128 ounce canHunt's tomato sauce (you can sub a different typebut the end result will be different. Different tomato sauce brands contain drastically different amounts of sugar, salt, and other seasonings and make a huge difference.)
1tablespoonsugar
1tablespoonGourmet Garden Italian Herbs paste or 1 teaspoon dried Italian Herb blend
2teaspoonsGourmet Garden Basil or 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/2cupfresh grated Parmigianno Reggianoor grated parmesan if you are in a pinch!
Garnish with Gourmet Garden Lightly Dried Basil
Meat Layer
1poundground beef
1cupItalian bread crumbs
1/2cupfinely diced vidalia onions
1/4cupfinely diced fresh parsley
2clovesgarlicminced
1/2cupshredded parmesan cheese
1egglightly beaten
1/4cupwhole milk
Spinach
1 - 8ouncebag frozen chopped spinach
1 - 2tablespoonsolive oil
1teaspoonminced garlic
1/3cupheavy cream
1/8cupchicken stock
pinch nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350.
For the sauce, heat olive oil over medium low heat and add the garlic paste or fresh garlic to the oil. Stir frequently and cook for 1 minute. Add in tomato sauce, sugar, and the rest of the herbs. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add in the parmigiano during the last 5 minutes, stir to combine.
Mix together the meat ingredients, and place into a greased 9x9 pan.
In a medium skillet combine the olive oil, garlic, cream, chicken stock, and nutmeg. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Break up the frozen chopped spinach in the bag by banging it against the counter a few times.
Place the spinach over the top of the meat mixture in the pan. Drizzle the spinach sauce over the spinach.
Place the frozen tortellini on top of the spinach mixture. You may not be able to fit the entire bag on the pan.
Top with as much of the sauce as you can fit into the pan, and cover with cheese.
Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes. Remove from oven, let sit for 10 minutes. slice and serve.
Notes
* You can substitute 2 large jars of your favorite ready-made spaghetti sauce in this if you'd like.