Meatball Casserole

By á-9558

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely grated pecorino
• 1 1/2 teaspoons course salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1-2 small onion, finely chopped
• Pinch red-pepper flakes
• 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, pureed
• 4 leaves fresh basil
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella

Preparation

Step 1

1. Using your hands, gently mix together pork, beef, bread crumbs, pecorino, salt, eggs, garlic, and parsley in a large bowl. Form mixture into 2-inch balls.
2. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs; cook, turning, until browned all over, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and pepper flakes; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and basil; simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Return meatballs and any juices to pan. Simmer, turning meatballs once, until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
4. Heat broiler. Arrange mozzarella on top of meatballs. Broil until melted, 2-3 minutes; serve.