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1
In a food processor, puree the onion, carrots, celery, mushrooms, spinach and garlic into a coarse paste.
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2
Heat a large pan over medium heat and coat pan with oil.
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3
Add the pureed veggies and season generously with salt.
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4
Bring the pan to a medium-high heat and cook until all the water has evaporated and they become nice and brown, stirring frequently, about 15 to 20 minutes.
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5
You want them brown.
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6
Browned veggies means big flavor.
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7
Add the ground beef and pork and season again with salt.
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8
You want to brown the meat!
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9
Dont boil it!
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10
Dont rush this step.
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11
Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes.
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12
Add the crushed tomatoes and cook until brown about 4 to 5 minutes.
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13
Add the red wine or stock.
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14
Cook until the wine has reduced by half, another 4 to 5 minutes.
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15
Fill a tomato can halfway full of water and add it into the pot.
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16
Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
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17
As the water evaporates you will gradually need to add more, about 2 to 3 cups total.
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18
Dont be shy about adding water during the cooking process, you can always cook it out.
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19
This is a game of reduce and add more water.
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20
This is where big rich flavors develop.
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21
If you try to add all the water in the beginning you will have boiled meat sauce rather than a rich, thick meaty sauce.
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22
Stir and taste it frequently.
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23
Season with salt, if needed (you probably will).
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24
Simmer for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
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25
Preheat your oven to 375 F.
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26
Spread one-third of the sauce mixture evenly onto the bottom of a deep 13x9 or similar sized baking dish.
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27
Arrange half of the tortellini over the sauce.
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28
Sprinkle one-third of both the mozzarella and Parmesan over the tortellini.
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29
Repeat layers.
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30
You should end with the last third of sauce on top, followed by the last third of cheeses.
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31
Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with oil, and lay the oil-side down loosely over the casserole.
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32
Bake for 40 minutes for frozen tortellini or 30 minutes for refrigerated ones.
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33
Uncover and bake another 10 minutes, or until cheese turns bubbly and golden.
