Go Back

Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs

Crockpot Mississippi meatballs are made with frozen fully cooked meatballs simmered until hot, then coated in a glossy buttery ranch–au jus sauce. Pepperoncini peppers add a tangy kick that melts into the slow-cooker drippings for an easy appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

meatballs
  • 32 oz frozen fully cooked meatballs
butter
  • 0.5 cup butter 1 stick, sliced
seasoning and gravy
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
peppers and broth
  • 9 pepperoncini peppers use 8–10
  • 0.5 cup beef broth

Equipment

  • 1 slow cooker

Method
 

Load the slow cooker
  1. Place the frozen fully cooked meatballs in the slow cooker in an even layer.
  2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the meatballs so the tops are covered.
  3. Scatter the pepperoncini peppers around and over the meatballs, tucking some between meatballs for better flavor distribution.
  4. Pour the beef broth around the meatballs and lay the sliced butter slices across the top.
Cook until glossy
  1. Cook on low for 4 hours until the meatballs are heated through and a glossy sauce has formed (or cook on high for 2 hours).
  2. Stir gently to coat all meatballs evenly in the buttery sauce, ensuring peppers are distributed throughout.
Serve
  1. Serve hot as an appetizer with toothpicks, or spoon over mashed potatoes as a main dish.

Notes

Pro tip: keep the meatballs in a single layer when possible so the ranch and au jus mix hydrates evenly and forms a glossy coating. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; reheat in the microwave or in the slow cooker until hot. Freezing is yes—freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For a lighter option, use low-sodium beef broth and reduced-sodium ranch/au jus mixes if available.