toast for a classic breakfast or brunch dish. It pairs beautifully with scrambled eggs or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider adding a side of roasted potatoes or fresh fruit. This dish also complements American recipes like Easy Noodle Casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much while reheating, add a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Dried Beef contains roughly 1282 calories, with 7g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving. However, it's best to toast the bread fresh for optimal texture.
What kind of bread works best for serving?
White bread is traditional for this dish, but you can use whole grain, sourdough, or rye for added flavor. Toasting the bread will enhance its crunchiness and make it a great base for the creamy sauce.
Can I freeze creamed dried beef?
It's not recommended to freeze creamed dried beef, as the sauce may separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked beef and reheat it later, then make the sauce fresh to serve it over toast.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).