Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. In a large pot, bring plenty of salted water to a boil. Submerge the cabbage head and blanch for 10-15 minutes, or until the outer leaves soften and can be easily peeled off. Gently peel off 12-16 large, intact leaves. Trim the thick vein from the center of each leaf for easier rolling. If needed, blanch the cabbage further to get more leaves.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic, ground beef, uncooked rice, egg, salt, pepper, thyme, and marjoram. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls. Lay a prepared cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the meat filling near the stem end of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll tightly from the stem end towards the tip, just like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling. If you have any smaller or torn cabbage leaves, chop them and layer them at the bottom of your baking dish.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water or beef broth, brown sugar (if using), and apple cider vinegar (if using). Stir well to combine. This makes a delicious sauce for your classic Cabbage rolls recipe.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake. Pour about 1/3 of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a large oven-safe baking dish (e.g., 9x13 inch). Arrange the assembled cabbage rolls snugly in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered.
Step 7: Cook the Cabbage Rolls. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender and the filling is cooked through. The total cooking time for this Cabbage rolls recipe is crucial for tenderness.
Step 8: Rest and Serve. Remove the Cabbage rolls recipe from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.