Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and sausage, and cook until browned, about 5-8 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef and sausage as it cooks; drain excess fat.
2. Stir in garlic and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Place ground beef mixture into a 6-qt slow cooker. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef stock, Italian seasoning and basil; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 5-6 hours. Uncover and stir in pasta; cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until tender; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Serve immediately, topped with dollops of ricotta and garnished with parsley, if desired.