BAKED ZITI FLORENTINE

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Baked Ziti Florentine image

This is a casserole my family can't get enough of. It freezes and reheats well - a great make-ahead meal. I usually serve it with garlic bread and a salad.

Provided by Sweet Diva MJ

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces ground chuck or 8 ounces ground turkey
1 cup chopped onion
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup cottage cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, Shredded

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 866.1, Fat 26.2, SaturatedFat 12, Cholesterol 90.6, Sodium 1412, Carbohydrate 108, Fiber 9.2, Sugar 12.4, Protein 50.3

Usman Gull
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This recipe is a keeper! I've made it twice now and it's always a hit.


Amir Harfouch
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Easy and delicious! I substituted gluten-free pasta and it turned out great.


Kelvin bradley
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This dish was delicious! The flavors were well-balanced and the pasta was cooked perfectly. I would definitely make this again.


Heather Mclemore
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Just tried this recipe and it was amazing! It was easy to make and the flavors were incredible. I loved the creamy sauce and the crispy cheese topping. My kids loved it too, which is always a bonus. Will definitely be making this again!


Muhib Akber
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This baked ziti florentine was a huge hit with my family! The combination of spinach, artichoke, and sun-dried tomatoes gave it a delicious and unique flavor. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the cheese was melted and gooey. I highly recommend this


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