Make-Ahead Cabbage Rolls

Directions

• In batches, cook cabbage leaves in boiling water until crisp-tender, 3-5 minutes. Drain; cool slightly. Trim the thick vein from the bottom of each cabbage leaf, making a V-shaped cut.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, salt and pepper over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles, 8-10 minutes; drain. Stir in rice and eggs.
• In another skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until tender, 6-8 minutes. Stir in water, tomato sauce, lemon juice, sugar, parsley, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 15-20 minutes.
• Spoon about 1/2 cup meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Pull together cut edges of leaf to overlap; fold over filling. Fold in sides and roll up. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Pour sauce over rolls. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
• Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, covered, until heated through, 50-60 minutes.
• 
  Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked cabbage rolls. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole as directed, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.