In a large saute pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot and just starting to smoke, add onions and saute for about 4-6 minutes; stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent. After 5 minutes, add the garlic and continue to cook an additional minute longer to release the garlic oils.
Wash tomatoes thoroughly. Cut into quarters or even smaller pieces if you are using large tomatoes. Remove the hard center top core. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the spices, stir, and cook for 1-2 hours. Keep lid on for the entire cooking time.
Preheat oven to 375. Heat pot over medium-heat. Coat pan with cooking spray.
Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl. Divide ground beef mixture into about 12 uniform meatballs.
Add meatballs and brown on all sides. Cover with spaghetti sauce. Bake for 30-45 minutes, until done and have reached a temperature of 165. Garnish with grated parmesan and basil.