1️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic until well browned. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.

Add sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley.

Cover and let simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to develop the flavors.

2️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well and set aside.

3️⃣ Cook the Lasagna Noodles: In a large pot, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

4️⃣ Assemble the Lasagna:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Place 3 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce.

Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with one-third of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.

Repeat layers two more times, starting with meat sauce and ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on the top layer.

5️⃣ Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, lightly spray the underside with cooking spray).

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.

6️⃣ Serve: Let the lasagna cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set and makes it easier to serve.