Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a tasty treat that everyone loves. Made with juicy meatballs, ranch seasoning, and pepperoncini peppers, this dish is full of flavor and super easy to make!
Throw everything in the crockpot, and let it do the work while you relax. I enjoy these meatballs in a bun or served over rice—they’re always a hit! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Meatballs: Beef meatballs are classic, but turkey is a lighter option. You can even use homemade meatballs if you prefer—just make sure they’re cooked through when you add them to the crockpot.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This gives a great flavor punch. If you’re out, you can mix your own using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. It’s fun to make it your way!
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This makes the sauce rich. If you’re avoiding packaged mixes, try using beef broth with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is what I recommend for control over salt levels. You can swap it for olive oil if you want a dairy-free option.
Pepperoncini Peppers: For a milder taste, use banana peppers. They add some heat, but you can adjust the number based on your spice preference!
How Do You Ensure Your Meatballs Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to perfect meatballs in this dish is letting them cook slowly. The flavors really meld together, creating a delicious sauce. Here’s how to keep them juicy:
- Put frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot. No need to thaw—they’ll cook perfectly.
- Cover the crockpot. This helps retain moisture, making your meatballs tender.
- Use low heat for a longer time if you can. It allows the flavors to build up.
Give them a gentle stir halfway through cooking to make sure they’re evenly coated in the sauce. This way, every bite is flavorful!
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 0.87 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5-6 pepperoncini peppers, whole, plus 1-2 tablespoons of pepperoncini juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Cooked white rice or mashed potatoes, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes around 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to let it cook in the crockpot for about 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. So, it’s an easy recipe to set and forget while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
Start by placing the frozen meatballs directly into your crockpot. There’s no need to thaw them; they’ll cook up perfectly from frozen.
2. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the meatballs. These seasoning packets create the flavorful sauce that makes the dish so delicious!
3. Add the Butter:
Place the stick of butter right on top of the meatballs and seasoning. It will melt and mix into the sauce as cooking progresses, adding richness.
4. Pepperoncini Action:
Add the whole pepperoncini peppers into the crockpot. Pour in about 1-2 tablespoons of pepperoncini juice for an extra tangy kick that enhances the flavors.
5. (Optional) Add Garlic:
If you like garlic, now’s the time to sprinkle in the minced garlic. It’s optional but can really boost the flavor!
6. Time to Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
7. Finish & Serve:
Before serving, stir the meatballs gently to coat them in the yummy sauce. Serve them over cooked white rice, mashed potatoes, or even on a crusty bread roll for a fantastic meatball sub!
8. Garnish for Goodness:
Top off your dish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant addition that brightens up the flavors and presentation.
Enjoy your easy, flavorful Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs! They’re sure to be a hit at your table!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! If you choose fresh meatballs, make sure they are cooked through before adding them to the crockpot. You’ll want to reduce the cooking time to about 2 to 3 hours on low or 1 to 2 hours on high.
What If I Don’t Have Au Jus Gravy Mix?
No problem! You can substitute with beef broth thickened with a bit of cornstarch. Use about 2 cups of beef broth and add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed in water to create the thick sauce you need.
Can I Make This Dish Without Butter?
Absolutely! If you want to skip the butter, you can replace it with olive oil or omit it entirely for a lighter option. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the seasoning and sauce!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Enjoy them as a quick meal!
