Cheesy Meatball Casserole - DANNY'S DELIGHT

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, divided - one - half diced and one-half grated
• 2 small carrots, diced
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 24 oz 1 bottle passata or tomato puree
• 10 oz small macaroni such as elbows, ditalini or small shells
• 1 lb 80% lean ground beef
• 3 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp grated parmesan
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped, divided
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sea Salt and Black pepper, to taste