Helper-Style Un-Stuffed Shells and Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or marjoram
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 large cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 can diced or crushed Italian tomatoes
- 1 cup passata plus a sprinkle of sugar or 1 can tomato sauce
- A few leaves bail, torn
- 1 pound medium pasta shells
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano plus additional to serve
- Finely chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano or marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese (optional)
- For the salad: Chopped iceberg lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers and sliced red onions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
Place a saucepot or deep skillet over medium-high heat with EVOO, 1 turn of the pan. Melt butter into oil and when it foams, add beef and brown and crumble. Season with salt, pepper and oregano or marjoram; add onions and garlic, and cook to soften, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, passata and sugar, or tomato sauce. Stir in basil and simmer 15 minutes.
Cook shells in boiling, salted water 1 minute less than package suggests for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup starchy cooking water then drain pasta.
For the salad, mix dressing in a Mason jar and shake to combine. Place salad ingredients in a serving bowl and toss with dressing. Serve with shells.