Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are super tasty and super easy! Juicy meatballs swim in a mix of spicy ranch and zesty pepperoncini, making every bite a flavor explosion.
Oh, and the best part? You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. Perfect for parties or lazy dinners—just grab a toothpick and enjoy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meatballs: Frozen meatballs are super convenient! You can use beef or turkey based on your preference. If you want to make them from scratch, lean ground beef or turkey works great, just roll them into bite-sized balls!
Ranch Dressing Mix: This adds a zesty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can make a quick substitute using a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and buttermilk powder, or simply use Italian seasoning for a twist.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This mix gives a robust taste to the dish. In a pinch, you can use beef broth instead, but you may need to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to prevent it from being too soupy.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These bring a great tang. If you can’t find them, banana peppers or sliced jalapeños can work too, but they might change the heat level of the dish.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Packed with Flavor?
To get the most flavor from your meatballs, don’t skip the seasoning! The ranch and au jus packets are key, but make sure to evenly sprinkle them over the meatballs. Give everything a gentle stir halfway through cooking to mix the flavors.
- Start with frozen meatballs for convenience, but homemade ones will add a personal touch!
- Cut the butter into smaller pieces so it melts evenly and enriches the dish.
- Stir towards the end of cooking to ensure all meatballs are well-coated with the sauce.
Enjoy this hassle-free recipe that creates a delightful meal bursting with flavor!
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 6-8 pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: mashed potatoes or rice for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the crockpot. You can set it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, making it perfect for busy days or gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Layering the Meatballs:
Start by placing the frozen meatballs in the bottom of your crockpot. Spread them out so they form an even layer. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors!
2. Adding Seasonings:
Next, sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and the au jus gravy mix generously over the meatballs. This gives them a fantastic flavor that will make your taste buds happy!
3. Butter Time:
Now, take your stick of unsalted butter and cut it into smaller chunks. Distribute these chunks evenly on top of the meatballs. The melty butter will add richness and depth to the sauce!
4. Adding the Peppers:
Place the whole pepperoncini peppers right on top of the meatballs. They will add a nice kick and tang to the dish as they cook.
5. Pour the Juice:
Carefully pour the pepperoncini juice around the sides of the crockpot. Try not to pour it directly over the butter pieces to ensure an even melty bliss!
6. Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are done when they’re heated through and the sauce is nice and bubbly.
7. Mixing it Up:
When it’s time to eat, carefully stir the meatballs and sauce to combine all those amazing flavors. Be gentle so you don’t break apart the meatballs!
8. Garnishing:
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. It makes your dish look even more appetizing!
9. Serving:
Serve these tasty meatballs hot over fluffy mashed potatoes or rice, or use them as an appetizer with toothpicks for fun finger food!
Enjoy these tender, flavorful Mississippi meatballs with the rich buttery sauce and tangy pepperoncini for a perfect, easy crockpot meal!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh meatballs, you might want to reduce the cooking time a bit. Cook them on low for about 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, as they’ll heat through faster than frozen meatballs.
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoncini Peppers?
If you can’t find pepperoncini, banana peppers or even sliced jalapeños are great alternatives. Just keep in mind that banana peppers are milder, while jalapeños will add more heat to your dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! To add heat, you can include sliced jalapeños in the crockpot with the other ingredients or use a spicier ranch dressing mix. Adjust to your taste to find your perfect heat level!