- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage and cut out the core.
- Carefully place the whole head of cabbage into the boiling water. As the outer leaves soften, use tongs to carefully remove them. Continue until you have about 12 large leaves.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, thyme or oregano, and milk. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add a scoop of the meat and rice mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll it up, creating a neat package. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a baking dish, spread a small amount of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.