Beefy Pasta Soup

Beefy Pasta Soup
Contributed By Val

10 serving or 2 1/2 quarts, good frozen

1 lb ground beef
2 medium bell peppers. I used red cut into 1 inch chunks
1 medium onion cut into 1 inch chunks
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 to 6 cups water, I used beef broth
2 cans 14 1/2 ounces Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can 6 ounces tomato paste
1 T brown sugar
2 to 3 t Italian seasoning
1 t salt
1/4 t pepper
2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
Croutons optional

In dutch oven or large soup pan cook the beef, bell peppers and onions till beef is no longer pink. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Drain. Add water or broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 10 to 14 minutes till pasta is done, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with croutons if desired.