Pasta casserole with meatballs in tomato sauce

Ingredients:

Meatballs

• 340 g of ground beef
• 340 g raw Italian sausages without casings
• 1/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 tbsp. grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• A little milk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Olive oil, for frying

Sauce

• Olive oil, as needed
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can (800 g) of canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 can (340 g) of tomato paste
• 2 cups of hot water
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Assembly

• 450 g ziti pasta or other tubes
• 450 g fresh mozzarella, diced
• 0.5 tbsp. grated parmesan

Preparation:

1. To form meatballsIn a bowl, combine the ground beef, sausage, oats, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, milk, egg, and some salt and black pepper. Mix well with your hands. Form the meat mixture into about 48 (2.5 cm) meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
2. To fry the meatballsHeat a little olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry in three batches, turning, until golden brown, 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the fried meatballs to paper towels to remove excess oil. Set the meatballs aside.
3. To prepare the sauceHeat a little olive oil in a separate skillet or saucepan. Add the garlic and onion and cook for a few minutes until translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, hot water, parsley, sugar, and a little salt and black pepper. Then add the meatballs and stir. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Stir in the basil and then set aside to cool.
4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set the pasta aside to cool.
   
   To collectSpoon some of the cooled sauce into the bottom of a 22 x 32 cm baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with half the pasta, half the sauce and meatballs, and half the mozzarella cubes. Repeat the layers one more time and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
5. If you apply immediately, then bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) until the cheese is golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.
   
   If you prepare in advanceCover the assembled casserole and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is golden brown, 40-45 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.