1. Prepare the Cabbage
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cabbage for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
Drain well and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil.
Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Add Rice
Stir in the uncooked rice and mix well with the meat.
Cook for 1–2 minutes (this helps the rice absorb flavor).
4. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix:
- Tomato sauce
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Sugar
- Optional herbs
Stir until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a greased baking dish:
- Add a layer of cabbage
- Add a layer of meat & rice mixture
- Pour some sauce
Repeat layers until everything is used, finishing with sauce on top.
6. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Then remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
7. Rest & Serve
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
💡 Tips for Best Flavor
- Use a mix of beef and lamb for richer taste
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness
- Don’t skip pre-cooking cabbage—it softens texture
- If you like it saucier, add extra tomato sauce
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes
- Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top
- Pair with a fresh cucumber salad
