BAKED ZITI FLORENTINE

Steps:

• Cook ziti in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain and leave in a colander.
• Heat oil in same pot. Add ground beef and onions and cook over medium- high heat, breaking up beef with a wooden spoon, 4 minutes or until beef is no longer pink.
• Stir in tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook 12 minutes for flavor to develop. Stir in spinach and cook 3 minutes longer.
• Remove from heat.
• Heat oven to 375°F Have a 13x9-inch baking dish ready; spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• Stir cooked ziti and cottage cheese into spinach sauce until blended. Spoon into baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.
• Bake 30 minutes, or until top is golden.
• ***Note***.
• The last time I made this, I had some leftover cheese sauce I needed to use up so I threw it in and it was great! Made a creamier casserole that I actually preferred, but since the rest of the family likes both versions equally, I'm just addding this as a note.
• Here's the cheese sauce if you're intereseted:.
• 2 Tablespoons butter.
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour.
• 1 cup milk.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or to taste).
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese.
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard.
• Melt butter in heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth. Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly. Stir in salt, cheese and dry mustard.