Cabbage Roll Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium head cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Coarsely ground pepper, optional