Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs are a magical blend of savory, buttery, and tangy flavors that make for an irresistibly easy and satisfying meal. This dish combines tender frozen meatballs with ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy, butter, and pepperoncini peppers, all simmered together in a slow cooker to create a rich, comforting sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, the Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs deliver layers of Southern-inspired flavor with minimal effort and maximum love.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs lies in the simplicity and purpose of each ingredient. Every component works harmoniously to build the sauce’s depth, balancing richness with a touch of acidity and spice. These few everyday ingredients come together to create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare, even though it’s practically effortless.

2 lbs frozen meatballs: Using frozen meatballs saves time while ensuring tender, juicy bites throughout the cooking process.
1 packet ranch dressing mix: Adds tangy, herby seasoning that enhances the sauce with classic ranch flavors.
1 packet au jus gravy mix: Brings rich, beefy depth to the sauce, making it luxuriously savory.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce, creating a silky richness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
6-8 pepperoncini peppers: Give a mild kick and subtle acidity, perfectly cutting through the butter’s richness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Begin by placing the frozen meatballs evenly in the base of your slow cooker. No need to thaw them first, which means less prep and more convenient cooking.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the packet of ranch dressing mix and the packet of au jus gravy mix evenly over the meatballs. This layer infuses the dish with that unmistakable tangy and savory character that defines Mississippi meatballs.

Step 3: Butter and Peppers

Slice the unsalted butter into small pats and distribute them evenly across the top of the meatballs and seasoning. Add 6 to 8 pepperoncini peppers on top. These add a bright, slightly spicy note that wakes up the entire dish.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. During this time, the butter melts into the sauce, the seasonings dissolve, and the flavors meld into a irresistible, comforting concoction perfect for any meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the hot meatballs before serving. This adds a bright, herbaceous touch that balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, which soak up all that luscious sauce. Crusty bread is also an excellent choice if you love dipping into every last bit of buttery goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these meatballs as sliders on soft buns for a party appetizer, or pile them on top of baked potatoes for a hearty lunch. You can even toss them with cooked pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a comforting twist on a classic pasta dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.

Freezing

You can freeze the meatballs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! While frozen meatballs are convenient, homemade meatballs work beautifully in this recipe and add an extra personal touch.

Are pepperoncini peppers necessary?

Yes, they are key to the signature tangy and slightly spicy flavor. However, if you prefer less heat, you can reduce the number or substitute with a milder pepper.

Can I cook Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs on high only?

Yes, you can use the high setting for 2 to 3 hours. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Check the labels of your meatballs, ranch mix, and au jus gravy mix to ensure they are gluten-free, as some pre-packaged mixes may contain gluten.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased quantity so everything cooks evenly.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With minimal ingredients, effortless preparation, and flavors that delight every bite, it’s no surprise this recipe has earned a permanent spot in so many kitchens. Don’t wait to make these at home—your taste buds will thank you!

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (on low)
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich and buttery ranch and au jus gravy sauce, accentuated by the tangy heat of pepperoncini peppers. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

2 lbs frozen meatballs

Seasoning Mixes

1 packet ranch dressing mix (approx. 1 oz)
1 packet au jus gravy mix (approx. 1 oz)

Other Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
6–8 pepperoncini peppers

Instructions

Prepare the slow cooker: Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them evenly to create a base layer.
Add seasoning mixes: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the top of the meatballs, ensuring full coverage for flavor distribution.
Add butter: Slice the unsalted butter into smaller pieces and scatter them evenly over the spiced meatballs. The butter will melt and create a rich sauce as it cooks.
Top with pepperoncini: Add 6-8 whole pepperoncini peppers on top of the butter and meatballs to infuse the dish with a tangy heat and slight spicy kick.
Cook the meatballs: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The meatballs will become tender and soak in the flavorful sauce during this time.
Serve: Once cooked, serve the Mississippi Meatballs warm. They pair excellently with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the savory sauce.

Notes

You can adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers to control the heat level.
Using frozen meatballs saves prep time, but fresh homemade meatballs can also be used if preferred.
For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings; just ensure your slow cooker is large enough.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 4 oz meatballs with sauce)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Mississippi Meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, ranch meatballs, au jus meatballs, pepperoncini meatballs, easy slow cooker recipe, comfort food, Southern cuisine