Hi Pat,

I didn't post this one before because it doesn't call for ground beef as you mentioned, but this looks closer to your second description.

Betsy at recipelink.com

Country Soup

1/2 cup split green peas
1/2 cup barley
1/2 cup lentils
1/2 cup raw rice
2 tbsp. parsley
2 tbsp. onion flakes
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
2 tbsp. beef bouillon
1/4 cup alphabet noodles

Use dried ingredients and seasonings.
Layer peas, barley, lentils, and rice in 1 quart jar.
Layer the parsley, onion flakes, salt, lemon pepper and beef bouillon just around the edges.
Put the alphabet noodles just around the edges.
Fill the remaining part of the jar with twist macaroni.
Placing a piece of fabric over the cover and tie it on with ribbon or yarn.
Give as a gift with instructions.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Add:
3 quarts water
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
1 cup shredded cabbage
2 cups of tomatoes
Simmer until vegetables are tender.