Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until beef is browned, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cabbage, carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, bay leaf and brown sugar to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove bay leaf and discard.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve.