A Nostalgic Guide to Cooking Camps Buttered Beef Steaks

Buttered beef steaks were a beloved frozen food staple for generations of families in Southern California. Produced by the Camps Frozen Foods Company these pre-molded and frozen steak patties hold a special place in the hearts and memories of many who grew up eating them.

Although Camps went out of business in 2017 their signature Camps Buttered Beef Steaks live on through those who fondly remember their distinct flavor and texture. If you’re lucky enough to still have access to these frozen steaks, cooking them at home is simple. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these nostalgic patties just like the Camps original.

A Brief History of Camps Buttered Beef Steaks

To understand the appeal of Camps Buttered Beef Steaks, it helps to know a bit about their history:

• Company founded in Southern California in 1940s

• Flagship product was frozen, molded beef steaks with pats of butter

• Packages contained 4 patties (2 oz each) and 4 butter pats

• Beloved as an easy family dinner, especially in SoCal

• Ceased operations in 2017 but still fondly remembered

The refrigerated steaks offered convenience at a time when frozen foods were gaining popularity. The flavor and consistency made them a favorite weeknight dinner for decades of families.

Locating Packages of Camps Buttered Beef Steaks

Since the company shut down, these steaks can be tricky to find. Here are some tips if you’re searching:

• Check grocery stores like Ralphs, Albertsons in Southern California where they were popular

• Look in the freezer section, likely in a corner or bottom shelf

• Ask at the meat counter in case they have hidden inventory

• Search online auction/resale sites for individuals selling stockpiled items

• Join Camps Buttered Beef Steaks fan groups on social media to ask for leads

Once located, stock up as they may not be around forever! Carefully check expiration or freeze-by dates.

How to Cook Camps Buttered Beef Steaks Perfectly

Part of the appeal of Camps Buttered Beef Steaks was their convenience. Follow these simple steps to cook them like the original:

Ingredients Needed

• Packages of Camps Buttered Beef Steaks (as many as desired)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Arrange frozen steaks on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Patties are done when golden brown.

4. Top each patty with a frozen butter pat after flipping. Butter will melt during cooking.

5. Remove from oven, season with salt and pepper if desired.

6. Enjoy immediately while hot and juicy!

That’s it – easy as can be and full of nostalgic flavor. The molded chopped beef and melted butter topping deliver the distinctive taste so many remember fondly.

Serving Suggestions for Buttered Beef Steaks

While best enjoyed on their own for a hit of nostalgia, you can also try:

• On a hoagie roll for an easy hot sandwich

• Chopped up in hash with veggies and eggs

• Added to pasta or rice bowls for a beefy kick

• On salad greens for an elevated cheeseburger vibe

• Mixed into mac and cheese or baked potatoes

Feel free to get creative with how you incorporate these retro steaks into meals!

Tips for Adjusting Flavors (if Needed)

Part of the charm of Camps steaks was their mild flavor, but you can customize them:

• Add Worcestershire or steak sauce for more savory depth

• Mix diced onions or sautéed mushrooms into beef before molding

• Use flavored butter patties – garlic herb or chipotle work nicely

• Coat steaks in cajun seasoning before baking for a kick

• Top with swiss, cheddar, bleu cheese, etc. after baking

The benefit of making these from scratch is tweaking them to suit your tastes. While I recommend enjoying as original at first, play around to make them your own.

Recreating the Experience with Homemade Steaks

If you can’t find Camps steaks, you can DIY them:

• Use ground beef (80/20), shape into patties, freeze

• Melt butter, pour into molds, freeze into squares

• Bake frozen beef patties, top with frozen butter

While not exactly the same, this captures the nostalgic spirit and general method. Get creative with different beef blends, cheese in the beef, seasoned butter, etc.

Keep the Memory Alive

For those who grew up eating these steaks, cooking and enjoying Camps Buttered Beef Steaks again is a blast from the past. Hopefully you can track down a stash and indulge in this tasty nostalgia. If not, homemade versions can satisfy the craving for this iconic beef patty and butter combo. Here’s to keeping the memory alive!