Josie's Cabbage Rolls

Step 1 -Position a rack in the center position of the oven.

Step 2 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 3 -In a large pot of boiling water, add the head of cabbage.

Step 4 -Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Step 5 -Allow the cabbage to simmer until just tender, about 10 minutes.

Step 6 -Carefully transfer the cabbage, cored-side down, to a plate and allow it to cool.

Step 7 -In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and heat until it is shimmering.

Step 8 -Add the ground beef, the sausage, and the onions to the hot oil and cook, while crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are softened, about 8 minutes.

Step 9 -Add the garlic, the salt, and the black pepper to the beef mixture and cook, while stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 10 -Transfer the skillet from the heat.

Step 11 -Add the rice and the tomato paste to the beef mixture and stir to combine.

Step 12 -Peel the leaves from the cooled cabbage, being careful to keep the leaves whole and intact, and lay them flat on a clean work surface.

Step 13 -Add about 1/2 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each of the cabbage leaves.

Step 14 -Fold in the sides then roll the cabbage leaves up so they cover the beef mixture.

Step 15 -In a 9x13-inch baking dish, add the cabbage rolls in a single layer.

Step 16 -Brush the tops of the cabbage rolls with the ketchup.

Step 17 -Lay the bacon over the top of the cabbage rolls in a single layer.

Step 18 -Cover the baking dish with foil.

Step 19 -Bake the cabbage rolls for 30 minutes.

Step 20 -Remove the foil and bake until the bacon is crisp, about 15 minutes.

Step 21 -Serve.