Elevate Your Comfort Food Game with S.O.S. Casserole
Looking for a hearty and comforting dish that will warm your soul? Look no further than our S.O.S. Casserole recipe! Also known as “Sh** on a Shingle,” this classic dish combines dried chipped beef, creamy gravy, and buttery bread for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through each step of the cooking process, from preparing the creamy gravy to assembling and baking the casserole. Plus, we’ll explore some helpful cook’s notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions for those looking to indulge without the guilt. Get ready to dive into a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 2 5-ounce jars of dried chipped beef
- 1 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Dash of garlic powder
- 5-8 pieces white bread, chopped into 1”-2” cubes
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chipped Beef:
- Rinse the dried chipped beef under cold water to remove excess saltiness. Pat dry with paper towels, then chop the beef into small pieces.
2. Make the Roux:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the roux is golden brown and fragrant.
3. Prepare the Gravy:
- Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the gravy until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, adjusting seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread a layer of chopped white bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Top with a layer of chopped chipped beef.
- Pour the prepared gravy over the beef and bread, ensuring that everything is evenly coated.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Creamier Texture: For a creamier gravy, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Swiss cheese on top of the casserole before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy for a touch of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this casserole in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. Allow the casserole to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: Can I use frozen chipped beef? A: While dried chipped beef is traditional for this recipe, you can use frozen chipped beef if dried is not available. Simply thaw the beef before chopping and using in the casserole.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour for the gravy? A: Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in the roux to make the gravy gluten-free.
Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of this casserole? A: Yes, you can omit the chipped beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this casserole.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make the following adjustments to adapt this recipe:
- Replace Bread: Substitute the white bread cubes with low-carb bread or cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly option.
- Thicken with Xanthan Gum: Use xanthan gum instead of flour to thicken the gravy for a low-carb alternative.
- Reduce Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of cow’s milk to lower the carb content of the gravy.
In conclusion, S.O.S. Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With its creamy gravy, tender chipped beef, and buttery bread, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. So gather your ingredients and give this classic recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
