• Cook pasta according to package directions, if using.
• Place the bread pieces in a large bowl then add the milk and eggs. Let mixture sit for about 5 minutes so the bread has a chance to absorb the liquid. Mix with a fork, breaking up the pieces of bread.
• To the mixture add the ground beef, onion, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined. Form meatballs about 2 inches in diameter using an ice cream scoop. Roll meatballs in the breadcrumbs and set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat a large pan to medium-high heat and add the oil. Cook meatballs turning a couple of times for about 6-8 minutes total or until nicely browned (they will not be cooked all the way through). If your pan is not large enough you may have to do this in two batches. Remove cooked meatballs from the pan and set aside.
• Drain off any excess oil from the pan (leave about 3 tablespoons), then add the chopped tomatoes with their juices. Let the sauce cook for about 5-10 minutes before adding the meatballs back in. If you like lots of sauce and/or plan on serving with pasta or zoodles, you may want to add a can of tomato sauce at this point. Place all the meatballs back into the pan and bring to a simmer.
• Cook for about 30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

For the optional almond Parmesan topping:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• Spread the sliced almonds on the baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Immediately transfer to a food processor and add the salt; process until finely ground.

For the optional shiitake bacon topping:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Toss the mushrooms with the oil, sea salt and pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes or until browned and crisp, using a spatula to turn them once or twice, as needed. The yield is about 1/3 cup -- enough for 4 to 6 servings.

For the mac ’n’ cheese:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add half the sea salt and then the macaroni; cook according to the package directions, then rinse with cold water and drain.
• In a medium saucepan add enough cold water to cover sweet potatoes. Cover and bring to a boil, cooking until tender about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile whisk together the oil and flour in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook for 3 to 5 minutes, then whisk in the mashed sweet potato, almond or soy milk, the remaining sea salt, garlic, mustard, soy sauce and lime juice. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low; cook until the sauce thickens, whisking as needed so it’s mostly until smooth (but don’t worry if some sweet potato pulp remains), about 10 minutes. Add the sauce and rosemary to the pasta, and toss to coat.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning, as needed. Divide among individual bowls; if using one or both, top each portion with a tablespoon of the almond Parmesan and several pieces of the shiitake bacon. Serve warm.