Bonnie's Italian Stew

Whole milk, enough to just cover bread Two 1-inch slices good-quality white bread, crust trimmed 1 1/2 pounds ground beef About 1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano About 3 tablespoons EVOO 1 teaspoon fennel seed 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 to 3 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped 1 large egg A generous handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper Olive oil cooking spray