Whisk the egg in a large bowl until broken up. Add the Parmesan, cilantro, salt, and the black pepper, and whisk to combine.
Add the meat to the egg mixture. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the egg mixture into the ground meat.
Add the onions, garlic, and breadcrumbs. Mix them thoroughly into the meat with your fingers. Do not over mix this or the meat will get tough.
With the help of a large spoon, take one tablespoon meat mixture and gently roll between your hands to form 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each). Continue shaping until all the meat is used.
Put your pot over medium-high heat, add two tablespoons of olive oil, brown all your meatballs on all sides. Set aside.
Take a moment to take out Charlie's meatballs (she eats them without the sauce)
Put your pot over medium-high heat, add two tablespoons of olive oil, lightly brown the onion and garlic. Add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, add the meatballs, bay leaves, herbs and simmer for 30 minutes.