Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 t olive oil, divided (more or less, depending on your pan)
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped small
• 1 t finely minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. sweet hungarian paprika (good quality paprika makes a big difference in flavor in a dish like this)
• 1/2 tsp. sharp hungarian paprika (optional; if making for kids i might leave this out)
• salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste (for seasoning meat mixture and cooked cabbage)
• 1 1/2 heads green cabbage, coarsely chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) petite dice tomatoes with juice
• 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup water (just enough to rinse out each of the cans)
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups low-fat cheese