What's for Dinner?

This recipe didn't exactly turn out the way I wanted it to. I tried making it in the crock pot and the noodles just absorbed all the liquid and it because way to thick. Next time I'll just follow the directions. Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 (15 ounce) cans mixed vegetables
1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup water
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Heat a cast iron Dutch oven over a campfire, and brown the ground beef. Drain off the excess grease, then pour in the mixed vegetables, tomatoes, macaroni, and water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover, and cook until the macaroni is tender, and the stew has reached desired thickness.