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Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

4.5 from 119 reviews

Mississippi Meatballs are a simple, flavorful slow-cooker recipe featuring precooked frozen meatballs simmered in a savory mix of ranch seasoning, au jus mix, beef broth, pepperoncini peppers, and butter. This dish results in tender, juicy meatballs with a tangy, buttery sauce that’s perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 2 pounds frozen meatballs (precooked)

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 1 package ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 package au jus mix or brown gravy mix (about 0.9 ounce)
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • ½ cup pepperoncini peppers (without the juices)
  • 6 tablespoons butter (sliced)

Optional for Serving

  • Rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the frozen precooked meatballs to a 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus mix (or brown gravy mix) evenly over the meatballs to coat them with flavor.
  3. Add Liquids and Peppers: Pour in the ½ cup of beef broth to provide moisture, then scatter the pepperoncini peppers on top without the juice to add a tangy heat.
  4. Add Butter: Place the sliced butter over the top of the meatballs and seasonings, which will melt down during cooking and enrich the sauce.
  5. Cook the Meatballs: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and tender with a flavorful sauce.
  6. Serve: Stir gently, then serve the meatballs hot over prepared mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or your preferred side dish for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute brown gravy mix if au jus mix is unavailable, but this will create a thicker sauce.
  • Remove the pepperoncini peppers from the juice to avoid making the dish too watery or overly tangy.
  • For added spice, include a few splashes of pepperoncini juice or chopped jalapeños.
  • This recipe is well-suited for slow cookers with a 6-quart capacity to ensure enough space for even cooking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Mississippi meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, ranch meatballs, party appetizer, easy slow cooker recipes, creamy meatballs, comfort food