Baked Cresti di Gallo

Ingredients ~
1 lb extra lean ground beef (or 1/2 lean ground beef and 1/2 ground turkey)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large sweet onion
1 large red bell pepper
2 tablespoons crushed garlic
1 jar of pasta sauce
1 can petite chopped tomatoes
1 cup frozen or fresh leaf spinach
2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning (oregano, basil, and thyme)
1 tablespoon ground pepper
1 8oz package grated Parmesan
1 8oz package low moisture Mozzarella
1 8oz container low fat ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)
1/2 to 3/4 box of your favorite pasta

Directions ~
Chop onion and pepper into half inch cubes
Remove frozen spinach from the freezer and measure out the amount you wish to add (about a cup of the leaf spinach)
Heat a medium size saucepan or frypan on medium heat, adding olive oil, chopped onion, peppers and garlic
Sauté until the vegetables are slightly limp, careful not to burn the garlic

To the side, in a large saucepot, add ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink (I use extra lean ground beef, so there is no need to drain)
Add the sautéed vegetables, spinach, tomatoes, and pasta sauce to the pot (when choosing a pasta sauce, I look for a sauce that is lower in fat, sodium and sugar)
Season with Italian Seasoning, and ground pepper
Simmer on low for an hour

Boil your pasta according to the instructions on the label, careful not to overcook, slightly al dente (one of my favorite pasta noodles is Safeway Select's version of the Cresti di Gallo which is shaped like a rooster's crest)
Prepare your bake dish with a cup of sauce on the bottom (I use my French White Corningware for even heat)
Add a layer of drained pasta, followed by about 2 cups of sauce, then a layer of grated cheese, and repeat (you can also add a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese)
Finish the top layer with a mixture of grated parmesan and mozzarella
Bake at 350 degrees covered with foil for about 45 minutes, uncover and bake another 15 minutes

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the liquid time to stop bubbling.  Add a cool, crisp salad and your favorite hot crusty bread. . .baked and brushed with olive oil, crushed garlic and a sprinkle of Italian Seasoning. . .and enjoy!