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Shit on a Shingle

Classic military comfort food featuring creamy seasoned ground beef spooned over crispy toast for a quick, budget-friendly meal ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 8 slices bread white, whole wheat, or sourdough
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Toaster or toaster oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Serving plates

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no pink remains and browned bits form on the pan.
  2. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add butter to the skillet; once melted, sprinkle flour over the mixture. Cook while stirring for 1 minute to form a roux.
  4. Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Reduce heat to medium, pour in heavy cream, and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. While the sauce simmers, toast the bread slices in a toaster or toaster oven until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes.
  8. Place two slices of toasted bread on each plate. Ladle the hot creamed beef evenly over the toast. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry red wine before adding broth. Toast the bread just before serving to maintain crunch.