Imagine coming home after a long day to the comforting aroma of Mississippi meatballs simmering away in your crockpot.
This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, blending ground beef with a rich, savory sauce that comes together effortlessly.
You’ll love the tangy twist the pepperoncinis add!
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe’s simplicity and flavor will draw you in.
What’s the secret to their irresistible taste?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Set of measuring spoons
- 1 Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Mississippi Meatballs in a crockpot, follow this timeline:
- Initial Prep Reading (5 minutes)
- Begin by reading through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Ingredient Preparation (10 minutes)
- Gather all ingredients: ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, dry ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, water, butter, and pepperoncini peppers.
- Prepare equipment: crockpot, large mixing bowl, measuring cup, measuring spoons, and mixing spoon.
- Mix and Form Meatballs (15 minutes)
- In the large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Setup Crockpot (5 minutes)
- Place the meatballs in the crockpot in a single layer.
- In a measuring cup, mix the dry ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, and water, then pour the mixture over the meatballs.
- Distribute the sliced butter and pepperoncini peppers evenly over the meatballs.
- Cooking Time (4 hours)
- Set the crockpot to cook on low for 4 hours. During this time, you can attend to other tasks or relax.
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the meatballs to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the meatballs in the crockpot in a single layer.
In a measuring cup, mix the dry ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, and water.
Pour the mixture over the meatballs.
Distribute the sliced butter and pepperoncini peppers evenly over the meatballs.
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 hours.
Once cooked, let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect base for soaking up the flavorful sauce from the meatballs.
- Rice Pilaf: Serve the meatballs over a bed of rice pilaf for a satisfying, hearty meal.
- Crusty Bread: Pair with crusty bread to mop up the delicious gravy and enjoy a complete meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add a healthy touch by serving alongside a mix of steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- Pasta: Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta for a delightful Italian-American fusion dish.
Storage
To store Mississippi Meatballs, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheat before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Mississippi Meatballs, allow them to cool completely.
Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Label with the date.
Store for up to three months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat Mississippi Meatballs, place them in a microwave-safe dish.
Cover and microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Meatballs are a delightful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a hearty meal.
The combination of savory meatballs with the tangy kick of pepperoncini peppers creates a unique flavor profile.
This dish is ideal for busy days, as it requires minimal prep time and cooks effortlessly in a crockpot.
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of pepperoncini peppers.
Add some veggies to enhance the nutritional value and texture.
Enjoy this classic American dish with family and friends for a comforting dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
You can definitely swap out the ground beef for turkey or pork. I’ve tried turkey, and it was deliciously tender. Just remember, leaner meats might need a touch more moisture, so add a bit more Worcestershire sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce?
You can swap Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar. I once tried this substitute when I ran out, and it worked like a charm, adding that tangy depth to the dish.
How Do I Make the Dish Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, swap bread crumbs for gluten-free ones and use a gluten-free ranch mix. I once tried this at a family barbecue, and no one noticed the difference. It’s a simple, tasty switch!
Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for This Recipe?
You can swap the ground beef with mashed chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian twist. I once added shredded zucchini, and it was a hit! Don’t forget to use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce for that classic tangy kick.
Can I Make This Dish in an Oven Instead of a Crockpot?
You can definitely bake them! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the meatballs in a baking dish, pour the sauce over them, and bake for about 30-35 minutes. I’ve tried it, and it works great!
Mississippi Meatballs Crockpot
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- 1 Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in the crockpot in a single layer.
- In a measuring cup, mix the dry ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, and water.
- Pour the mixture over the meatballs.
- Distribute the sliced butter and pepperoncini peppers evenly over the meatballs.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
