Two Layer Baked Pasta

Directions

1. 1
   RED SAUCE: Cook ground beef in a large skillet, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
2. 2
   Drain off fat.
3. 3
   Add next 7 ingredients& cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
4. 4
   Add tomatoes& paste, bring to a boil, then reduce heat& simmer until a spoon scraped across the bottom of the pan leaves a gap that fills in slowly.
5. 5
   This should take about 30 minutes.
6. 6
   WHITE SAUCE: Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan.
7. 7
   Whisk in flour& cook, whisking constantly, for a minute.
8. 8
   Gradually add milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly; continue cooking& whisking until thickened, about 15 minutes.
9. 9
   Stir in cheese& seasonings.
10. 10
    PASTA: Cook in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but firm, about 8- 10 minutes or according to package directions.
11. 11
    Coarsely chop spinach, add to the pot& give it a stir.
12. 12
    Drain well.
13. 13
    ASSEMBLY: Arrange half of the pasta mixture in a 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish.
14. 14
    Spoon red sauce over top; sprinkle with artichoke hearts.
15. 15
    Top with remainder of pasta mixture.
16. 16
    Spoon white sauce over top; sprinkle with cheese.
17. 17
    Bake in preheated 375F oven until bubbly& golden, about 25 minutes.
18. 18
    Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
19. 19
    If made in advance& frozen, thaw in refrigerator& add 10 minutes to cooking time.