Beefy Tomato Pasta Soup

If you're a fan of Italian fare, you'll like this chunky combo. I this satisfying soup that has the flavor of lasagna but easier to fix!

Beefy Tomato Pasta Soup

1 lb ground beef
2 med green pepers, cut into 1 in chunks
1 med onion, cut into chunks
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 to 6 cups water
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) Italian diced tomatoes undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 TBS brown sugar
2 to 3 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
croutons optional

In a dutch oven or soup kettle, cook the beef, peppers, onion, garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the water, tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Add pasta. Cook for 10-14 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Serve with croutons if desired...also yummy with garlic bread! MMM!!