Precook your meat with onions and garlic in a large skillet on medium-high heat, then drain the juices.

Dump the meat, sauce, broth, tomatoes, remaining spices, and ricotta cheese into the slow cooker. Since this makes enough for a large family, you'll want to use two crock pots an divide the ingredients in half, placing half in each crock pot.  I didn't have ricotta cheese so I used feta cheese instead. Put the lid on then decide if you want it in 7-8 hours or 3-4 hours. Turn it on low for the former and high for the latter.

Many hours later, take the lid off to find it bubbling and brewing. It's pretty forgiving so no worries if it's been on slightly longer than the recommended time.

30 minutes before it is time to eat, add the dried noodles (splitting the noodles between the two crock pots and cook it at a high temperature. Then relid it and set your timer for 20 minutes. You should check the noodle doneness at the 20 minute mark.

Once the noodles are done, add the shredded cheese and wait 2 - 3 minutes for it to melt. You can also use an Italian cheese blend. or any other kinds of shredded cheese that you love. The gooey melted cheese on top just makes this pasta dish even more special.