Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook for 10 minutes until browned.
Add minced onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, dried basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), beef broth, and water. Stir and cover the pot.
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add raw pasta, stir, reduce heat to medium, and cook uncovered for half the recommended pasta cooking time, stirring occasionally.
Remove pot from heat and let soup sit uncovered for 5 minutes to finish cooking the pasta.
Discard bay leaf.
Serve topped with ricotta and Parmesan cheese if desired.
For Instant Pot: Sauté beef, onion, and garlic in Instant Pot for 13 minutes.
Add tomatoes, spices, broth, and water; stir well.
Add pasta, press into liquid without touching bottom.
Seal Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 2 minutes, quick release.
Discard bay leaf, top with cheeses, and serve.
For Crockpot: Brown beef, onion, and garlic on stovetop; transfer to crockpot.
Add tomatoes, spices, broth, and water; cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours.
Add raw pasta in the last hour, stir, cover, and cook on high.
Discard bay leaf, top with cheeses, and serve.