Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cottage cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Use your hands to gently mix until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, form the mixture into approximately 24 uniform meatballs, about 1.5-2 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides until a nice crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is to develop flavor, not to cook them through. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth to the same skillet, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Carefully return the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer for at least 30-40 minutes, or up to an hour. This allows the meatballs to cook through, become incredibly tender, and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
Step 6: Just before serving, stir in a handful of fresh basil leaves. Serve the Hailey Bieber's Cottage Cheese Meatballs hot over your favorite pasta, in subs, or with a side of vegetables. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.