Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until pliable.
In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onion, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface and spoon a portion of the meat mixture in the center.
Roll the cabbage leaf tightly around the filling and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Repeat until all filling is used, layering rolls as needed.
Pour remaining tomato sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with cheese if desired.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.