Bev's Recipe Collection

13 oz. ziti pasta (or pasta of choice)
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. ground beef

1 cup ricotta cheese, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, divided
1 egg
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp oregano
1/3 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves, finely chopped (plus more for garnish, if desired)
2 cups (packed) fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to instructions on the box. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
2. Saute onion in 2 T coconut oil over medium-high heat until half-cooked. Add garlic, cook for 3 or 4 minutes. Add ground beef. Cook, drain, and rinse the meat.
3. Return the meat to the skillet and add tomatoes and sauce, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and chopped basil leaves. Let the sauce simmer on low for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
5. In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, and an egg. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in about 1½ cups of the cooked tomato sauce mixture. Pour the pasta into the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to coat.
6. To assemble the casserole, place half the coated pasta into the greased baking dish. Layer with spinach. Add the rest of the coated pasta. Pour remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with additional fresh chopped basil, if desired, and serve.

Adapted from Yummy Addiction