Name: Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 55-60 meatballs); 1 jar (16 oz) mild pepperoncini peppers (including juice); 1 packet ranch seasoning mix; 1 packet brown gravy mix; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, sliced thin

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that effortlessly combines bold flavors with simple prep, then Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are about to become your new favorite comfort food obsession. These meatballs simmer slowly in a luscious blend of ranch seasoning, brown gravy, butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers, creating a tender and flavorful meal that tastes like it took hours of love, but actually requires minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that fills your home with irresistible aroma and guarantees a warm, satisfying bite every time.

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe proves that you don’t need complexity to create incredible flavor. Each element plays a crucial role in building that signature rich and tangy taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs so unforgettable.

Frozen meatballs (26 oz bag): The star of the show, they save you time and stay juicy during slow cooking.
Mild pepperoncini peppers (16 oz jar): Adds a gentle tangy kick and subtle heat that perfectly balances the richness.
Ranch seasoning mix packet: Brings herby, creamy undertones that elevate the flavor complexity.
Brown gravy mix packet: Provides the savory, velvety base that coats each meatball with deliciousness.
Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Melts down to enrich the sauce with a luscious, silky texture.

How to Make Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs

Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot and Ingredients

Begin by giving the inside of your slow cooker a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This little step prevents the sauce from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, dump in the frozen meatballs, jarred pepperoncini peppers—don’t forget to add the juices from the jar as well, since that’s where much of the flavor lives—along with the packets of ranch seasoning and brown gravy mix. Give everything a thorough stir so the seasonings start to mingle and coat those meatballs richly.

Step 2: Add the Butter

Slice the stick of butter into thin pats and carefully lay them atop the meatballs and sauce. As the butter melts slowly in the heat, it transforms the sauce into a silky, decadent coating that makes each meatball irresistibly tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Seal your Crockpot with the lid and set it to HIGH for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time, or for a more tender and deeply infused flavor, cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours. During this time, the flavors will marry beautifully and those meatballs soak up every bit of that buttery, tangy sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the timer’s up, your Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are ready to make their grand entrance. Scoop them up along with the sauce to keep every bite moist and flavorful. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs

Garnishes

Finishing touches can truly elevate your Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs to the next level. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of fresh color and brightness that cuts through the richness. A few extra pepperoncini slices add a delightful tangy crunch and a bit of spice.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with many sides. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that gravy goodness. Egg noodles or pasta work wonderfully too, providing a hearty base that complements the sauce. For a lighter option, roasted or steamed vegetables add a fresh, wholesome contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz up your presentation, consider turning Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs into sliders for a fun party appetizer. Simply pile a few meatballs into small dinner rolls, drizzle with extra sauce, and add a slice of provolone or cheddar cheese. You could also transform them into a meatball sub sandwich or serve alongside crispy polenta rounds for an upscale twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a blessing with this recipe because Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs taste just as amazing the next day. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken and develop even more flavor overnight, making your second helping even better.

Freezing

If you want to save your Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs for longer, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to include plenty of sauce to keep the meatballs moist. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and are perfect for quick, comforting meals later on.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge for best results. Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to evenly warm the meatballs and sauce without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot, and adjust cooking time if needed since fresh meatballs might require less time to heat through.

What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers? Can I substitute something else?

Pepperoncini peppers add a unique tang and mild heat that really define this dish. If unavailable, you can try substituting with mild banana peppers or pepperoncini-style pickled peppers, but the flavor profile may shift slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The base ingredients are typically gluten-free, but it’s important to check the labels on the ranch seasoning mix and brown gravy mix packets to be sure. There are many gluten-free options available that work perfectly in this recipe.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a Crockpot?

Yes! You can use the sauté function to combine ingredients and then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes with a quick release. Just be careful not to overcook the meatballs to avoid dryness.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?

This dish has a mild, tangy zing from the pepperoncini peppers rather than intense heat. If you prefer spicier, you can add extra chopped peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper, but it’s delicious as is for those who like flavor without lots of spice.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs that turns simple ingredients into a spectacularly comforting meal. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, prepping ahead for a busy week, or bringing a dish to your next gathering, this recipe promises warm smiles and full plates. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this easy, delicious classic in your recipe repertoire!

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are an easy, flavorful dish made with frozen meatballs, pepperoncini peppers, ranch seasoning, brown gravy mix, and butter, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, served over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or vegetables for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 bag (26 oz) frozen meatballs (about 55–60 meatballs)

Seasonings

1 jar (16 oz) mild pepperoncini peppers (including juice)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 packet brown gravy mix

Fat

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, sliced thin

Instructions

Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the insert of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Combine Ingredients: Place the frozen meatballs into the crockpot. Add the entire jar of pepperoncini peppers including the juice, then sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and brown gravy mix over the meatballs. Stir gently to combine as much as possible.
Add Butter: Lay the sliced butter evenly over the top of the meatball mixture. The butter will melt and enrich the sauce as it cooks.
Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until meatballs are heated through and tender.
Serve: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a delicious meal.

Notes

You can adjust the heat level by using mild, medium, or hot pepperoncini peppers according to your taste preference.
This recipe is great for meal prep; leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
To keep the meatballs gluten-free, ensure the frozen meatballs and seasoning packets are gluten-free brands.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American