Heat oil in a skillet. Once hot, add the beef and onion over medium-high heat and saute until the meat is no longer pink.
Season with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper and add the garlic, cook another minute. Place into slow cooker.
Add the remaining ingredients (minus pasta and parmesan cheese and toppings). Cover and cook low 7-8 hours and 3-4 hours on high.
Add the uncooked pasta pieces and parmesan cheese, stir, and cook for another 30 minutes on high or until the pasta is al dente.
In a small bowl, stir together the ingredients for the topping.
To serve, ladle soup into bowls and add a heaping tablespoon of the ricotta topping.
Serve and enjoy, friends.