Step 1

In a large Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until cooked through and browned.

Step 2

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water, and stir everything together.

Step 3

Add sugar, basil, fennel seeds (if using), Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons salt, pepper, and 2 Tablespoons parsley, and stir to combine.

Step 4

Simmer, covered, for at least 1½ hours, stirring occasionally. I usually try to simmer for as long as possible.

Step 5

If using regular lasagna noodles, cook according to package instructions and drain.

Step 6

In a bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, egg, remaining parsley, and ½ teaspoon salt.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 8

To layer the lasagna, spread 1½ cups of the sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of noodles over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Spoon another 1½ cups meat sauce over the cheese.

Step 10

Add another layer of noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, half of the remaining mozzarella, and another 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

Step 11

Add another layer of 1 1/2 cups of sauce and a final layer of noodles.

Step 12

Top with another 1 1/2 cups sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 13

Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 14

Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes.

Step 15

Cool for 15 minutes before serving.