Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti

Tried a new recipe a couple of weeks ago and repeated it lastnight....such yummy goodness!! Its lasagna meets baked ziti and I love the combination!! Makes a lot -- one batch usually means leftovers for three people in our house!! It really is an easy recipe and they say you can make this and put it into the freezer for a make-ahead pasta dish. Why anyone would want to make this and then put it away is beyond me...because it makes my house smell amazing and by the time the cheese is melting, my mouth is watering!

If you try it -- you have to tell me how you like it! =)

Ingredients

12 ounces ziti (about 4 cups)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 pound lean ground beef

kosher salt and black pepper

1 26-ounce jar marinara sauce

1 bunch spinach, thick stems removed (about 4 cups)

1/2 cup ricotta

1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces)

1 cup grated mozzarella (4 ounces)

Directions

1.Heat oven to 400° F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain it and return it to the pot.

2.Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 4 to 5 minutes.

3.Add the beef, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon until it’s no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes.

4.Toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, spinach, ricotta, and ¼ cup of the Parmesan.

5.Transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or 4 large ramekins. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and the remaining ¼ cup of the Parmesan. Bake until the cheese melts, 12 to 15 minutes.