Add olive oil to a soup pot on medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the onion and garlic. Sautee until soft and fragrant
Add veggie ground beef, cabbage, carrots, vegetable broth, tomato puree, diced tomatoes, brown rice, brown sugar, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes (rice will be tender).
Once rice is tender, remove from heat. Remove the bay leaves.