This Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs recipe combines juicy meatballs with the tangy and savory flavors of the iconic Mississippi roast, making it the perfect comfort food. So, whether you’re preparing for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love Mississippi Meatballs
Rich In Flavor: These meatballs pack a bold flavor punch thanks to a mix of simple ingredients. A packet of Ranch dressing mix, packet of au jus gravy mix, and those signature pepperoncini peppers creates a taste you won’t forget.
Easy to Prepare: These meatballs make for an easy slow cooker recipe that is simple to make. Just pour your frozen meatballs into the slow cooker, and top them with the seasonings and butter. Cook on low for about 3-4 hours.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Mississippi meatballs are versatile and fit any event, from family dinners to casual hangouts. Serve them on a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty meal, or simply stick toothpicks in them for a party snack. They also store well, so leftover meatballs can be an easy lunch the next day. Just pop them in an airtight container and they’re good to go!
Ingredients
- Frozen Meatballs
- Water
- Reduced Sodium Brown Gravy Mix
- Ranch Seasoning Packet
- Pepperoncini Peppers
- Pepperoncini Juice
- Cornstarch
How to Make Mississippi Meatballs
Place the meatballs in the crockpot. In a small bowl, mix water, brown gravy, and ranch seasoning until smooth. Pour this over the meatballs. Add the pepperoncinis and their juice to the crockpot. Stir everything together. Put butter on top, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
In another small bowl, stir cornstarch with cold water until the cornstarch dissolves. Pour this into the crockpot and stir until the gravy thickens. Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Mississippi Meatballs
Choosing the Right Meat
When it comes to meatballs, the type of meat you choose plays a huge role in the flavor and texture of your final dish. The ideal choice depends mostly on your personal taste and the texture you desire:
- Ground Beef: Perfect for a classic feel, especially when paired with a bit of pork for added juiciness.
- Ground Pork: Offers a rich flavor and can stand alone or be mixed with beef for balance.
- Turkey or Chicken: These lean options provide a healthier spin without sacrificing taste when properly seasoned.
Since you are using frozen meatballs, there are a lot of choices. Play around with different styles and flavors to see which ones you like best.
Balancing Seasonings
Seasoning is where the magic happens. Properly balanced seasonings make your meatballs sing with flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a Ranch Dressing Mix and packet of Brown Gravy Mix: These seasoning packs ensure your meatballs are full of bold flavor.
- Pepperoncini Peppers and Juice: These add a hint of tangy spice that makes Mississippi Meatballs stand out.
- Salt and Pepper: Despite other flavors, basic seasoning is crucial to bring out natural tastes.
Cooking Methods
How you cook your meatballs impacts their texture and taste:
- Baking: Quick and straightforward, baking in a preheated oven at 375°F will yield consistent results. It’s less messy than frying, requires no added fat, and is perfect for a hands-off approach.
- Frying: For a crisp outer layer, frying in a pan with a bit of unsalted butter adds great flavor. Just be careful not to overcook them, keeping each side golden brown.
- Slow-Cooking: This is where your slow cooker Mississippi meatballs shine! Cook on low for 4-6 hours in a crockpot with your seasonings and gravy. This method creates incredibly tender and flavorful meatballs that are hard to beat.
Delicious Variations of Mississippi Meatballs
Spicy Mississippi Meatballs
Want to add some heat to your meal without making it too fiery? Adding spice to Mississippi meatballs is as simple as tweaking a few ingredients. Consider incorporating hot sauce or peppers for an extra kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Here’s how you can spice things up:
- Hot Sauce: A splash of hot sauce like Sriracha or your favorite bottle can do wonders. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste. It’s an easy way to infuse bold flavor throughout the meatballs.
- Peppers: Add freshly sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes right over the top of the meatballs before slow cooking.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: While they’re already in the mix, throwing in a couple of extra whole or sliced pepperoncini peppers can increase the heat level, providing a tangy bite as well.
Vegetarian Mississippi Meatballs
Craving meatballs but following a vegetarian diet? No worries, you can still enjoy a delicious plateful by replacing the meat with plant-based alternatives.
- Lentils: Cooked lentils provide a hearty and nutritious base. They absorb flavors well and give that meatball-like texture.
- Mushrooms: Finely chopped mushrooms can mimic the texture of meat, especially when combined with breadcrumbs and spices.
- Chickpeas: Mash or pulse chickpeas for a solid base and add seasonings to make them pop.
Sweet and Tangy Variations
If sweet and tangy is more your style, why not try incorporating sauces or glazes to give your meatballs a tasty twist?
- Sweet Glaze: Mix brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to brush over the meatballs before serving. It’ll create a lovely caramelized finish.
- Pineapple Sauce: Combine pineapple juice and a bit of soy sauce for a tropical touch that dances on your tongue.
- Honey Mustard: Drizzle or mix honey mustard into your meatball mix for a sweet and tangy alternative that pairs well with egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
How to Store Mississippi Meatballs
Refrigeration Techniques
So, you’ve enjoyed your crockpot Mississippi meatballs recipe and have some leftovers. How can you make sure they stay fresh?
- Cool Them First: Let your meatballs come down to room temperature before storing them. It prevents extra moisture build-up which could make them soggy.
- Use an Airtight Container: Place the meatballs in an airtight container to lock in their delicious seasonings, like the pepperoncini juice and ranch seasoning mix.
- Keep in Mind the Time: Refrigerate the meatballs within two hours of cooking. They can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste and texture might not stay at their peak.
Freezing for Later
Need to extend the life of your meatballs? Freezing is your best bet.
- Flash Freeze: First, spread your meatballs out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Bag It Up: Once they’re firm, toss them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to keep them fresher for longer, just like keeping your favorite video recipes saved for a rainy day.
- Label and Date: Always label your bag with the date they were frozen. They’re best used within three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy these little bites again, it’s time to think ahead. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, and reheat them in a slow cooker or on a stovetop until they’re hot throughout. It’s just like bringing back a delicious meal without starting from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Meatballs
What makes Mississippi meatballs different from traditional meatballs?
Mississippi meatballs stand out from traditional meatballs due to their bold flavor and simple preparation in the slow cooker. Unlike the Italian-style meatballs simmered in marinara sauce, Mississippi meatballs feature a mix of ranch seasoning mix and brown gravy mix. This combination, along with the unique tanginess provided by pepperoncini juice and peppers, creates a rich, flavorful gravy. The use of butter also adds a touch of creaminess that enhances the overall dish. The ingredients create a truly one-of-a-kind main dish that you won’t find in other meatball recipes.
Does this recipe taste salty?
This recipe can be very salty which is why I recommend using water over beef broth to make your gravy mixture. I also recommend using reduced sodium gravy mix versus the regular kind. I have tested this recipe many different ways and this seems to be the trick to cut down on the saltiness.
If you gave this recipe a try, drop a comment below! I love reading your feedback!
Still hungry? Check out a few more of my favorites:
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 32 ounces package frozen meatballs
- 2 cups water
- 1 package reduced sodium brown gravy
- 1 package Ranch seasoning
- 4 pepperoncini Peppers
- ¼ cups pepperoncini juice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Pour the meatballs into the crockpot. In a small bowl add the water, brown gravy, ranch seasoning and whisk until well combined. Pour mixture on top of meatballs.
- Place the pepperoncini's in the crockpot and pour in the pepperoncini juice. Stir to combine everything together. Place butter on top of mixture and cover with lid. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- In a small mixing bowl add the cornstarch and cold water. Whisk together until cornstarch is dissolved. Pour mixture in crockpot and stir until gravy starts to thicken. Serve & Enjoy!
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