Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are tender, juicy meatballs cooked slowly in a savory mix of ranch dressing and pepperoncini peppers. They’re packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal!
These meatballs are so easy to make; just throw everything into your crockpot and let it do the work! I love serving them with toothpicks for a fun snack at parties—everyone always asks for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: Using frozen meatballs is a big time-saver. I like beef meatballs for their rich flavor, but you can use turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. Homemade meatballs work great too, just cook them first!
Ranch Dressing Mix: This adds a nice tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix equal parts of buttermilk powder and herbs like dill and garlic powder to get a similar taste.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This gives the meatballs a savory depth. If you’re avoiding packaged mixes, you can create a simple homemade version using beef broth and cornstarch for thickening.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These provide a mild heat and tang. If you can’t find them, banana peppers or even sliced jalapeños can work as a substitute, but adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a pop of color and freshness. If you’re out of parsley, any fresh herb like cilantro or basil could be a nice touch. Dried herbs won’t have the same impact.
How Do I Get My Meatballs Extra Flavorful?
Getting the most flavor out of your meatballs is all about layering ingredients right. Start by evenly sprinkling the ranch dressing and au jus mix over the frozen meatballs. This distributes the flavors as they cook.
- Make sure to place the butter on top of the meatballs; this helps it melt down and mix with the seasonings.
- Don’t skip the pepperoncini juice! It adds a nice zing that enhances the dish greatly. The balance of creaminess and tanginess will make your meatballs shine.
- Stir gently before serving to ensure all meatballs are coated in that delicious sauce!
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds frozen party-size meatballs (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 ounce) au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers, with juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, and you can set it to cook in your crockpot for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. After that, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
Start by placing the frozen meatballs into the bottom of a large crockpot. No need to thaw them; they will cook perfectly from frozen!
2. Add the Mixes:
Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the meatballs. This ensures they absorb all those yummy flavors as they cook.
3. Add Butter and Peppers:
Now, place the stick of butter on top of the meatballs. Then, sprinkle the pepperoncini peppers over everything. Don’t forget to pour in some of the pepperoncini juice for extra tanginess!
4. Cook!
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. When it’s done, the meatballs should be hot and tender.
5. Serve!
Before serving, stir the meatballs gentle to coat them with the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. You can serve these flavorful meatballs over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your rich, tangy, and buttery Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh meatballs, just brown them in a skillet first to add extra flavor. Then, add them to the crockpot and reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños along with the pepperoncini. You can also use hot pepperoncini peppers if you prefer a stronger kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just separate them in a freezer-safe container, and they will last up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based meatballs instead of traditional ones. Just follow the recipe as is, and adjust cooking times based on the instructions for the meat substitute you choose.