Murray’s Spaghetti Sandwiches: A Nostalgic Comfort Food Classic

The smell of browned ground beef sizzling in a pan instantly transports me back to my childhood. I can almost feel the slightly sticky, buttered white bread, warm from the touch, cradling a generous mound of spaghetti. It wasn’t fancy, but those Murray’s Spaghetti Sandwiches were pure, unadulterated joy. Each bite was a symphony of textures and flavors, a comforting combination that always hit the spot. To this day, they remain a sentimental favorite, a testament to the simple magic of home-cooked meals.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Yield: 20 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce (recommended 2bleu’s 2 Minute 2 Easy Pizza Sauce)
• 1 (8 ounce) box spaghetti, cooked as directed
• 1 loaf sliced white bread (20 slices)
• 1 cup butter, room temperature (2 sticks)

Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven (or large pot)
• Colander
• Large spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven (or a large pot), place it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef using a colander.
4. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and add the olive oil.
5. Stir in the spaghetti sauce (2bleu’s 2 Minute 2 Easy Pizza Sauce recommended) and cook to heat through, about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pot and toss to combine it thoroughly with the sauce and meat mixture. Ensure the spaghetti is evenly coated.
7. Continue heating the spaghetti mixture until it is heated through completely, another 3-5 minutes.
8. While the spaghetti is heating, butter each slice of white bread generously with the softened butter. This is a crucial step for adding richness and flavor to the sandwiches.
9. Serve the buttered bread at the table alongside the spaghetti mixture.
10. Let everyone grab a slice of buttered bread and place a heaping forkful of spaghetti into the center of the bread, arranging it elongated like a hot dog.
11. Fold the bread around the spaghetti to create a sandwich. Enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Browning the Beef: For maximum flavor, don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the ground beef. Work in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a nice sear.
• Sauce Selection: While the recipe recommends 2bleu’s 2 Minute 2 Easy Pizza Sauce, feel free to use your favorite spaghetti sauce. A thicker sauce will help prevent the sandwiches from becoming too soggy. You could even use a homemade sauce for an extra special touch.
• Bread Matters: White bread is classic for this recipe, but you can experiment with other types. Brioche or potato bread would also work well, adding a touch of sweetness and richness. Just be sure to choose a bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the spaghetti.
• Butter Alternative: Margarine can be used if butter is not available.
• Room Temperature Butter: Room temperature butter is essential, as cold butter does not spread evenly, and tears the bread.
• Warming the Spaghetti: The most important factor is that the spaghetti is warm enough to melt the butter on the bread when the spaghetti touches the buttered bread.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Murray’s Spaghetti Sandwiches immediately after assembling them for the best taste and texture. Since they are best enjoyed fresh, avoid making them too far in advance.

If you have leftover spaghetti mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be sure to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to prevent it from drying out.

While freezing is possible, the texture of the spaghetti and bread may change upon thawing, so it’s generally best to avoid freezing assembled sandwiches. The spaghetti mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	517.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	278 g	54%
Total Fat	30.9 g	47%
Saturated Fat	15.4 g	76%
Cholesterol	80.6 mg	26%
Sodium	599.4 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	44 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	3 g	11%
Sugars	6.7 g	N/A
Protein	15.5 g	31%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Meatless Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian or vegan version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spaghetti sauce for a touch of heat.
• Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle some grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti before assembling the sandwiches.
• Garlic Bread Style: Mix some minced garlic and parsley into the butter before spreading it on the bread for a garlic bread twist.
• Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute the white bread for whole wheat if desired.
• Turkey: Substitute the ground beef for ground turkey.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use leftover spaghetti for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover spaghetti. Simply reheat it before assembling the sandwiches.

Q: Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble them just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy. You can prepare the spaghetti mixture in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to make the sandwiches.

Q: What kind of bread works best for these sandwiches?
A: While classic white bread is traditional, you can experiment with other types like brioche, potato bread, or even garlic bread. Choose a bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the spaghetti.

Q: Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
A: You can use whole wheat bread, lean ground beef or turkey, and a low-sodium spaghetti sauce to make it healthier. You can also add some vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to the spaghetti sauce.

Q: Can I add cheese to these sandwiches?
A: Yes! A sprinkle of grated parmesan, mozzarella, or provolone cheese would be a delicious addition. Add it to the spaghetti before assembling the sandwiches, or melt it under a broiler for a few seconds after assembly.

Final Thoughts

Murray’s Spaghetti Sandwiches are more than just a recipe; they’re a time capsule, a reminder of simpler times filled with comforting flavors and shared moments. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a nostalgic treat, this recipe is sure to please. So gather your ingredients, butter up that bread, and get ready to experience the joy of Murray’s Spaghetti Sandwiches! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. And if you try it, be sure to share your feedback! Perhaps a side of coleslaw would perfectly complement the richness of the sandwich?