There’s something magical about a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, and these Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs deliver just that. Originating as a twist on the famous Mississippi Pot Roast, these meatballs bring the same rich, tangy, and savory flavors to your table, but in a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a hearty appetizer, this dish is sure to be a hit wherever it’s served.
Imagine juicy, tender meatballs simmering slowly in a flavorful sauce made from ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, and the unmistakable tang of pepperoncini peppers. Add a touch of butter to the mix, and you’ve got a dish that’s practically begging to be sopped up with some crusty bread. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, these meatballs are comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this delicious slow cooker masterpiece:
32 ounces of frozen homestyle meatballs: A convenient base that becomes incredibly tender as it cooks.
1-ounce packet of ranch dressing mix: Adds a savory, herby flavor that complements the meatballs perfectly.
1-ounce packet of au jus gravy mix: For a rich, beefy depth that enhances the sauce.
1/2 cup water: Helps to dissolve the mixes and creates the base of the sauce.
8 pepperoncini peppers: These mild peppers add a tangy kick without overpowering the dish.
1/4 cup pepperoncini juice: Boosts the tangy flavor and adds a little extra zing to the sauce.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Mississippi Meatballs
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the meatballs: Start by placing the frozen meatballs directly into your slow cooker. No need to thaw them first—this dish is all about simplicity and ease!
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
Combine the ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1-ounce packet of ranch dressing mix, 1-ounce packet of au jus gravy mix, 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice. This mixture will form the flavorful base that your meatballs will simmer in.
Pour over meatballs: Once mixed, pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker, making sure they’re evenly coated.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Peppers
Top with butter: Place the sliced unsalted butter on top of the meatballs. As it melts, the butter will add a rich, silky texture to the sauce.
Add the pepperoncini: Finally, place the 8 pepperoncini peppers on top of everything. These will infuse the dish with their tangy flavor as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook: Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours. The low, slow cooking process ensures that the meatballs become tender and that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Stir occasionally: Give the meatballs a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker and to make sure they’re evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate and serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs warm with a generous helping of the sauce. Whether you’re enjoying them as a main course or as an appetizer, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Meatballs
These Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
Over Mashed Potatoes
Comfort food central: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes soak up the rich sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
With Pasta
Classic pairing: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta, like spaghetti or egg noodles. The tangy, buttery sauce coats the pasta beautifully, making for a hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.
As a Light Meal
With a salad: For a lighter option, pair the meatballs with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. The crispness of the salad or veggies balances the richness of the meatballs.
With Crusty Bread
Soak up the sauce: Don’t forget to have some crusty bread on hand to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce. It’s the perfect way to round out the meal.
Variations & Tips: Make It Your Own
While this recipe is fantastic as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste:
Spice It Up
Add more heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño to the sauce for an extra kick.
Change the Meat
Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: For a lighter version, you can substitute the beef meatballs with turkey or chicken meatballs. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Add Vegetables
Bulk it up: Toss in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition. These vegetables will cook down and blend beautifully with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
The Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying them as a cozy weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to impress.
The rich, tangy sauce and tender meatballs are comfort food at its finest, and the ease of using a slow cooker makes this dish as convenient as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen homestyle meatballs
- 1 packet 1 oz ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet 1 oz au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs directly into the slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, water, and pepperoncini juice until well combined. Pour this mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Add Butter and Peppers: Top the meatballs with sliced butter and place the pepperoncini peppers on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated and prevent sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve warm with a generous helping of the sauce. Enjoy as a main course or appetizer!