Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a fun twist on classic flavors! These tender meatballs are cooked low and slow with zesty ranch seasoning and pepperoncini for a tasty kick.
Perfect for parties or weeknight dinners, I love serving them with toothpicks for a quick bite. Plus, they fill the house with the best smell while they cook! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: You can use frozen meatballs for convenience, but fresh ones will have better texture and flavor. You can also swap beef meatballs for turkey or chicken to keep it lean, though you’ll lose a bit of that rich flavor.
Ranch Dressing Mix: Ranch brings a creamy, tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, try homemade ranch seasoning or use Italian dressing mix as a substitute. It adds a different twist but still delicious!
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This mix gives a rich, savory taste. If you don’t have it, beef broth with a bit of soy sauce could work as a good alternative, enhancing the flavor of your dish.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These add a nice kick! If you prefer something milder, you can use banana peppers instead. For more heat, go for jalapeños or add a splash of hot sauce.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Meatballs?
The key to delicious meatballs lies in layering the flavors. Spread the ranch and au jus seasoning evenly over the meatballs, and don’t skimp on the butter! It melts in and enriches the sauce as everything cooks.
- Make sure to mix the sauce gently before serving to coat every meatball in that tasty goodness.
- Leave the pepperoncini juice in to add more flavor to the dish, but adjust to your heat preference.
- Cooking low and slow helps to deepen the flavors, infusing the meatballs with all the spices.
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs frozen or fresh meatballs (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers, sliced with juice reserved
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Mashed potatoes, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then cooks for either about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in your crockpot. Just toss everything in and let the magic happen! You’ll have a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
Start by placing the meatballs in the crockpot. If you’re using frozen meatballs, there’s no need to thaw them first; just put them straight in!
2. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the meatballs. This will give them a fantastic flavor. Be generous!
3. Top with Butter:
Now it’s time to add the butter! Just place the stick of butter right on top of the meatballs. It will melt and create a rich sauce as everything cooks.
4. Include the Peppers:
Add the sliced pepperoncini peppers on top, and don’t forget to pour in about 1/4 cup of the juice from the jar. This step brings in a nice tangy taste!
5. Start Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Once the meatballs are heated through and tender, they’re ready!
6. Stir and Serve:
Gently stir the meatballs to coat them in the delicious sauce before serving. They can be served as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal!
7. Garnish:
Finish off by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this fantastic and easy dish!
Dig into these amazing Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs and savor the wonderful flavors that come together effortlessly!
Can I Use Store-Bought Meatballs?
Absolutely! Store-bought meatballs are great for convenience, and both frozen and fresh varieties work well with this recipe. Just be sure to check cooking times according to package instructions if you’re using fresh ones.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of pepperoncini peppers or omit them entirely. For those who like more heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep everything in advance! Simply layer the meatballs, seasonings, and butter in the crockpot the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just plug it in and set it to cook!
What Are the Best Ways to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth to keep them moist!