Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Crush the canned tomatoes and add them to the pot with the browned beef. Simmer while you prepare the vegetables.

3. Dice the onion, celery, and carrot. Add them to the pot with the meat and tomatoes. Mince or grate the garlic cloves and add them to the pot as well.

4. Pour in the beef broth, fresh thyme sprigs, dried oregano, and dried basil. Add the spinach to the sauce.

5. Cover the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

6. Once the sauce has simmered, drain the pasta and add it to the pot with the meat sauce. Stir well to combine everything.

7. Transfer the pasta and meat sauce mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with grated mozzarella cheese.

8. Grate the Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the mozzarella. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.