Widespread Panic Baked Ziti

Remember when you were in high school and you would 'carbo-load' the night before the big game? What if I told you that I'm going to carbo-load for a concert? It's ok, you can laugh at me.

My favorite band is in town and it's the one time a year that I can let loose and dance like a hippie for 3 1/2 hours. I've been seeing these guys for 12 years and after every show I am starving. This year, I thought that if I stock up on carbs before the show that maybe I won't need that burger at midnight. I figure it's worth a try. Here's what's on the menu...

Widespread Panic Baked Ziti

• 12 ounces ziti (about 4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 pound lean ground beef
• 1/4 pound Italian Sausage, removed from casing
  
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 26-ounce jar marinara sauce
• 1 bunch spinach, thick stems removed (about 4 cups)
• 1/2 cup ricotta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces)
• 1 cup grated mozzarella (4 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  

1. Heat oven to 400° F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain it and return it to the pot.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the beef, sausage, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper, red pepper flakes and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon until it’s no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, spinach, ricotta, and ¼ cup of the Parmesan.
5. Transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or 4 large ramekins. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and the remaining ¼ cup of the Parmesan. Bake until the cheese melts, 12 to 15 minutes.

Widespread Panic Baked Ziti