Step 1

Cook rice according to package directions, cool

Step 2

Remove core from cabbage; run hot water into cored area to help in removing outer leaves

Step 3

Remove 8 – 12 leaves from each head of cabbage, chop remaining cabbage and place in two baking dishes (or a large dutch oven), sprinkle with salt

Step 4

Boil cabbage leaves until limp, about 5 minutes, drain and rinse in cold water

Step 5

Cut about 2 inches of the heavy center vein from the leaves

Step 6

Cook bacon with 1/2 c. onion till bacon is crisp

Step 7

To the bacon and onion mixute, stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bay leaf, simmer, covered, while preparing the rest of the dish, remove bay leaves before adding to dish

Step 8

Combine cooked rice, egg, ground beef, the remaining 1/2 c. onion, 1 t. salt, and pepper; mix well

Step 9

Place about 1/4 c. rice mixture in center of each cabbage leaf; fold in sides and roll ends over rice

Step 10

Place rolls, seam side down, on top of chopped cabbage

Step 11

Pour tomato mixture over cabbage rolls

Step 12

Cover; bake at 350 degrees from 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours

Step 13

Freezes well