A New Twist on a Classic! Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage

I saw that Stuffed Cabbage or Cabbage Rolls as some call them have started a trend.

A trend to "deconstruct" them.
One of this Blog's Fave Recipe's is my "Stuffed Cabbage"
So much so. that the photo tutorial has been a Pinterest sensation for quite a while!
I understand that Cabbage Rolls can be laborsome, but I have always thought the work was so worth it.

It's genius to think that deconstructing Cabbage Rolls could be an innovative way to bring a Traditional "Sunday Dinner" to the Weeknight Table.
My query was though, will it still be the same? Will it have the same deep flavor of the cabbage, meat and rich comfort food goodness? I had to try it for myself. I found that it was indeed a Great idea! The only thing I would do differently is make the sauce ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge overnight. That might deepen the flavor. Even oven baking doesn't do the same as Whole wrapped roll favorite. Don;t get me wrong. Was it "Good Enough"? You betcha! Is this a Great weeknight meal! Absolutely. Does it take the place of a Sunday Dinner Classic? No. But, it is a Fantastic Idea and I surely will make it again and again!
You will find in the following my newest version of a Sunday Dinner Classic.

Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage

Ingredients

Small head of Cabbage
1 lb Ground Beef
2 cups Cooked White Rice
4 cups Tomato Juice
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 tbsp Lemon juice
2-3 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 small Onion  (grated)
1 stalk Celery (grated)
4 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:
In a sauce pan,
Saute Onion and Celery in 2 Tbsp Butter
Add Tomato Juice, Lemon juice, Worcestershire Sauce bring to boil.
Once Boiling reduce to medium add Brown Sugar, Salt & Pepper to taste.
Once Sugar has dissolved reduce to Low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Split and Core a Small Head of Cabbage
Slice cabbage into strips (can be sliced in food processor)
Boil in salted water for 15 minutes or until semi-tender.
Drain and hold aside.

Preheat oven to 375°

In a Saute pan, Warm 2 tbsp Olive Oil and the remaining Butter.
Once Butter is melted add grated Onion and Celery.
Saute them until translucent, Add Ground Beef. Add Salt and Pepper to taste.
When Ground Beef has browned, Add Rice and combine.
Remove from heat. Add 1/2 of the sauce to the Ground Beef / Rice Mixture.
Add Cabbage and combine.
Pour mixture into Baking Dish.
Pour Remaining Sauce over top.
Bake in preheated oven 350°  for 30-40 minutes.

The dish is done when you can see the top browning and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy!