Rach's Game Day Meatball Subs with Ricotta "Slather"

Name: Rach's Game Day Meatball Subs with Ricotta "Slather"
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh sheep's or cow's milk ricotta; 2 cloves garlic; grated or pasted; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme; chopped; 2 tablespoons EVOO; Salt and red pepper; to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 large garlic cloves; crushed; One 14-ounce can Italian tomatoes; hand-crushed; One jar passata (3 cups); A handful of basil leaves; torn; plus extra for garnish; Salt; About 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs; Milk; to moisten (about ½ cup); 1 ½ pounds ground beef; ½ pound ground pork or; hot Italian sausage; Salt and pepper; 1 large egg; grated; 1 small white onion; 1 cup grated pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; ½ cup parsley