Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add grated onion, crushed garlic, ground cloves, turmeric, sugar, and chopped tomatoes. Reduce to medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
While the sauce simmers, mix minced beef with chopped onion, lemon juice, salt, chili powder, and ground coriander. Form into small meatballs and refrigerate until the sauce finishes cooking.
Melt butter or margarine in a second pan over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the browned meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce and simmer together for 15 minutes.