In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
Drain the excess fat from the pot, leaving approximately one tablespoon for sautéing.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 3 minutes to slightly soften the leaves.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
Add the uncooked white rice to the pot and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.