On high heat bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water comes to a boil, add salt and the lasagna noodles.

Cook the lasagna noodles based on the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water (set aside) and drain the cooked noodles in a colander.

In a skillet on medium high heat, add the Italian sausage & ground beef.

Season the meat with garlic powder, onion powder, & seasoned black pepper. Allow the meat to brown, then drain the oil.

Tip: *Don’t pour the oil down the sink

In a separate pot on medium heat, drizzle some olive oil. Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 4 minutes.

Add the fresh garlic & sauté until it becomes fragrant (1 to 2 minutes).

Add the can of crushed tomatoes, basil, Italian seasoning, parsley, brown sugar and stir everything together.

Note: *Do a taste test of your sauce, if it needs more seasoning make the necessary adjustments.

Next, add the cooked ground beef & Italian sausage to your sauce & stir.

Add the reserved pasta water & stir into the sauce.

Allow your sauce to come to a slight boil, then lower the heat.

Place a lid on the pot and allow your sauce to simmer for 35 minutes to 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare the baking dish or pan with cooking spray or a drop of olive oil.

Then, in a medium bowl prepare the ricotta cheese mixture filling. Add the sour cream, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, & Parmesan cheese. (Adjust the cheese amount to your preference)

Season the cheese mixture with 1/2 tsp seasoned black pepper and 1 tsp McCormick salt-free garlic & herb seasoning)

Next, prepare to layer the lasagna in the baking dish.

First, add a small layer of the pasta sauce to the baking dish.

Add a layer of the lasagna noodles

Add the ricotta cheese mixture (spread the mixture onto the noodles).

Add a layer of the meat sauce and spread it out.

Cover the meat sauce with a layer of mozzarella.

Repeat the layering process until done.

The last layer should be meat sauce. Then add Parmesan cheese & mozzarella cheese on top. (Pepperoni slices is optional).

Place the lasagna in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is a light golden brown and the lasagna is bubbly at the bottom.

*Tip: Keep an eye on the lasagna, you want it to be saucy and not dried out or burnt.

When the lasagna is done, take it out of the oven & allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. *This will prevent the lasagna from running or falling apart.

Serve with warm garlic bread & a nice salad. Enjoy!