If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that practically cooks itself, Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are about to become your new favorite. With tender meatballs simmered low and slow in a rich, buttery sauce flavored with ranch seasoning, au jus, and tangy pepperoncini peppers, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for game days, potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you want a cozy, comforting meal without standing over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extremely easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Perfect for parties, appetizers, or weeknight dinners
- Rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor
- Gluten-free and slow-cooker friendly
- Versatile for serving over potatoes, noodles, or rice
Ingredients
- Frozen meatballs – The convenient, hearty base of the dish
- Au jus gravy mix – Adds deep, savory beef flavor
- Ranch seasoning mix – Brings creamy, herby seasoning
- Sliced pepperoncini peppers (with juice) – Add tang and mild heat
- Water – Helps create a smooth, saucy consistency
- Butter – Melts into the sauce for richness and depth
How to Make Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs
Assemble the Ingredients
Place the frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot in an even layer. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning mix evenly over the meatballs so they’re well coated.
Add the Sauce Components
Pour in the sliced pepperoncini peppers along with their juice, then add the water. Scatter the diced butter evenly over the top.
Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible, until the meatballs are heated through and coated in the flavorful sauce.
Serve
Serve the meatballs hot as an appetizer with toothpicks or spoon them over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a comforting main dish.
Tips for Success
- Use frozen meatballs straight from the freezer—no thawing needed
- For less heat, use only half of the pepperoncini juice
- Stir gently to keep the meatballs intact
- For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- Measuring cup
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
Recipe Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add extra pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium meatballs and reduce seasoning packets
- Dinner-Style: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are perfect served as an appetizer with toothpicks, piled onto hoagie rolls for sliders, or spooned over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty family dinner. Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to round out the meal.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats very well and can be kept warm in the crockpot for serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Mississippi meatballs?
Yes, freeze cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has mild heat from the pepperoncini peppers. Reduce the juice for a milder version.
Can I cook this on HIGH?
Yes, cook on HIGH for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. With bold, savory flavors and an irresistibly rich sauce, this easy slow cooker recipe works just as well for parties as it does for cozy family dinners. Give it a try, customize the spice level to your liking, and enjoy a dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
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Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs
- Total Time: 3–4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are an easy, crowd-pleasing slow cooker recipe made with frozen meatballs simmered in au jus, ranch seasoning, butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Perfect for parties or an effortless dinner.
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
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter, diced
Instructions
- Place frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning evenly over the meatballs.
- Pour in the pepperoncini peppers with their juice and add the water.
- Top with diced butter.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or over potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Notes
- For less heat, use only half of the pepperoncini juice.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water at the end.
- Great served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American