Easy Mississippi Crockpot Meatballs

These Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs bring the same hearty comfort as the classic Mississippi Pot Roast with a much simpler prep and perfect for busy weeknights. Using just a few ingredients including frozen meatballs, this recipe delivers a rich, buttery, tangy sauce that turns into the ultimate cozy dinner everyone will ask for again. The ease of tossing everything into the slow cooker and letting it work its magic all afternoon is a game changer when you want dinner ready with almost no effort.

I first made this recipe on a hectic weeknight when I had nothing ready and it quickly became a fast family favorite. Now it is often requested because it feels like a treat without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Frozen meatballs: about 26 ounces providing the hearty protein base and saving time on prep choose quality meatballs with good beef or turkey content
• Mild pepperoncini peppers: including the juice adds a subtle heat and vinegar tang essential for that Mississippi flavor select a mild version unless you prefer more spice
• Ranch seasoning packet: delivering savory, herby notes that complement the meat and peppers perfectly
• Brown gravy mix: for that lush, comforting sauce that binds all the flavors
• Butter: sliced thin, half a cup adds needed richness and helps soften the sauce during the long cook use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Spray the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This simple step ensures your meatballs will remain tender and sauce won’t burn on the bottom.

Combine the Meatballs and Sauces:

Place the frozen meatballs directly into the crockpot without thawing. Add in the entire jar of mild pepperoncini peppers including the juice for robust flavor and a bit of heat. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet and the brown gravy mix on top. Gently stir everything to combine the meatballs with the seasonings as much as possible, coating them evenly without breaking them apart.

Add the Butter:

Lay the thin slices of butter over the top of the meatball mixture. The butter melts slowly during cooking contributing to the signature rich and creamy sauce texture.

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW heat for six to seven hours or on HIGH for three to four hours. Cooking low and slow will develop deeper flavors and make the meatballs tender inside out.

Serve:

Once cooked, stir gently to combine melted butter throughout. Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, pasta, or alongside your favorite veggies for a complete meal.

One of my favorite parts about this dish is the pepperoncini peppers. They add a very distinct tang that cuts through the richness of the butter and gravy creating a perfect harmony of flavors. I often remember making this for a family gathering where everyone was skeptical of adding peppers to meatballs but ended up loving the zing and asking for the recipe later. It’s a real crowd pleaser.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to avoid toughening the meatballs. This dish also freezes wonderfully just portion into freezersafe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find pepperoncini peppers, banana peppers are a great mild substitute providing similar tang and slight heat. To make this gluten free, use a gluten free gravy mix and ranch seasoning mix. For a lower fat version, you can reduce the butter by a quarter or substitute half with a light butter alternative but note the sauce richness will be less.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are fantastic over creamy mashed potatoes soaking up the buttery gravy. They also pair beautifully with fluffy white rice or buttered noodles. For a low carb option serve them alongside roasted or steamed vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or cauliflower mash.

This easy slow cooker recipe delivers comforting flavorful meatballs with minimal effort. Make extra for the freezer to save time on future busy nights.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of meatballs work best?

Frozen pre-cooked meatballs are ideal for convenience and even cooking in the crockpot.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, use mild or medium pepperoncini peppers, or substitute banana peppers to control heat.

→ How do I thicken the gravy sauce?

Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water and stir it into the crockpot. Cook on high 10-15 minutes until thickened.

→ What side dishes pair well with these meatballs?

Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

→ Can I prepare it without a crockpot?

While designed for slow cooking, you can simmer on low heat in a covered pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.