Rustic Italian Sausage & Meatball Tomato Sauce (Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes (no added sugar)
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp sugar or maple syrup (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth if too thick

For the Meatballs

• 500g ground beef or a beef/pork blend
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sausage

• 4–6 gluten-free Italian sausages (ensure no soy or dairy in ingredients)