Unforgettable Spinach Ziti

Directions

1. 1
   Cook ziti according to package instructions, rinse and set aside.
2. 2
   Mix sausage & ground beef together and cook in a skillet until done and crumbled.
3. 3
   Drain, and set aside.
4. 4
   Saute onions & peppers until almost done, then add garlic & optional carrots and mushrooms, and cook an additional 5 minutes.
5. 5
   Add spaghetti sauce, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and sauteed vegetables to meat.
6. 6
   Stir and cook on medium heat about 30 minutes.
7. 7
   Spray lg baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
8. 8
   Spread layer of sauce mixture on bottom of pan.
9. 9
   Layer with 1/2 of ziti noodles, then 1/2 of the cottage cheese, then 1/2 of the well drained spinach, then 1/3 of the shredded jack cheese, then 1/3 of the parmesan cheese.
10. 10
    Pack down with your hands or with a large heavy metal spoon.
11. 11
    Cover with more sauce, then repeat layering; ziti, cottage cheese, spinach, jack cheese, and parmesan.
12. 12
    Cover with more sauce, then top with remaining 1/3 jack cheese and 1/3 parmesan cheese.
13. 13
    Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, making sure cheese doesn't burn.