These Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a crowd-pleaser! Juicy meatballs simmer in a mix of zesty ranch seasoning and flavorful pepperoncini peppers for a tasty meal.
They are super easy to make! Just throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. Perfect for parties or a cozy dinner night at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: Frozen meatballs make this recipe super convenient. You can use beef, a beef-pork mix, or even turkey meatballs for a lighter version. If you’re making from scratch, aim for a mix of ground meat and breadcrumbs for texture.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This adds a lot of flavor! If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can mix dried herbs like parsley, dill, and garlic powder to mimic the flavor. It’s a nice touch if you’re looking for something homemade.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This brings a rich flavor to the sauce. If you can’t find it, a beef broth with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can be a good substitute. It’s a little less convenient but still tasty!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the salt levels. You can swap this with olive oil or margarine if you prefer, but keep in mind that it might change the flavor slightly!
Pepperoncini Peppers: These add a zesty kick! If you like it milder, you might reduce the number of peppers or use sweet banana peppers instead for a similar but softer flavor.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Meatball Sauce?
To ensure your sauce is bursting with flavor, layering the spices correctly is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Sprinkle the ranch and au jus mix evenly over the meatballs to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cut the butter into pieces rather than adding it whole so it melts evenly and mixes well with the seasonings.
- Let the meatballs cook low and slow! Cooking longer on low allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Stir gently before serving to mix those delicious flavors together completely.
How to Make Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4-5 pepperoncini peppers, whole
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you let the crockpot do all the work! Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. It’s a great make-ahead meal that you can enjoy any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
Start by placing the frozen meatballs in the bottom of your crockpot. There’s no need to thaw them; they’ll cook perfectly from frozen!
2. Add the Seasonings:
Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the meatballs. This will give them a punch of flavor!
3. Incorporate the Butter:
Cut the unsalted butter into pieces and scatter it on top of the meatballs and seasoning. The butter melts and helps create a rich, flavorful sauce.
4. Add the Pepperoncini:
Now, add 4 to 5 whole pepperoncini peppers into the crockpot. These will add a nice zing to your meatballs!
5. Start Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You want the meatballs to be heated through and the sauce to be bubbly.
6. Stir and Serve:
When your cooking time is up, give everything a gentle stir to coat the meatballs in the tasty sauce just before serving.
7. Garnish:
If you like, garnish the meatballs with some chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness!
8. Enjoy:
Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer, or pile them on top of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty meal. Enjoy!
This recipe yields tender, flavorful meatballs bathed in a tangy, buttery sauce with a slight kick from the pepperoncini—a classic Mississippi flavor combo perfect for slow cooker ease!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! You can use fresh homemade meatballs, just be sure to adjust the cooking time. Fresh meatballs usually require less time to cook—around 2 to 4 hours on low should suffice, depending on their size.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you want more heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or using spicy pepperoncini instead. You could also mix in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Definitely! You can double the ingredients, but make sure your crockpot is large enough. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might take a little longer to heat up with the extra meatballs.