Shit on a Shingle might sound funny, but it’s a classic dish that’s stood the test of time. Originating in U.S. military kitchens, this humble meal of creamed chipped beef on toast has fed generations of soldiers, students, and budget-savvy families.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to make it at home, student-friendly tips, and ways to adapt it to modern tastes all while keeping it cheap, quick, and delicious.
Shit on a Shingle: The Classic Military Comfort Food
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
Method
- 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.
Nutrition
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.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!What Is Shit on a Shingle?
Shit on a Shingle” is old-school military slang for creamed chipped beef on toast. The dish is made with chopped dried beef in a rich white gravy poured over toasted bread. It’s salty, hearty, and strangely comforting perfect for late nights or cheap dinners
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 – Use seasoned ground beef for a cheaper twist
🐔 Creamed Chicken Toast – Swap beef for shredded chicken + poultry seasoning
🌱 Vegetarian Version – Try mushrooms or soy crumbles with veggie broth
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
- Use microwave gravy mix to save time
- Use dollar-store sandwich bread
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in 90 seconds
- Top with a fried egg for extra protein
- Perfect for dorm kitchens or small apartment meals!
Perfect for dorm kitchens or small apartment meals!
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 makes the sauce too thick or too thin?
If too thick, add a splash of milk. Too thin? Let it simmer longer or add a touch more flour.
Is it healthy?
It’s high in sodium due to dried beef, but you can reduce this by rinsing the beef or using low-sodium alternatives.
Conclusion
Shit on a Shingle isn’t just an old military recipe — it’s a timeless comfort food that proves you don’t need expensive ingredients to make something great. Whether you’re feeding a family, living in a dorm, or just craving something hearty, this dish delivers.
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.