Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

gift in a jar cowboy casserole

(2 ratings)
Recipe by
Colleen Sowa
La Crosse, WI

I love gifts in a jar! When I give this gift, I put it in a basket with all the items needed to make the casserole (except the ground beef and cheese). There are several single men that I make baskets for... and they really appreciate having everything along with the recipe... They only have to pick up the meat and cheese on the way home. When I make this I do several at a time. I always have them on hand for a gift or for use at home! The grandchildren like to help their daddy make this.

(2 ratings)
yield 1 gift
prep time 10 Min

Ingredients For gift in a jar cowboy casserole

  • LAYER 1
  • 1 pkg
    (1.5 ounce) brown gravy mix
  • LAYER 2
  • 2 Tbsp
    taco seasoning mix
  • 1 Tbsp
    each: dried cilantro flakes, dried parsley flakes
  • 3 Tbsp
    dried minced onion
  • 2 tsp
    ground cumin
  • 1 tsp
    garlic powder
  • 2 Tbsp
    beef boullion
  • 1/2 tsp
    ground red pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp
    chili powder
  • LAYER 3
  • 3 1/4 c
    wagon wheel pasta

How To Make gift in a jar cowboy casserole

  • 1
    Pour gravy mix into wide-mouth quart jar.
  • 2
    In a small bowl, mix together all the spices and the bouillon. Make a paper funnel or use a canning funnel to put the spice layer into the jar.
  • 3
    Pour the wagon wheel pasta into the jar. Place lid and ring onto jar.
  • 4
    Cut a piece of cloth in a circle that is 3 - 4 inches wider than the jar ring. (I use a pinking sheers to cut the material for a nice edging. I use a rubber band to hold the cloth in place on the jar. Then I tie a pretty ribbon over the rubber band and attach the recipe card that has a hole in it to put the ribbon through. Then tie a pretty bow.
  • 5
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • 6
    The gift tag/ recipe card: Cowboy Casserole In a large skillet: Brown and cook well 1-1/2 pounds ground beef. Drain.
  • 7
    Add the ingredients in the jar to the skillet. Add 4 cups water Add 1 cup chunky salsa Add 1 (15 ounce) can black beans Add 1 (15 ounce) can Mexican Corn (drained)
  • 8
    Stir together well. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Either use cooking spray or oil to put a thin layer on 9 x 13 -inch baking pan. Pour the well stirred mixture into baking pan.
  • 9
    Cover baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes (or until pasta is cooked and tender). Remove foil. Add 1-1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
  • 10
    Return to the oven for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Makes 10 servings.

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