Shit on a Shingle: The Classic Military Comfort Food
A creamy, hearty, and budget-friendly dish made from chipped beef in white sauce over toast. This Shit on a Shingle recipe is a nostalgic American favorite, ready in 15 minutes!
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 jar (2.5 oz) dried chipped beef, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices of toasted white or sourdough bread
Optional: chopped parsley or hot sauce for garnish
Instructions
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
Add chopped chipped beef and stir. Cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Season with pepper.
Serve hot over toast. Garnish as desired.
Notes
You can substitute chipped beef with ground beef, deli roast beef, or shredded chicken.
Add hot sauce or a poached egg on top for extra flavor.
Make it lighter with low-fat milk or gluten-free with cornstarch and GF bread.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Breakfast, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Shit on a Shingle might sound like a strange name, but this classic dish has fed generations of soldiers, students, and budget-conscious families. Known for its simplicity, affordability, and surprisingly comforting flavor, this old-school recipe is making a big comeback in home kitchens.
In this article, you’ll learn what makes Shit on a Shingle so special, how to make it at home with modern twists, and why it still matters today.
What Is Shit on a Shingle?
“Shit on a Shingle” is a slang term used by the U.S. military to describe creamed chipped beef on toast. It’s typically made from dried beef in a creamy white sauce served over toasted bread — hearty, salty, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Super budget-friendly – Made with pantry staples
✅ Fast and filling – Ready in 15 minutes
✅ Rich in protein – Thanks to the beef and milk
✅ Perfect comfort food – Warm, creamy, and nostalgic
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk you prefer)
- 1 jar (2.5 oz) dried chipped beef, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 slices of toasted white or sourdough bread
- Optional: chopped parsley or hot sauce for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the roux – In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
2️⃣ Add the milk – Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
3️⃣ Stir in the beef – Add the chopped dried beef and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with pepper.
4️⃣ Serve – Spoon the creamy beef mixture over hot toast. Garnish as desired.
This is the classic Shit on a Shingle recipe — fast, cheap, and deeply satisfying.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving with 2 slices of toast)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 26 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: High (dried beef is salty!)
Variations of Shit on a Shingle
🥩 Ground Beef Version – Replace chipped beef with seasoned ground beef for a more affordable twist
🐔 Creamed Chicken on Toast – Swap beef for shredded cooked chicken and a dash of poultry seasoning
🌱 Vegetarian Version – Use sautéed mushrooms or soy crumbles with veggie broth and milk
Budget Tips for Shit on a Shingle
✅ Buy dried beef in bulk or on sale
✅ Use leftover roast or lunch meat
✅ Replace milk with powdered milk and water
✅ Use day-old bread — toast makes it delicious again
Shit on a Shingle is a great dish for stretching small ingredients into big flavor.
Student-Friendly Hacks for Shit on a Shingle
✅ Make it in a microwave with pre-cooked gravy mix
✅ Use sandwich bread from a dollar store
✅ Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in 90 seconds
✅ Add a fried egg on top for extra protein
Perfect for dorm kitchens or shared apartments — this meal is cheap, quick, and filling.
FAQ: Shit on a Shingle
Why is it called “Shit on a Shingle”?
This slang comes from U.S. military tradition. “Shit” refers to the creamy beef mixture, and “shingle” refers to the toast. It may sound crude, but it’s a name full of history and nostalgia.
Can I use regular beef instead of chipped beef?
Yes! You can substitute chipped beef with thinly sliced roast beef, deli meat, or cooked ground beef. Just season it well to mimic the salty flavor of traditional dried beef.
What are the ingredients in Shit on a Shingle?
The classic version includes:
Butter
Flour
Milk
Dried chipped beef
Toast
Pepper (and sometimes parsley or hot sauce for garnish)
Some modern versions swap the beef or add extra flavor.
Why does my creamed beef turn out too thick or too runny?
It usually depends on how you cook the roux and add the milk. To fix it:
– Too thick? Add a splash of milk and stir.
– Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer or add a tiny bit more flour while whisking well.
Conclusion
Shit on a Shingle is more than just a funny name — it’s a nostalgic, comforting, and budget-smart meal that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re reviving a family recipe or discovering it for the first time, this dish proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something truly satisfying.
Try making your own Shit on a Shingle today and enjoy a taste of history on your plate!
If you love easy, budget-friendly recipes that are perfect for sharing, don’t miss this Smoked Cream Cheese recipe. It turns a simple block of cheese into a creamy, smoky, irresistible appetizer.