### Ingredients:
#### For the Rolls:
– 1 large head of cabbage
– 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground pork or a mix of both)
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp paprika (optional)
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
#### For the Sauce:
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
– 1 tbsp vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup beef broth or water
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Cabbage:**
– Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
– Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. Place the whole head of cabbage in the boiling water for a few minutes, just until the outer leaves become pliable and can be easily removed.
– Remove the leaves with tongs as they soften, and set them aside. You’ll need about 12-15 large leaves.
2. **Make the Filling:**
– In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme (if using).
– Mix until well combined.
3. **Assemble the Rolls:**
– Take one cabbage leaf and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the center of the leaf.
– Fold in the sides and roll up the leaf, enclosing the filling. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
– Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add the beef broth or water to thin it out.
5. **Cook the Cabbage Rolls:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
– Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.
– Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
6. **Serve:**
– Let the cabbage rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream on the side!
This recipe can easily be adjusted to your taste. Some people like to add other seasonings or vegetables like grated carrots or chopped bell peppers to the filling. Enjoy your meal!