Hot beef commercial
 | |
| Course | Main course |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Minnesota, US |
| Region or state | Western Minnesota |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Beef |
| Variations | turkey, pulled pork |
A hot beef commercial, also known as a roast beef commercial or hot beef sandwich[1] is an open-faced sandwich, hailing from Minnesotan cuisine. It is made with white bread, brown gravy, mashed potatoes, and pot roast[2]. The sandwich is popular café food in rural Western Minnesota and can even be found in the Twin Cities.[3]
Etymology
While the origin of the name commercial is unclear, it likely came from the target demographic for the sandwich, that being salesmen (commercial workers) who needed food that could be quickly prepared. Alternately it could be referencing the fact that the sandwich often uses commercial grade beef or commercial white bread.[4]
Variations
The most notable variation is the hot turkey commercial, which is made with white bread, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, and roasted turkey. This variation is typically eaten after Thanksgiving as a way to use up leftovers. Other variations include substituting beef with chicken or pulled pork.[5]
References
- ^ "Roast Beef Commercials (aka Hot Beef Sandwiches)". 2024-03-07. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ Byrne, Kerry (2024-02-07). "Minnesota comfort-food classic, hot beef commercial, is the 'most delicious thing you can eat'". Fox News. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ "Minnesota's Most Iconic Foods". Minnesota Monthly. 2023-06-15. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ Jean (2008-07-05). "Beef, Bread, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy: In pursuit of Minnesota's "Beef Commercial" Sandwich". Beef, Bread, Mashed Potatoes, and Gravy. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ ajoyful (2013-02-28). "Chicken/Beef/Turkey Commercial Recipe". Economical Mommy. Retrieved 2025-08-07.