Lettuce and Shells with Cheesy Beef Filling

This delightful dish combines the freshness of crisp lettuce with tender pasta shells, filled with a savory mixture of ground beef and creamy cheese. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors, bringing together traditional elements with a creative twist. Enjoy it as a hearty main course that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, leaves separated
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
4. In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture.
6. In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells on top.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve each stuffed shell on a lettuce leaf, garnished with fresh basil.