Chipped beef gravy is a classic comfort food that evokes memories of home cooking and cozy meals. This savory gravy, made from dried or chipped beef steeped in a creamy sauce, is simple to make but packs a serious flavor punch. However, choosing the right side dishes to serve alongside chipped beef gravy is key to creating a mouthwatering and balanced meal.
In this article, we will explore 15 delicious side dishes that complement chipped beef gravy perfectly. From fluffy biscuits to crispy hashbrowns, fresh vegetables to hearty starches, there are plenty of options to indulge your cravings. With the right combinations of textures and flavors, you can elevate this humble gravy into a spectacular centerpiece for any home-cooked meal.
Understanding Chipped Beef Gravy
Before diving into pairing options, let’s take a moment to understand chipped beef gravy itself. This gravy starts with dried or chipped beef, which is a sliced and dried form of beef, usually made from top round roast. The chipped beef is then simmered in a creamy gravy or sauce made of butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.
The resulting gravy has a rich, meaty flavor and a smooth, luxurious texture. Notes of savory umami from the beef balance against the sweet creaminess of the milk and butter. Chipped beef gravy is often served spooned over toast, biscuits, mashed potatoes, or rice. It also pairs well with eggs for a stick-to-your ribs breakfast.
Now let’s explore some winning combinations that will have this humble gravy singing!
15 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chipped Beef Gravy
1. Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits
Hot, flaky biscuits are the perfect match for chipped beef gravy. They soak up the rich sauce beautifully while providing a refreshing contrast with their tender, buttery crumb. For ultimate flavor, make them with tangy buttermilk and brush the tops with melted butter right before baking.
2. Classic Mashed Potatoes
What better match for a creamy gravy than creamy mashed potatoes? For the smoothest texture, opt for Yukon gold or russet potatoes. Mash them with butter and warm milk, then top generously with the savory chipped beef gravy. Crispy fried onions make for a fun finishing touch!
3. Fresh Steamed Broccoli
For balance, try fresh steamed broccoli along with the chipped beef gravy The bright green florets provide wholesome nutrition and lively flavor Steaming preserves the nutrients while keeping a nice crisp bite. Drizzle with lemon and olive oil if desired.
4. Sauteed Green Beans
Another green veggie that pairs beautifully is fresh green beans. Saute them up with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for a simple side. The crisp-tender beans contrast nicely with the tender gravy.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For heartier flavor, roast Brussels sprouts to caramelized perfection. Toss the halved sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper then roast at 400°F until golden brown. Their nutty sweetness enhances the savory gravy.
6. Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
Cool, crunchy coleslaw is a great match for chipped beef gravy’s richness. Use shredded cabbage and carrots dressed lightly in a tangy creamy dressing, perhaps with apple cider vinegar. The crispy veggie crunch balances the smooth gravy beautifully.
7. Hash Browns or Home Fries
For the ultimate in crispy, golden comfort, serve the gravy over crisp hash browns or home fries. Pan fry shredded potatoes until beautifully browned and crispy on the outside while tender inside. For added flavor, sauté some onion or bell pepper into the potatoes while cooking.
8. Herbed Polenta
Creamy, savory polenta is an elegant and delicious pairing for chipped beef gravy. Slow simmer polenta made from coarse cornmeal until velvety smooth. Stir in herbs like chives, parsley, or oregano and top generously with the rich gravy.
9. Green Beans Amandine
For a touch of French flair, make green beans amandine with toasted almonds. Saute green beans lightly in butter, then toss with toasted sliced almonds right before serving. The nutty crunch complements the beef gravy wonderfully.
10. Fresh Baked Cornbread
Warm cornbread muffins or wedges served alongside chipped beef gravy take this meal straight down South! Bake up sweet cornbread from scratch or a good quality mix. The slightly crumbly texture soaks up that savory gravy on each blissful bite.
11. Macaroni and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese makes a wonderfully indulgent pairing, especially if you use a mix of cheese like cheddar and gouda. The tender pasta and gooey melted cheese matches the gravy’s creaminess. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunchy flourish.
12. Steamed Broccoli and Cauliflower
Here’s a lighter and healthier option: steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets. Steam them until just tender and serve them whole for a pretty presentation. The fresh flavors complement the rich gravy without overloading the meal.
13. Sweet Potato Fries
For a fun twist, make crispy sweet potato fries as your starchy side! The natural sweetness balances the umami gravy, while the fries provide crispy satisfaction. Fry up thick cut wedges until golden brown and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
14. Simple Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad paired with chipped beef gravy makes for a well-balanced and nutritious meal. Build one with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots and your favorite dressing or vinaigrette. The crisp greens contrast the soft gravy wonderfully.
15. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Lastly, rich, cheesy scalloped potatoes are an indulgent match made in heaven. Layer thinly sliced potatoes with cream, cheese, and seasonings, then bake until tender and golden. The potatoes soak up the gravy for a delightful one-two punch of cheesy, meaty flavor.
Tips for Serving Chipped Beef Gravy
When serving chipped beef gravy, keep these tips in mind:
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Focus on contrasting textures. Crispy, crunchy sides help balance the gravy’s richness.
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Vary flavors and colors. Fresh vegetables provide lively contrast while starchy sides absorb the gravy deliciously.
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Make the gravy first so it’s ready to ladle over hot side dishes straight from the oven or stove.
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For biscuits or cornbread, split and serve open-faced to allow maximum absorption of the tasty gravy.
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Let diners serve themselves. Provide gravy in a warmed pitcher or boat for easy pouring over each component.
With an array of complementary sides, from crispy hashbrowns to tender roasted veggies, you can turn humble chipped beef gravy into a mouthwatering meal that satisfies. Using contrasting flavors, colors, and textures helps each component shine. Now go forth and get creative with your pairings! Chipped beef gravy is very versatile, so the possibilities are nearly endless.
What to Serve with Chipped Beef
It’s usually served on toast, but we actually prefer white rice.
You can serve with mashed potatoes, noodles, hash browns, scrambled eggs, biscuits, Texas toast or whatever is convenient for you.
Mom always served this with a green vegetable on the side, which we hurried and ate so we could savor the good stuff!
Now that I’m older I realize any vegetable smothered in gravy tastes delicious.
Try adding a quick frozen vegetable, such as spinach, peas or carrots, to make it a complete meal.
Lastly, if you like things spicy serve with your favorite hot sauce to dash on top.
- Buddig beef – this beef is not dried, but since we’re not in Army times dry-preserved meat is unnecessary. Buddig has the perfect flavor and is not too salty.
- Milk – the creamy base to chipped beef.
- Butter – to make the roux which thickens the gravy.
- Flour – to thicken the gravy.
- Garlic powder – a quick dash of flavor.
- Black pepper – large cracks of fresh pepper complement the white gravy perfectly. Use cayenne if you want a little spice.
What is chipped beef?
Thin slices of beef smothered in white sauce. Commonly served over toast.
It makes a quick dinner or a wonderful breakfast.
There are many different names for this dish: chipped beef, cream chip beef, creamed chipped beef, chipped beef on toast.
It was a frequent meal for the US Military who fondly called it SOS, which can mean Shit on a Shingle or Same Ol’ Stuff.
In the 40’s and 50’s this was originally made with slices of salty dried beef.
It was a cheap alternative to fresh meat and a great way to feed a family on a budget.
These days dried beef is hard to find and quite expensive.
I found some Hormel and Armour dried beef on Amazon, but for the price it’s not worth the novelty.
If you do use dried beef, give it a rinse in cold water to remove some of the excess salt.
We exclusively use Buddig beef, which you can find in the deli aisle of just about every grocery store with other luncheon meats.
It’s very inexpensive and has just the right flavor without being too salty.
You can use any beef you like. A lot of folks even use ground beef!
The white sauce is a simple béchamel sauce, or milk gravy, thickened with flour. It’s very similar to making Biscuits & Country Sausage Gravy.
A Meal That Cost Less Than a Gallon of Gas? | Chipped Beef Gravy | Low-Cost Comfort Food | SOS Gravy
FAQ
What to eat with chipped beef gravy?
Best Bread for Chipped Beef on Toast
Brioche, sourdough, and country white bread are all great options. Some people like serving the gravy over toasted English muffins.
Are corned beef and chipped beef the same thing?
They both have a high sodium content but the corned beef is brined cured and the dried beef is salt-cured. The flavors and textures are not similar. Dried beef is sometimes smoked for added flavor.
Why is chipped beef gravy called SOS?
The dish creamed chipped beef on toast got the nickname “Shit on a Shingle” (SOS) in the military during World War I and World War II. “Shit” refers to the creamed beef mixture because some soldiers found the sight of it unappetizing, and “shingle” refers to the toast because it serves as the base of this dish.
What side dishes go well with beef?
It’s beef, unless you’re going hardcore bbq enthusiast, you can do a spin on any side dish. Mashed potatoes, gnocchi, spaetlze, brussel sprouts, collard greens, corn pudding, Spanish rice, blue cheese and caramelized onion polenta, etc. Just match a few flavor profiles and you’re good to go.