Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti

Recipe from Real Simple

Makes 4 servings

• 1 pound ziti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh oregano (optional)
• 1 26-ounce jar pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan
• 1 15-ounce container ricotta
• 1 10-ounce box frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed to remove liquid
• 1 cup grated mozzarella

1. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions.
2. Heat oven to 400° F.
3. In a large pot, over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Add the onion, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook until the onion is softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the beef, increase heat to medium-high, and cook until no trace of pink remains, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain any remaining liquid. Add the garlic and oregano (if using) and cook for 2 minutes. Add the pasta sauce and heat for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add the Parmesan, ricotta, and spinach and toss again. Spread the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or individual ramekins and sprinkle with the mozzarella. Bake until the mozzarella melts, about 15 minutes.

Tip: If you prefer, substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef and chopped broccoli for the spinach.
 
To Freeze: Assemble (but do not bake) the casserole. Cover tightly with two layers of aluminum foil. Store for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or thaw partially in the microwave. Cover and heat in a 350° F oven for 1 hour. Uncover and heat until the mozzarella melts, about 10 minutes more.

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