PASTA GIFT RECIPES

Steps:

• Pour gravy mix into wide-mouth quart jar.
• 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.
• Pour the wagon wheel pasta into the jar. Place lid and ring onto jar.
• 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.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• The gift tag/ recipe card: Cowboy Casserole In a large skillet: Brown and cook well 1-1/2 pounds ground beef. Drain.
• 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)
• 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.
• 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.
• Return to the oven for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Makes 10 servings.

Steps:

• Heat butter and olive oil together with onion and garlic in a large pot over medium heat; cook and stir ground beef and sausage in the onion mixture until browned and crumbly, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir Italian seasoning, salt, rosemary, oregano, and black pepper into ground beef-sausage mixture; simmer for 20 minutes.
• Pour water, tomato puree, and tomato paste into ground beef-sausage mixture; simmer, stirring occasionally, over low heat until flavors have combined, at least 2 hours.