Layered Cabbage " Un-Roll " Casserole

You can use any type of ground, lean meat, crumbled tofu or even lentils in this hearty, sliceable version of cabbage rolls. Cabbage leaves separate layers of the tomatoey meat and rice mixture and the whole thing is baked like lasagne!

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 1 3L casserole

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  raw converted rice
• 1  cup water
• 1⁄2 cup  raw Minute brown rice
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 1⁄4 cup tomato juice or 1⁄4 cup  vegetable juice
• 1⁄2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1  teaspoon brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄2 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 4 1⁄2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 10  large cabbage leaves
• 1⁄2 tablespoon olive oil
• 3⁄4 lb  extra lean ground beef
• 1⁄2 onion, grated
• 1  carrot, finely grated
• 1  stalk celery, diced

Directions

1. Combine converted rice and water in a saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook 10 minutes. Rice will still be firm. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
2. Stir in raw Minute rice, tomato paste, tomato juice, seasonings and 3 ½ cups of crushed tomatoes. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile, place cabbage leaves in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes, then drain and blot dry.
4. In a large pan, heat olive oil and brown beef and onion.
5. Stir in carrot and celery, and cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add to the bowl with the rice mixture, stir in well.
7. Preheat oven to 375ºF and grease a deep casserole dish.
8. Pour half of the remaining crushed tomatoes into the bottom of the casserole dish.
9. Top with two cabbage leaves, then ¼ of the rice mixture. Repeat layering 3 times, finishing with the last two cabbage leaves.
10. Top with the last of the crushed tomatoes.
11. Cover and bake 1 hour.
12. Remove lid and bake a further 15-20 minutes.
13. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
14. Cut into wedges and serve.