
With this cozy Manhattan Hot Shot, you'll put a belly-warming meal on the table fast—most everything probably lives in your fridge already. Pile on creamy mashed potatoes, tender meat, and a slice of bread, then drench with steamy gravy and dig in for an easy lunch or dinner.
When I was little, nothing made me happier than coming home and seeing a Hot Shot on my plate—now my kids know to show up when that savory gravy hits the stove.
Satisfying Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes: Try Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for that fluffy classic mash. Homemade’s tops, but store-bought totally works too.
- One slice soft sandwich bread: Pick a fresh white or whole wheat slice with a soft bite—it’ll soak up the sauce like a dream.
- Roast beef, turkey or chicken: Use your favorite deli pieces or leftover roasted meat for juicy layers; warm them up before stacking.
- Gravy: Heat up a gravy that pairs with your meat—jarred or homemade is fine—just get it piping hot so it’s the real deal.
Easy Step-by-Step
- Serve It Up
- Dig in while it’s steamy for the best bite. Add a crisp veggie or simple salad on the side if you want.
- Blanket With More Gravy
- Smother the pile with a final round of hot gravy. Let it run over the sides and soak up everything underneath.
- Add Your Meat
- Lay out slices of that roast beef, turkey, or chicken so every forkful gets a meaty hit.
- Drizzle Some Gravy First
- Pour some hot gravy right over those mashed potatoes. Let it drip down and get everything saucy.
- Layer On Mashed Potatoes
- Scoop hot potatoes over your bread and gently even them out without squishing the loaf too much.
- Start With Bread
- Set a slice of soft sandwich bread down on your plate. That’s your base—everything else goes on top.

Good Things to Know
- Packed with comfort eats like mash and roast meat
- Fills you up without costing much
- Perfect for a chill night or when friends pop by
I always get excited watching rich gravy spill over the edges and fill the plate—it just feels like pure comfort. Just one forkful takes me back to chilly nights when Mom would dress up leftovers into the best supper.
Storage tips
Keep any leftovers separate and sealed tight in the fridge for up to three days. Only put everything together just before you eat so the bread stays soft—not soggy.

Ingredient swaps
No mashed potatoes on hand? Whip up instant or use sweet potato for a cool twist. Got rotisserie chicken or pork slices? Toss those in. Vegetarians, go for mushroom gravy over grilled portobellos—it’s still super tasty.
Serving ideas
Serve it with green beans, carrots, or a crunchy salad for some veggie balance. Want the diner vibe? Add a pickle spear or creamy coleslaw to the plate.
Food roots
Lots of diners in the Midwest and Northeast serve up this Manhattan Hot Shot or its cousins, the Hot Beef or Hot Turkey Sandwich. It’s classic thriftiness—turning leftover roast into warm, filling comfort on an open piece of bread.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Which meats work for a Manhattan Hot Shot Sandwich?
Roast beef, turkey, or chicken are all good choices. Just use whatever you've got on hand or prefer.
- → Is there a best bread to use?
Go for soft whole wheat or white bread. They soak up the gravy just right and hold everything together.
- → Can mashed potatoes be made in advance?
Totally. Warm up leftover or fresh mashed potatoes so they're hot and ready when you build your sandwich.
- → Does the gravy type need to match the meat?
You’ll get the best taste if you match beef with beef gravy or use poultry gravy for turkey or chicken. Mix it up if you want, though.
- → What sides go well here?
Try a simple salad or some just-steamed veggies. They freshen things up and round out the meal.
- → Can you use gluten-free bread here?
For sure! Swap in your go-to gluten-free bread and you’ll still get those cozy, savory flavors.