Beefy Tomato Pasta Soup

BEEFY TOMATO PASTA SOUP
1 lb. Ground beef
2 medium green peppers, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 medium onion, cut into chunks
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 to 6 cups water
2 cans (14-1/2 oz. each) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
Croutons, optional
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. Yield: 10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
One cup serving equals 207 calories, 5 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 17 mg cholesterol, 718 mg sodium, 28 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 13 g protein.