INGREDIENTS

* 1 pound ground beef
* 2 medium green peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 5 cups water
* 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced Italian tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
* Croutons

Method

In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, cook the beef, green peppers, onion and 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.