Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Effortless: This recipe is perfect for busy days, as it only requires a few simple ingredients and the Crockpot does all the work.
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Tender and Flavorful: The meatballs become perfectly tender as they slow-cook in the delicious, savory gravy.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a family meal, or at a party, these meatballs are sure to impress.
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Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning or switch up the type of meatballs (turkey, chicken, or vegetarian) to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 bag (24 oz) frozen meatballs (about 20-30 meatballs)
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
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1 packet au jus seasoning mix (1 oz)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into slices)
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1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers (with juice)
Directions
Prepare the Crockpot:
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Add the Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs directly into the bottom of your Crockpot.
Make the Sauce:
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Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus seasoning mix over the meatballs in the Crockpot. Stir to combine, ensuring the meatballs are well-coated with the seasonings.
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Add the Butter and Peppers: Place the slices of butter on top of the meatballs and pour the pepperoncini peppers with their juice over everything.
Cook:
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs will absorb the flavors of the seasoning, and the sauce will become rich and flavorful.
Serve:
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Stir and Serve: Once the meatballs are fully cooked and tender, give everything a good stir to coat the meatballs in the delicious sauce. Serve the meatballs as an appetizer, over rice, pasta, or with mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6 (as an entrée) or 8-10 (as an appetizer)
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (on high) or 4-6 hours (on low)
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Total Time: 2-3 hours
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian or plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian option.
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Spicy Kick: If you like extra heat, add a few more pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Different Meatballs: You can use turkey, chicken, or even homemade meatballs in place of frozen ones.
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Add Veggies: Add some sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the Crockpot for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This dish freezes well. After it cools, store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a pot over low heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs, but if you choose to make them yourself, you may want to brown them in a skillet first for added flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
Can I make this in the oven?
While this recipe is designed for the Crockpot, you can bake the meatballs and sauce in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Just be sure to cover the meatballs in sauce to keep them moist.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! You can add some chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or extra pepperoncini peppers to bring the heat to the next level.
How can I serve these meatballs?
You can serve them over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even in a sandwich or slider buns for a delicious twist on a classic.
Conclusion
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish that combines flavorful meatballs with a savory, tangy sauce. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a party appetizer, or as a comfort food dish, this recipe delivers great taste with minimal effort. Let your Crockpot do all the work and enjoy a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone!

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2-3 hours
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs are a savory and tender dish that combines juicy meatballs with a tangy, spicy Mississippi-style gravy. Perfect for busy nights, this one-pot recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. Whether served as an appetizer, over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
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1 bag (24 oz) frozen meatballs (about 20-30 meatballs)
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
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1 packet au jus seasoning mix (1 oz)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into slices)
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers (with juice)
Instructions
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Prepare the Crockpot:
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Place the frozen meatballs directly in the bottom of your Crockpot.
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Make the Sauce:
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Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus seasoning mix over the meatballs. Stir gently to ensure the meatballs are well-coated with the seasonings.
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Place the sliced butter on top of the meatballs and pour the pepperoncini peppers and their juice over everything.
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Cook:
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Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
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Serve:
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Once cooked, stir everything together to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Serve as an appetizer, or over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
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Notes
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian or plant-based meatballs for a meat-free alternative.Spicy Kick: Add extra pepperoncini peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat.Different Meatballs: Swap the frozen meatballs for homemade, turkey, or chicken meatballs.Add Veggies: Enhance the dish by adding bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the Crockpot for more flavor and texture.Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.