In a large skillet over medium heat, cook beef, onion and garlic until beef is browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, pepper and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer for about 1 hour.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Repeat layers twice more ending with remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle remaining parsley over top before serving.