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1
Cook ziti in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain and leave in a colander.
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2
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.
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3
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.
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4
Remove from heat.
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5
Heat oven to 375u00b0F Have a 13x9-inch baking dish ready; spray with nonstick cooking spray.
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6
Stir cooked ziti and cottage cheese into spinach sauce until blended. Spoon into baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.
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7
Bake 30 minutes, or until top is golden.
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8
***Note***.
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9
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.
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10
Here's the cheese sauce if you're intereseted:
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11
2 Tablespoons butter.
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12
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour.
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13
1 cup milk.
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14
1/4 teaspoon salt.
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15
1/8 teaspoon pepper (or to taste).
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16
1 cup Cheddar cheese.
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17
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard.
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18
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.
