In a medium pan sauté 1/2 cup chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine ground beef, ground pork, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 grated garlic clove, 2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 2 eggs. Mix using the paddle attachment.
Once the meat has come together, add 1/3 cup water. And mix once more.
Using a cookie scoop, round the meatballs.
In a large skillet heat 1/2 cup olive oil. Cook the meatballs over medium high heat until almost completely cooked. Then set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
Add the chopped plum tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and 4 tsp brown sugar (optional). Cook over medium low heat for 40 minutes.
Add the meatballs and cook for another 40 minutes.
Cook the pasta according to the package and add it to the meatballs.