Beef Casserole Italiano

1 oz. ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onions
16 oz. tomato sauce - canned
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 pkgs. of spinach chopped and drained - optional
2 cups ricotta cheese
8 oz. mozzarella cheese - sliced

Brown ground beef and onion; drain well.
Stir in tomato sauce, parsley, oregano, basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt & pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, combine spinach, roicott and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spoon spinach mixture around edges of a 13x9 inch baking dish.
Pour beef mixture into center. Cut each mozzarella slice into three strips and arrange in a lattice pattern over meat.
Bake at 375* for 20 minutes.

Sent to the Recipe Dude by: Jan