Beefy Mexican Casserole Mix in a Jar

Ingredients

• 1 (1.61 ounce) package regular or non-fat brown gravy mix
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 2 tablespoons dried celery flakes
• 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 3 to 3 1/4 cups wagon wheel pasta
  

Instructions

1. Pour gravy mix into wide-mouth quart jar.
2. In small bowl, stir together taco seasoning mix, celery flakes, bouillon granules and parsley flakes. Pour into jar to make second layer.
3. Add pasta. Close with lid. Attach gift tag and decorate jar as desired.
4. Tip for filling jar: Use a funnel to pour the dry ingredients into the bottom of the jar.
5. Use the following recipe for the gift tag.

Beefy Mexican Casserole

Cook and stir 1 pound ground beef in skillet until done; drain and set aside.

Empty contents of jar into 13 x 9-inch baking pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Add 3 1/2 cups water; stir to combine. Stir in 1 cup chunky salsa, 1 (16 ounce) can Mexican corn (drained) and the cooked beef. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 375 degrees F for 60 to 70 minutes or until pasta is tender. Remove foil; sprinkle 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese over top. Cover loosely and let stand until cheese melts.

Makes 8 servings.