Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are an easy, flavorful dish perfect for busy days or casual gatherings. Tender meatballs simmer in a savory sauce with a hint of tangy pepperoncini for a deliciously addictive flavor. This recipe requires minimal prep and yields a comforting, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.

Ingredients

• 32 ounces frozen homestyle meatballs
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup pepperoncini juice (from jar of pepperoncini)
• 1 half packet Au Jus seasoning (see notes)
• 1 half packet ranch seasoning (see notes)
• 4 pepperoncini peppers
• 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the frozen meatballs to your slow cooker in an even layer.
2. Step 2: In a measuring cup, whisk together the water, pepperoncini juice, Au Jus seasoning, and ranch seasoning until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the meatballs.
3. Step 3: Place the whole pepperoncini peppers on top of the meatballs. Slice the butter into pats and distribute them evenly over the meatballs.
4. Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours until the meatballs are heated through and tender.
5. Step 5: Stir the meatballs well before serving to coat them in the flavorful sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh ranch and Au Jus seasoning packets from a popular dry mix brand for best flavor. If unavailable, substitute with Italian seasoning and beef bouillon powder.
• For added heat, include extra pepperoncini peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or hoagie rolls for a satisfying meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh or homemade meatballs, but cooking time may vary slightly. Ensure they are cooked through and heated thoroughly before serving.

What can I substitute for pepperoncini if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have pepperoncini, mild banana peppers with some added vinegar or a splash of pickle juice can provide a similar tangy flavor.

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 128 reviews

These Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender frozen meatballs cooked slowly with pepperoncini peppers, ranch and au jus seasoning, butter, and a tangy broth. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main course, they deliver a savory and mildly spicy taste with minimal effort using a slow cooker.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 32 ounces frozen homestyle meatballs

Seasonings & Liquids

• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup pepperoncini juice (from jar of pepperoncini)
• ½ packet Au Jus seasoning
• ½ packet ranch seasoning

Additional Ingredients

• 4 pepperoncini peppers
• 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Prepare Meatballs: Place the frozen homestyle meatballs into the slow cooker, distributing them evenly.
2. Mix Sauce: In a measuring cup, combine the water, pepperoncini juice, au jus seasoning, and ranch seasoning. Whisk the mixture thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
3. Add Sauce and Peppers: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs. Arrange the whole pepperoncini peppers on top of the meatballs for added flavor.
4. Add Butter: Slice the butter into pats and distribute them over the meatballs and peppers to melt during cooking.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through.
6. Serve: Before serving, stir the meatballs well to coat them in the flavorful sauce created during cooking.

Notes

• Au Jus seasoning and ranch seasoning packets are typically found in the gravy and salad dressing sections of grocery stores or online.
• Using frozen meatballs means no thawing is necessary before cooking; they will cook thoroughly in the slow cooker.
• Adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers to control spice level.
• This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Keywords: Crockpot meatballs, Mississippi meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, pepperoncini meatballs, easy party appetizer, comfort food