Ingredients

• 3 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 pound butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon chicken base paste
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt, such as Lawry's
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 gallon 2-percent milk
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 loaf white bread, sliced
• Home Fries, recipe follows
• Fruit, for serving
• 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3/4 tablespoon cooking oil
• 3 green bell peppers, seeded and diced
• 2 white onions, diced

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, being careful not to burn it. Slowly whisk in the flour to make a roux. You are looking for a thick consistency. Add the chicken base, seasoned salt and garlic. Slowly whisk in the milk. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes and then lower the heat to medium, whisking periodically until the mixture gets thick. Whisk in the black pepper and browned beef.
3. Toast the white bread and put the slices on serving plates. Ladle the SOS over the top of the toast. Serve with home fries and a piece of fruit.
4. Put the potatoes in a large skillet with cooking oil and cook for 10 minutes. Add the bell peppers and onions, and continue cooking until golden brown.
5. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.