Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs are a delightful blend of juicy meatballs bathed in a buttery, tangy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This dish brings together the simplicity of pantry staples like ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy with the slight tangy heat of pepperoncini peppers, creating an irresistible comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re fixing a quick family dinner or preparing for a casual get-together, these meatballs deliver big taste with minimal effort, making them a beloved recipe to have in your collection.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients is all it takes to create the magic behind Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs. Each component plays a critical role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the savory meatballs to the rich, buttery sauce with a surprising kick.

Frozen meatballs: Using frozen saves time and ensures the meat stays tender and juicy during slow cooking.
Ranch dressing mix: Adds a creamy, herby, and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the beef.
Au jus gravy mix: Provides a rich, beefy depth that makes the sauce irresistibly savory.
Unsalted butter: Brings luscious richness and helps bind all the flavors together smoothly.
Pepperoncini peppers: Offer just the right amount of zest and slight heat that elevates this dish to something truly special.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by placing the frozen meatballs straight into your slow cooker—no thawing necessary. This step keeps things quick and easy, allowing the meatballs to slowly absorb all the flavors during cooking without drying out.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the tops of the meatballs. This seasoning duo is the secret sauce’s backbone, layering creamy, tangy, and meaty notes that will soak into every bite.

Step 3: Add Butter and Pepperoncini

Slice the unsalted butter into small pats and scatter them across the meatballs. Then, arrange the pepperoncini peppers on top. The butter melts into the sauce for a silky finish, while the peppers bring a delightful tangy punch that cuts through the richness.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 6 hours, or use the high setting for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the meatballs to become meltingly tender, soaking up all those wonderful flavors into every morsel.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs

Garnishes

To brighten up the dish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving. These green herbs add a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note that balances the sauce’s richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs pair incredibly well with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy steamed rice, or crusty bread. Each of these sides is perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce and making sure every last drop is enjoyed.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or game day, serve these meatballs on toothpicks as tasty appetizers. You can also turn them into a hearty sandwich by piling them on a soft hoagie roll and topping with shredded cheese and pickled jalapeños for extra zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for delicious next-day bites.

Freezing

You can freeze Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Keep them frozen for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to redistribute the sauce and ensure even heating without drying out the meatballs.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Absolutely! While frozen meatballs are convenient and juicy, homemade meatballs work wonderfully and allow you to customize seasonings or ingredients to your liking.

What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?

You can substitute banana peppers or mild pickled peppers, but keep in mind that the tang and slight heat from the pepperoncini are key to the dish’s balance, so try not to skip them entirely.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check the labels on your ranch dressing and au jus mixes, as some brands contain gluten. Using gluten-free versions of these seasonings will keep the recipe safe for a gluten-free diet.

Can this dish be made in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to melt butter and combine ingredients, then cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release for tender, flavorful meatballs in a fraction of the time.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is mild but pleasantly tangy thanks to the pepperoncini peppers. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use spicier pickled peppers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious dish, Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs are an absolute winner. From the buttery, tangy sauce to the tender meatballs bursting with flavor, this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation and I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your favorite too!

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Slow Cooker Mississippi Meatballs are a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender frozen meatballs simmered in a buttery sauce enhanced with ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Perfectly suited for easy family dinners or potlucks, this Southern-inspired recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal effort, served best over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

2 lbs frozen meatballs

Seasonings and Sauce

1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into small slices
6–8 pepperoncini peppers, whole

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen meatballs evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker, making sure they are spread out for uniform cooking.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the top of the meatballs to distribute flavor throughout the dish.
Add Butter: Place the unsalted butter in small slices on top of the meatballs and seasoning mixes to melt down and create a rich, flavorful sauce as it cooks.
Add Pepperoncini Peppers: Arrange 6 to 8 whole pepperoncini peppers on top of the butter and meatballs to infuse the dish with a mild tangy heat.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until meatballs are heated through and sauce is bubbling.
Serve: Once cooked, serve the Mississippi meatballs warm over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Notes

For a spicier version, add more pepperoncini peppers or include some of the juice from the jar.
You can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate it; reheat on low in the slow cooker before serving.
Use freshly prepared meatballs if desired, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the ranch and au jus packets are gluten-free or substitute with homemade mixes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Southern United States