From My Cookbook…Dave’s Ground Beef Gravy (SOS)
Anyone who has ever been in the military knows what SOS is. And I’m not talking about the international distress signal. Read on for more!
There are over 300 recipes in my recently published cookbook, Everyday Cooking for Everyday People Like Us (Click on the link in Note 1 to get your own copy). Even in these inflationary times, we can prepare delicious meals for our family and do so in a way that does not break the budget. And it’s all in the cookbook!
Introduction
GI’s (the slang term for an enlisted soldier, Government Issue), the world over, have eaten SOS. Yes, it stands for “Stuff” on a shingle or beef gravy on toast. Historically, as I understand it, the Army and Air Force use ground beef, and the Navy and Marines use chipped beef as the base. In my cookbook, I have the chipped beef version as well and it’s called David Giustozzi’s Chipped Beef Gravy.
While military personnel worldwide have complained about it, I believe it's good and an economical way to stretch a budget. Of course, I’ve pretty much never complained about any food. Except innards. Yeah, don’t serve me any of that kind of stuff because I simply won’t eat it. There is a certain ick factor I just can’t get over. OK, well, once when we were in Scotland, I did have haggis simply because we were there, and that’s what you did when you were there. OK, so then again, I ate poi when I was in Hawaii, too. It was not an innerd, but locals joked to us that they only made poi for the tourists. Whatever…
All that to say, here is my SOS recipe, and I think you will like it. Enjoy!
David Giustozzi’s Ground Beef Gravy (SOS)
This recipe is my take on the US military SOS (S**t On a Shingle) or ground beef gravy on toast. It is an economical meal, primarily using leftovers, is easy to make and one of those foods that, while it may not be healthy, is good for your soul, a true comfort food.
Back in the day, you used to be able to buy ground beef in one-pound packages, which are perfect for most recipes. In today’s world, the grocery stores seem to be making the packages bigger, often 1.25 or 1.3 pounds and at the same time, the food manufacturers are making the canned or boxed ingredients smaller. So, what’s a person to do? It’s a dilemma! Well, I have a solution for you if you find you have too much ground beef on hand! Let’s make gravy!
A theme you may have noticed from my recipes and cooking is to use ingredients judiciously and, as you cook, think about how you can use scraps or leftovers for another meal. This delicious gravy is one example of that.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (or more if preferred. (Note 4)
1 cup beef bouillon (Note 1)
1 cup whole milk (2% is OK)
3 tablespoons bacon grease
1/8 cup flour
Fresh ground black pepper
Toast
Directions
If you need to brown the ground beef, do that in a large skillet, wiping the skillet when finished. Set beef aside. Otherwise, retrieve your leftover ground beef from the refrigerator.
In the same skillet, heat the bacon grease until hot, but not quite smoking. Slowly add the flour until a thick roux is formed. Now, this is a key step…Continue to cook the roux until it is well browned but not burned, stirring constantly. The more browning, the deeper the flavor! Don’t rush this step!
Reduce heat. Slowly add the bouillon, stirring continuously until it is smooth.
Reduce the heat further and add the milk. When the gravy is warm and thickened, add the beef and continue cooking until everything is incorporated and warmed, being careful not to boil and burn the milk. Thin with additional broth or milk, if necessary.
Spoon over toast of your choice. Serve with eggs if you like.
Enjoy this rib sticking meal!
Notes:
I prefer Better than Bouillon when I use bouillon. An added benefit is that you don’t need to add salt to your recipe!
You may need to use a little more or less bacon grease or flour. As you become experienced cooking gravy, you will develop a “feel” and know when it’s right.
This is enough for 4 pieces of toast. OK to double for more!
You can also use leftover grilled hamburgers for this recipe, usually about two. The grilled taste adds another depth of flavor. Chop finely on a cutting board.
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Dave’s SOS
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What’s in it for me?
Good eats, that’s what!
Call to Action
Show someone how much you love them by preparing a delicious meal for them. Later, enjoy the time and money you save by relishing your leftovers, either for lunch at work or dinner at home. Take comfort in knowing you are eating hearty food you prepared. All because you made a good decision to follow the recipes and tips in the cookbook I developed just for you.
Besides getting a copy of the cookbook for yourself, it makes an excellent gift for those you love and care for, especially for those with a young family who are looking to save time and money in the kitchen. And learn a few things in the process! What a great idea!
Recommended Resources
Everyday Cooking for Everyday People Like Us by David Giustozzi (Note 1).
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Notes
Please note that as an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission on the sale of any of these recommended resources.
Everyday Cooking for Everyday People Like Us by David Giustozzi: https://amzn.to/437OhVQ
Achieve Your Dreams: A Complete Guide to Live Your Best Life by David Giustozzi: https://amzn.to/3IxEFgy