1 T. butter
1 onion (chopped)
1 carrot (chopped)
1 bell pepper (chopped)
1 pint water
1/2 cup alphabet noodles
1 lb. ground beef
1 cup tomato sauce
salt and pepper (to taste)
1 bay leaf
2-3 cloves garlic (chopped)
Melt butter in pot over medium heat. Add the vegetables to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft. Add water and the noodles to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
Roll tiny bits of ground beef into balls. Put these meatballs into the skillet and brown on all sides. When finished, add the meatballs to the pot.
Add seasonings and tomato sauce to the pot. If needed, add more water.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1/2 hour.
Ladle soup into bowls.