Name: Mississippi Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ lb ground pork (optional for extra tenderness); ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice); 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 packet ranch seasoning mix; 1 packet au jus mix; ½ cup beef broth; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed; 6-8 pepperoncini peppers (plus ¼ cup juice from the jar)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready for a flavor-packed dish that’s irresistibly savory, slightly tangy, and loaded with melt-in-your-mouth goodness—Mississippi Meatballs! Inspired by the famous Mississippi Pot Roast, these meatballs take all the best parts of the classic recipe (ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, and pepperoncini) and turn them into an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. Whether you’re serving them over mashed potatoes, in a sandwich, or as a game-day snack, trust me—these meatballs will disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, Savory Flavor – A delicious mix of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, and slow-cooked goodness.
Easy & Hands-Off – Toss everything in a slow cooker and let the flavors work their magic.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or even in sandwiches.
Customizable – Make them spicier, cheesier, or even keto-friendly with a few simple tweaks.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make the best Mississippi Meatballs:

Ground Beef or Pork – The base for tender, juicy meatballs.
Egg – Helps bind the meatballs together.
Breadcrumbs – Adds texture and keeps the meatballs from falling apart.
Ranch Seasoning Mix – The secret to that classic Mississippi flavor.
Au Jus Gravy Mix – Adds a deep, beefy richness.
Pepperoncini Peppers – A tangy, mildly spicy kick that takes the dish to the next level.
Butter – Gives the sauce a rich, velvety finish.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds depth and umami flavor.
Minced Garlic – Because every great dish needs garlic!
Parsley (Optional) – For a pop of fresh color and flavor.

Note: Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.

How to Make the Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Roll into evenly sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs. This step locks in flavor and keeps them juicy.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Meatballs

Transfer the browned meatballs to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and the remaining ranch seasoning over them. Add the pepperoncini peppers and their juice, then place the butter on top.

Step 4: Let It Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Give everything a gentle stir, garnish with fresh parsley (if using), and serve hot.

Mississippi Meatballs Cooking In A Slow Cooker — : Mississippi Meatballs simmering in a crockpot with rich gravy

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Mix of Meats – A combination of beef and pork makes for extra juicy meatballs.
Brown First for More Flavor – While you can skip browning, it helps deepen the taste and texture.
Adjust the Heat – Want it spicier? Add extra pepperoncini juice or red pepper flakes.
Make It Cheesier – Melt shredded cheese on top for an extra indulgent twist.

How to Serve

Mississippi Meatballs are incredibly versatile! Here’s how you can enjoy them:

Over Mashed Potatoes – Let the rich sauce soak into creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
In Hoagie Rolls – Make a Mississippi Meatball sub with melted cheese and toasted bread.
With Rice or Pasta – Serve over white rice or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce.
As an Appetizer – Serve on toothpicks with a side of ranch or BBQ sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked meatballs (with sauce) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warm. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes! Just toss frozen meatballs into the slow cooker and follow the same recipe.
How can I make this dish keto-friendly?
Skip the breadcrumbs or use almond flour as a substitute to keep it low-carb.
What can I use instead of au jus gravy mix?
Beef broth with a little extra Worcestershire sauce can work as a substitute.
Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, covered, until the meatballs are cooked through.

This Mississippi Meatballs Recipe is the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a party, dinner, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy! 🍽️🔥

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