Potluck Pasta Soup Recipe

In a stockpot, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the water, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, tomato sauce, soup mix and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Stir in the macaroni, beans and green pepper; heat through. Discard bay leaves. Yield: 20 servings (5 quarts). To reduce preparation time when making Potluck Pasta Soup, chop the carrots, celery and onion early in the day or even the night before. Store in separate plastic bags in the refrigerator.