Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a flavorful and easy appetizer or meal perfect for busy days. With simple ingredients and slow cooking, these meatballs come out tender and infused with a tangy, buttery sauce that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 (26-ounce) bag frozen meatballs
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 (16-ounce) jar sliced pepperoncini peppers (with juice)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup butter, diced
Instructions
- Step 1: Place frozen meatballs in the crockpot. Sprinkle evenly with the au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning mix.
- Step 2: Pour in the sliced pepperoncini peppers along with their juice, then add ½ cup water.
- Step 3: Add diced butter cubes on top of the mixture.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Step 5: Serve hot as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a hearty meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, use only half the pepperoncini juice to reduce the spice.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in at the end of cooking.
- Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice to make it a filling main dish.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use homemade or fresh meatballs. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.
Is it necessary to use both au jus and ranch seasoning mixes?
Both packets add essential flavors that make Mississippi Meatballs unique. However, if you want to adjust seasonings, you can experiment by using less ranch or substituting with other spices to suit your taste.
PrintCrockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a delicious, slow-cooked appetizer featuring frozen meatballs simmered in a flavorful blend of au jus gravy, ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Butter adds richness, making this a perfect party dish or hearty meal served over potatoes or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 (26-ounce) bag frozen meatballs
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 (16-ounce) jar sliced pepperoncini peppers (with juice)
- ½ cup water
Butter
- ½ cup butter, diced
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly spread out for even cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning mix evenly over the meatballs for rich and savory flavor.
- Pour Pepperoncini and Liquids: Add the sliced pepperoncini peppers along with their juice and pour in ½ cup of water to create the cooking liquid.
- Add Butter: Distribute the diced butter cubes on top of the meatballs to add richness and moisture during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on LOW heat for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to mix flavors and ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once cooked through and sauce is flavorful, serve the meatballs hot as an appetizer or over potatoes, noodles, or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- If you prefer less spice, use only half the amount of pepperoncini juice to reduce heat.
- To thicken the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the crockpot at the end of cooking.
- These meatballs can be served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Keywords: Crockpot meatballs, Mississippi meatballs, slow cooker appetizer, easy party recipe, meatballs with ranch and pepperoncini
