Take the casings off the Italian sausages and brown in a skillet. Chop the sausage up with a spoon as it starts to brown. When it has started cooking, add in the diced onion and continue sauteeing about 5-7 minutes longer. Then add in the celery and green pepper. Saute another 5-7 minutes.
Add in the tomatoes, kidney beans, water, bay leaf and all the seasonings. Cover and simmer 1 hour. Now add the diced potatoes, and macaroni (optional), cover and simmer 20 minutes longer.