Mississippi Meatballs are a simple, flavorful slow cooker favorite that comes together with less than 10 ingredients and minimal prep. This dish combines tender meatballs with a tangy, buttery ranch gravy that makes every bite irresistible.
If you love the flavors in this dish, be sure to try my Mississippi pot roast next.
Recipe at a Glance
- Flavor: Tangy, buttery, and savory with a hint of spice
- Texture: Juicy meatballs coated in a rich, silky ranch gravy
- Level: Beginner-friendly, slow cooker convenience
- Serve With: Mashed potatoes, rice, or creamy polenta
- Best For: Weeknight dinners, family meals, or potlucks
- Make Ahead: Assemble in the slow cooker; cook when ready, or refrigerate overnight and cook the next day
Summarize and Save This Recipe
The first time I made these Mississippi pot roast-inspired meatballs, I was amazed at how a few simple pantry staples-ranch seasoning, gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini-could transform frozen meatballs into a melt-in-your-mouth dinner that had everyone asking for seconds.
This slow cooker favorite is tangy, savory, and effortless, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Try these French onion meatballs next!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This slow cooker Mississippi meatballs dish is incredibly easy, flavorful, and family-friendly. It's a budget-friendly meal that feels special without extra work.
- Minimal prep required - just mix and pour over meatballs.
- Rich, savory sauce with a touch of tang from pepperoncini.
- Versatile dish you can serve over rice, potatoes, or my pink sauce pasta recipe.
Ingredients
- Meatballs: Use a 32-ounce bag of frozen meatballs. There's no need to thaw, making prep easy.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Adds creamy, herby flavor instantly.
- Brown gravy mix: Thickens the sauce and adds depth.
- Pepperoncini liquid: A tangy, slightly spicy addition - don't skip!
- Whole pepperoncini peppers: These add mild heat and tang, but feel free to slice for extra flavor throughout. You'll also find them in my Mississippi chicken recipe.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are pantry staples that add savory richness, subtle warmth, and a touch of color to the dish.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Turkey meatballs: Substitute ground turkey meatballs for a leaner, lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free gravy mix and check seasonings and other ingredients to make the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Dairy-free: Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread for a creamy, rich sauce alternative.
- Sweet & Tangy: Stir in a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a slightly sweet, balanced tang in the sauce.
- Extra thick gravy: Whisk cornstarch into some of the sauce before serving for a thicker, restaurant-style gravy.
How to Make Mississippi Meatballs in the Crock Pot
Making Mississippi roast meatballs is simple and almost hands-off thanks to the slow cooker. With just a few pantry staples and frozen meatballs, you can have a rich, tangy, buttery meal ready in minutes with minimal prep.
- Step 1: Add meatballs. Place the frozen meatballs at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Step 2: Mix the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ranch mix, gravy mix, garlic powder, paprika, and pepperoncini liquid. Pour over the meatballs.
- Step 3: Add toppings. Place the butter squares and whole pepperoncini peppers on top.
- Step 4: Cook. Cover and cook on high for 2 ½-3 ⅓ hours or on low for 4-5 hours. Serve over slow cooker rice for a complete meal.
Expert Tips
- Stir for Even Flavor: Stir once halfway through cooking to coat the meatballs in sauce evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and add salt if using higher-sodium broth.
- Add Butter in Pieces: Cut butter into small pieces so it melts evenly and enriches the sauce.
- Store and Reheat: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Serving Suggestions
- These Crock Pot Mississippi meatballs are perfect for busy evenings when you want a hands-off, flavorful meal. Serve over garlic mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner.
- Great for family meals and potlucks, and easy to double. Pair with Crock Pot mac and cheese and green bean casserole for a complete meal.
- Make mini meatballs using this same recipe for appetizers or party-friendly servings. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends.
Mississippi Meatballs Recipe FAQs
Yes, prep everything and refrigerate overnight. Cook as directed the next day.
Return the meatballs to a saucepan and reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. You can also microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals until warm.
Yes, assemble in a baking dish and bake covered in a 350°F oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through. In my opinion, the slow cooker creates the richest flavor.
More Delicious Crock Pot Meatball Recipes
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Mississippi Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 32 ounce bag frozen meatballs
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 ounce packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ounce packet brown gravy mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon pepperoncini pepper liquid
- ¼ cup butter sliced into 8 squares
- 6 whole pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Add frozen meatballs to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, add beef broth, ranch seasoning, gravy mix, garlic powder, paprika, and pepperoncini liquid. Whisk until well combined and pour over meatballs.
- Place the pepperoncini peppers and butter on top.
- Cover and cook on high for 2½-3⅓ hours, or on low for 4-5 hours.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice and enjoy!
Notes
- Keep butter in small cubes so it melts evenly and enriches the sauce.
- Use frozen meatballs for convenience; they cook perfectly without thawing.
- Whisk cornstarch with some sauce for a thicker gravy if desired.
- Stir halfway through the cooking time for a more uniform flavor.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen says
My family loves this easy meatball recipe and makes an easy weeknight dinner.