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This comforting Manhattan Hot Shot sandwich is a warm weekday meal you can put together in just minutes using basics from your fridge. Great for a quick lunch or dinner, it layers rich gravy and mashed potatoes over tender meat and soft bread for a satisfying bite every time.
This was my ultimate home-from-school treat as a kid and now my own children ask for Hot Shots whenever they smell gravy simmering on the stove.
Ingredients
- Roast beef, turkey or chicken: choose quality deli-sliced or leftover homemade for the juiciest result, warm before building your sandwich
- Mashed potatoes: Yukon Gold or russet potatoes yield classic creamy mash, fresh is best but store-bought works too
- Gravy: match your gravy to your meat for authentic flavor, homemade or jarred both work, just heat until steaming
- One slice soft sandwich bread: white or whole wheat, fresh and airy texture soaks up the gravy beautifully
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Lay one slice of soft sandwich bread on a large plate This will be the foundation for all those delicious layers
- Add Mashed Potatoes:
- Carefully mound the hot mashed potatoes evenly across the bread Aim for a thick layer pressing it gently so the bread does not get too soggy
- First Layer of Gravy:
- Spoon a small amount of the hot gravy directly over the mashed potatoes Let it seep down a bit creating the signature comfort of this sandwich
- Add the Meat:
- Arrange your warmed slices of roast beef turkey or chicken over the potatoes Make sure to evenly cover the surface so each bite is meaty
- Final Gravy Blanket:
- Pour the remaining hot gravy generously over the whole stack Allow the gravy to run down the sides covering both meat and potatoes
- Serve:
- Serve steaming hot right away Pair with a crisp green salad or a side of cooked vegetables for a well-rounded meal
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You Must Know
- Uses family favorites like mashed potatoes and roast meat
- This sandwich recipe is both budget friendly and filling
- Excellent for weeknight meals or casual get togethers
My absolute favorite part is spooning that rich meaty gravy over the top and watching it pool around the edges of the plate One bite brings back memories of chilly evenings when my mom would transform leftover Sunday roast into something truly special for supper
Storage tips
Store any extra components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days Only assemble right before serving for the freshest result That way your bread stays soft but not soggy
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Ingredient substitutions
If you are out of mashed potatoes swap in instant or even mashed sweet potatoes Both give a slightly different but tasty twist For the meat rotisserie chicken or even thin-sliced pork work well For vegetarians try mushroom gravy with grilled thick-cut portobello slices
Serving suggestions
Round out the meal with green beans or steamed carrots for veggie goodness or add a simple side salad for fresh crunch For a real diner experience add a pickle spear or coleslaw on the plate
Cultural context
The Manhattan Hot Shot also goes by Hot Beef or Hot Turkey Sandwich in diners across the Midwest and Northeast A thrifty and rich comfort food this sandwich is rooted in turning Sunday roast leftovers into a family favorite in a cozy open-face style
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What meats can be used in a Manhattan Hot Shot Sandwich?
You can use roast beef, turkey, or chicken, depending on your preference and what's available.
- → What type of bread works best?
Soft white or whole wheat bread is ideal for soaking up the gravy and supporting the toppings.
- → Can I prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can use freshly made or leftover mashed potatoes, as long as they are warmed before assembling.
- → Should the gravy match the choice of meat?
It's best to pair beef gravy with roast beef and poultry gravy with turkey or chicken for the best flavor combination.
- → Are there recommended side dishes?
A crisp green salad or hot steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments to balance the meal.
- → Can this be made with gluten-free bread?
Absolutely. Substitute gluten-free bread to suit dietary needs without compromising the warm, savory flavors.