I made this in my crockpot. I did the mistake of cooking it on high (hoping to be gone only 5 hours)and then being detained at work for 3 extra hours. By the time I got home the pasta was kind of mushy. It was not a stew. But it was still good. I used water in place of the beef broth, 24oz of stewed tomatoes, 1/2 a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, a non Kraft brand Steak sause (only brand I had ) and a half of a can of spinich. I will try this again in the crockpot on LOW heat for 8 to 10 hours. I also would like to try this with out the pasta (maybe with potatoes) :)