In a dutch oven or a high-sided saucepan with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and stir constantly to combine with the onion and garlic, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, and salt, and bring to a simmer. Add the meatballs, taking care to spread them out as evenly as you can, return the pan to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the meatballs from burning on the bottom.