In a medium-sized skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is sizzling, sauté onion for approximately one minute before adding the carrot. Continue cooking the mixture for an additional minute.
1 medium yellow onion, 3 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup carrot
Add the beef to the skillet, using a spatula to break it apart. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and there is no longer any pink color. Gently stir in the garlic and sauté for one minute. Tip: If you're using lean meat, it's ideal. However, if there's excess liquid, be sure to drain it before proceeding to the next step.
1 pound ground beef, 1 ½ teaspoons fresh garlic
Add the seasonings to the skillet: black pepper, sugar, salt, sweet paprika, Cajun seasoning, along with the tomato sauce and chopped tomatoes. Stir until everything is mixed together. Then, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
¼ teaspoon cajun spice, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or puree,, 1 can (15 oz) chopped tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt or to taste, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon white sugar
While the mixture is simmering, get your oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, spray an 8x11-inch or 2-quart baking dish with cooking oil.
Take the skillet off the heat and move the beef mixture to a deep pot or a large Dutch oven. Mix in the cooked rice and taste for salt and black pepper. Then, set it aside.
1 ½ cup cooked brown, 1 teaspoon salt or to taste, ½ teaspoon black pepper
Clean the skillet or pot (the same one you used for the beef) with paper towels and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage along with ¼ cup of water, then simmer until the cabbage softens and the water evaporates. After it's cooked, put half of the cabbage into the baking dish.
6 cups green cabbage, ¼ cup water
Layer it with the saucy beef and rice mixture. Repeat this process with one more layer of cabbage and beef. Make sure the top layer is even, and then sprinkle it with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for 20 more minutes until cheese melts. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to brown cheese.
1 cup mozzarella
Garnish with dill, parsley, and a dollop of sour cream.
dill or parsley for serving