Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a savory and tangy twist on the classic comfort food, combining juicy meatballs with the bold flavors of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, and pepperoncini peppers. Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, these meatballs are perfect for game day snacks, party appetizers, or a hearty family dinner served over mashed potatoes or rice.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

frozen or homemade meatballsranch seasoning mixau jus gravy mixpepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced)butter (unsalted)pepperoncini juice (optional for extra tang)

directions

Place the meatballs into the crockpot in an even layer.

Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the meatballs.

Add the pepperoncini peppers and pour in a bit of the juice if desired for more flavor.

Top with sliced butter.

Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and infused with flavor.

Stir gently before serving to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 meatballs.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total time: 4–6 hours

Variations

Use homemade meatballs for a fresher texture and flavor.

Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami notes.

Include sautéed onions or garlic for extra flavor.

Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or slider buns for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes, just make sure they are fully cooked before adding to the crockpot.

Are these meatballs spicy?

They have a mild tangy kick from the pepperoncini, but they’re not overly spicy.

Can I cook them on high to save time?

Yes, cooking on high for 2–3 hours is fine.

Do I need to add any liquid?

No additional liquid is necessary; the butter and pepperoncini juice provide enough moisture.

What kind of meatballs work best?

Beef or a mix of beef and pork meatballs work well, but turkey or chicken can also be used.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, shredded mozzarella or provolone can be added before serving for a cheesy twist.

Do I have to use frozen meatballs?

No, cooked homemade meatballs are great too.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything in the crockpot insert, refrigerate, then start cooking the next day.

What sides go well with this?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread pair perfectly.

Are they good for parties?

Absolutely, they’re easy to serve and always a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a flavorful, fuss-free dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a deliciously savory and slightly tangy meal or appetizer that’s bound to impress. Whether for a family dinner or game day gathering, this recipe delivers bold taste with effortless ease.

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Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs

Savory frozen meatballs slow‑cooked in a rich, buttery, tangy sauce featuring au jus, ranch seasoning, and pepperoncini—perfect for an easy appetizer or comforting main dish.

  • Author: Mollyyeh
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3–4 hours (LOW) or 2–3 hours (HIGH)
  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 32 oz (about 6 cups) frozen fully-cooked meatballs
  • 1 oz packet au jus gravy mix
  • 1 oz packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice (from jar)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
  • 8 whole pepperoncini peppers

Instructions

  1. Place frozen meatballs in the bottom of a 6‑quart crockpot.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the au jus mix, ranch mix, water, and pepperoncini juice until smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs, stirring gently to coat evenly.
  4. Layer the sliced butter on top of the meatballs and nestle the whole pepperoncini peppers on the surface.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours (or HIGH for 2–3 hours), stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
  6. When the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is bubbling, spoon them onto a platter or serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Notes

  • For a milder version, reduce the number of pepperoncini or omit the juice and substitute with beef broth.
  • Stir every 30 minutes during LOW cooking to avoid sauce scorching on the crockpot sides.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; reheat gently.
  • If the sauce is too thin after cooking, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water).
  • These are ideal served as appetizers with toothpicks or as a main dish over a starch.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8 meatballs (about 6 oz)
  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Sugar: <1 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: <1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg

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