For the Homemade Tomato Sauce:

Olive oil: We use extra virgin.
Onion: I like to finely dice it, so it almost melts when cooked.
Garlic: Use fresh for the optimal flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: Make sure that you use sweeter tomatoes, that is not too acidic, I like San Marzano.
Tomato sauce
Tomato paste
Salt and pepper
Brown sugar: We add just a little to balance the tangy tomato sauce.
Red wine vinegar
Worcestershire sauce: It enhances the meat flavor
Dried Italian herbs

Classic Cabbage Rolls:

Lean ground beef: Leaner is better.
Cooked rice: Use white or brown rice, even other grains, like quinoa or bulgur will work.
Onion powder
Garlic: We use fresh, but garlic powder also can be used.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, dried Italian herbs.
Worcestershire sauce
Fresh parsley
Egg
A whole head of cabbage: Savoy cabbage works great.
How do you make traditional stuffed cabbage rolls: