Background Story: There was a running joke where I had no idea what the heck a ziti was so I kept asking my GF “what’s a ziti?” Eventually I figured out it was some type of pasta, but I for some reason thought it was part of the human body.  That’s where the “what’s a ziti” comment comes from.

GF and I doing some cooking!

[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gyhOVoqQhg&feature=youtu.be[/YT]

Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: | Total Time:

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.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/lasagna-style-baked-ziti-10000001123648/index.html