Meatball Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb (500g) ground pork
• 1 lb (500g) ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or Japanese panko)
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 pinch red-pepper flakes
• 28 oz (800g) whole peeled tomatoes (pureed)
• 4 fresh basil leaves (optional)
• 8 oz (230g) fresh mozzarella cheese (thinly sliced)

Steps

1. 1

   Using your hands, gently mix together the pork, beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, eggs, garlic, and parsley in a large bowl. Form the mixture into 2-inch (5 cm) balls.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning them until browned all over, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate.

3. 3

   Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and pepper flakes; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender. Add the tomatoes and basil; simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce is slightly thickened. Return the meatballs and their juices to the pan. Simmer, turning the meatballs, until they are cooked through.

4. 4

   Preheat the broiler and arrange the mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs. Broil until melted, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.