official army sos recipe

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The Best official army sos recipe

I’ve been making this official Army SOS recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s easy to prepare, and the kids love it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice.

The best part is that it’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a great option for a quick dinner or a satisfying meal after a long day. I first discovered this recipe while browsing through an old cookbook, and I was intrigued by the simplicity of the ingredients and the rich flavors.

Since then, I’ve tweaked it slightly to suit our family’s taste preferences, but the core recipe remains the same. One of the reasons I adore this dish is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, use it as a topping for baked potatoes or salads, or even serve it as a side dish at family gatherings.

My husband loves how hearty it is, and my kids appreciate that they can customize their portions with their favorite toppings. This recipe has been around since World War II, when it was first introduced as a cheap and nutritious meal option for soldiers in the field.

Despite its origins as a humble soldier’s food, SOS (which stands for ‘sht on a shovel’) has evolved into a beloved comfort food in many American households.

4.9 from 583 votes

A classic military-style creamed chipped beef on toast, known as SOS. This hearty dish features a rich, creamy gravy with savory dried beef served over crispy toast.

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Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time30 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Creamed Beef

8 oz dried chipped beef

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp paprika (optional)

For Serving

8 slices white bread or toast

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the dried chipped beef under cold water to reduce saltiness, then pat dry with paper towels.

2Tear the beef into small pieces and set aside.

3In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it sizzles.

4Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells nutty.

5Gradually pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.

6Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often, until the gravy thickens and bubbles appear, about 5 to 7 minutes.

7Stir in the torn beef, black pepper, and paprika if using.

8Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is heated through and the gravy is smooth and creamy.

9Toast the bread slices until golden brown and crisp.

10Place two slices of toast on each plate and ladle the creamed beef generously over the top.

11Serve immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet

Whisk

Measuring cups and spoons

Toaster or oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a less salty version, soak the dried beef in cold water for 10 minutes before rinsing. You can also use low-fat milk for a lighter gravy, but the texture will be thinner.

Watch Video Of How Official Army SOS Recipe Works

This official Army SOS recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is quick, affordable, and feeds a crowd without fuss. I make it for family dinners, lazy Sunday breakfasts, or even when we have guests over for a casual meal.

It works well for family gatherings because everyone loves the creamy, peppery gravy and it is easy to double the recipe. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the creamed beef in a skillet over medium low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture. Serve it over fresh toast or even over rice or mashed potatoes for a different twist.

It is one of those recipes that never gets old and always brings smiles to the table.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Official Army SOS

Q: What is SOS?

SOS is an acronym for ‘sht on a shovel,’ which refers to its original purpose as a simple, no-frills meal option for soldiers during World War II.

Q: What are the ingredients in SOS?

The basic ingredients include ground beef or turkey, onions, bell peppers, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and sometimes noodles or rice.

Q: Can I customize the recipe to suit my family’s tastes?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor.

Q: Is SOS suitable for vegetarians?

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Q: How long does SOS keep in the fridge?

It typically lasts 3-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge before showing signs of spoilage.

official army sos recipe

The Best official army sos recipe