Skillet Lasagna

Directions

1. 1
   Pour the tomatoes with their juices into a 1-quart liquid measuring cup.
2. 2
   Add salt and sugar.
3. 3
   Add water until the mixture measures 1 quart.
4. 4
   Heat the oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
5. 5
   Add the onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until the onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Add mushrooms and saute lightly.
7. 7
   Stir in the garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
8. 8
   Add the ground meat and Italian spice, cook, breaking apart the meat, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
9. 9
   Sprinkle meat with salt to taste while still pink.
10. 10
    Scatter the pasta over the meat but do not stir.
11. 11
    Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce over the pasta.
12. 12
    Cover and bring to a simmer.
13. 13
    Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
14. 14
    Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cheeses.
15. 15
    Season with salt and pepper.
16. 16
    Dot with heaping tablespoons of the cottage cheese, cover, and let stand off the heat for 5 minutes.
17. 17
    Sprinkle with the basil and the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
18. 18
    Serve.