Description
These Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a simple and delicious slow-cooker appetizer or main dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a flavorful blend of au jus gravy, ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Perfect for parties or a comforting meal served over potatoes or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 (26-ounce) bag frozen meatballs
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 (16-ounce) jar sliced pepperoncini peppers (with juice)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup butter, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot evenly. This forms the base layer for the sauce and ensures even cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning mix directly over the meatballs to create a flavorful coating.
- Pour in Peppers and Liquids: Add the jar of sliced pepperoncini peppers along with their juice over the meatballs, then pour in ½ cup of water to help distribute the flavors and keep everything moist.
- Add Butter: Place diced butter cubes evenly on top of the mixture. The butter will melt during cooking, enriching the sauce with a creamy texture.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to combine flavors and prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs hot. They make a perfect appetizer or serve well over potatoes or noodles as a main dish.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes or include some jalapeños with the pepperoncini.
- Make sure not to drain the pepperoncini juice as it adds essential tang and flavor to the dish.
- You can prepare this the night before and reheat gently on low in the crockpot before serving.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Stirring occasionally during cooking helps evenly distribute seasoning and prevents sticking on the bottom.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mississippi meatballs, crockpot meatballs, slow cooker appetizer, easy meatball recipe, pepperoncini meatballs
