Quick & Easy Mississippi Meatballs Recipe – Perfect for Weeknight Dinners!

Here’s Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

Hey there, busy cooks! 👋 Craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? You’ve landed in the right spot! Our Mississippi Meatballs recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a tangy, savory gravy that’s unbelievably easy to whip up. Yes, really easy! This recipe is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal on the table fast. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress without any stress. Ready to discover the magic of simple yet delicious cooking? Let’s get started!

Trust us, once you try these Mississippi Meatballs, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re not just delicious; they’re incredibly versatile. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even cheesy grits for a complete meal that everyone at your table will adore. And the best part? It’s all made in one pot (or slow cooker!), minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Let’s dive into this cozy, flavorful dish together!

Printable Recipe Card: Your Easy Mississippi Meatballs Guide!

Quick & Easy Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

Craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Our Mississippi Meatballs recipe is about to become your new best friend! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a tangy, savory gravy that’s unbelievably easy to whip up. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal fast.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker 6-quart or larger
• 1 Dutch Oven Large, for stovetop option

Ingredients

  

Mississippi Meatballs Ingredients

• 2 lbs Frozen Meatballs about 30-36 meatballs, pre-cooked
• 1 packet (1 oz) Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
• 1 packet (1 oz) Au Jus Gravy Mix
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Peppers with juice

Instructions

 

• Grab your slow cooker (or a large Dutch oven for stovetop).
• Pour frozen meatballs into the slow cooker or Dutch oven.
• Sprinkle ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over meatballs.
• Place butter on top of mixes. Add pepperoncini peppers and juice.
• For Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. For Stovetop: Cover and simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes.
• Stir gently, ensure meatballs are heated through (165°F/74°C). Serve hot.

Notes

Meatball Swap: Use 2 lbs ground beef/turkey to make homemade meatballs. Brown before adding.
Butter Alternative: Use olive or coconut oil for a lighter option.
Spice Level: Adjust pepperoncini peppers or use banana peppers for less heat. Add red pepper flakes for more spice.

Keyword comfort food, easy dinner, meatballs, mississippi meatballs, slow cooker, weeknight meal

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients for This Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

Full Ingredient List

• 2 lbs frozen meatballs (about 30-36 meatballs) – frozen, pre-cooked meatballs for ultimate convenience
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix – for that signature tangy flavor
• 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix – adds depth and richness
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter – provides lusciousness and flavor
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, with juice – pepperoncini peppers are the key for that iconic Mississippi flavor!

Smart Ingredient Swaps and Easy Substitutions

• Meatball Swap: No frozen meatballs on hand? No problem! Use 2 lbs of ground beef or turkey to make your own meatballs. Just brown them before adding the other ingredients.
• Butter Alternative: For a lighter option, you can use olive oil or even coconut oil instead of butter. It will slightly alter the richness, but still be delicious.
• Spice Level: Not a fan of heat? Reduce the amount of pepperoncini peppers or use banana peppers for a milder flavor. Want more kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes!

Budget-Friendly Tips and Finding Ingredients

• Bulk Meatballs: Buying frozen meatballs in bulk or when they are on sale can save you money. Stock up and you’ll always be ready for a quick meal.
• Generic Mixes: Opt for generic or store-brand ranch dressing and au jus gravy mixes. They work just as well as name brands and are often cheaper.
• Pepperoncini Perks: Check the olive and pickle aisle for pepperoncini peppers. They are usually very affordable and a jar lasts for many recipes.
• Leftover Love: This recipe is fantastic for leftovers! Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy Mississippi Meatballs throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.

Time to Cook! Your Step-by-Step Guide for Mississippi Meatballs

1. Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker (or Dutch Oven)
   

   Grab your slow cooker (or a large Dutch oven if you’re cooking on the stovetop). No need to preheat anything just yet – simplicity is our motto here!

   
   
2. Step 2: Layer in the Meatballs
   

   Pour those frozen meatballs right into the bottom of your slow cooker or Dutch oven. No thawing needed! Using frozen meatballs is a fantastic shortcut that keeps things super easy and quick.

   
   

   Tip: Using frozen meatballs helps them retain their shape and stay juicy during the cooking process!

   
   
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the Magic Mixes
   

   Open up your packets of ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix. Sprinkle both evenly over the top of the frozen meatballs. Don’t be shy – these mixes are flavor powerhouses!

   
   

   Technique Tip: Evenly distributing the mixes ensures every meatball gets coated in deliciousness.

   
   
4. Step 4: Add Butter and Pepperoncini
   

   Place the stick of butter on top of the mixes. Then, add your pepperoncini peppers and a splash of their juice right over everything. The juice adds a wonderful tangy kick that’s key to the Mississippi Meatballs flavor profile.

   
   

   Flavor Boost: The pepperoncini juice is a secret ingredient that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip it!

   
   
5. Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection (or Simmer on the Stove)
   

   For Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are done when they are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

   
   

   For Stovetop (Dutch Oven): Cover and simmer over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through and sauce has thickened.

   
   

   Safety Advice: Always ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safely heated through.

   
   
6. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
   

   Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to coat the meatballs in that luscious gravy. Now it’s time to serve up your Mississippi Meatballs and enjoy the deliciousness you’ve created!

   
   

   Serving Suggestion: Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or creamy polenta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

   
   

Our Best Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Mississippi Meatballs

• Don’t Thaw the Meatballs: Using frozen meatballs is key to this recipe’s simplicity and helps prevent them from drying out. They cook perfectly right from frozen!
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give the gravy a taste. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a bit more pepperoncini juice. For a richer flavor, a pat of butter at the end can enhance the sauce.
• Thicken the Sauce (if needed): If your sauce is thinner than you’d like after cooking, remove about 1/4 cup of the sauce, mix it with a tablespoon of cornstarch, and then stir it back into the pot. Cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
• Spice it Up or Tone it Down: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of pepperoncini peppers. For extra spice, include a pinch of red pepper flakes. For less heat, use banana peppers or remove the pepperoncini seeds.
• Make it Ahead: Mississippi Meatballs are fantastic for meal prep! They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Perfect to make on the weekend for easy weeknight dinners.

What to Serve with Your Delicious Mississippi Meatballs: Perfect Pairings

Mississippi Meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Let’s explore some delicious options to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic choice! Creamy mashed potatoes soak up that flavorful gravy beautifully, creating the ultimate comfort food combo.
• Fluffy White Rice or Brown Rice: Rice is another excellent base for serving Mississippi Meatballs. It’s simple, absorbs the sauce, and makes for a hearty meal. Brown rice adds a bit more fiber and nuttiness.
• Cheesy Grits or Polenta: For a Southern twist, serve your meatballs over creamy, cheesy grits. Polenta is a great alternative for a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Egg Noodles: Toss those saucy meatballs with tender egg noodles for a delightful pasta dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that amazing gravy!
• Side Salad or Roasted Vegetables: To balance out the richness of the meatballs, serve with a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots.

How to Store and Reheat Your Delicious Mississippi Meatballs

Lucky you, if there are any Mississippi Meatballs left over, they store and reheat wonderfully! Here’s how to keep them tasting their best:

• Storing: Let the meatballs cool down completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Mississippi Meatballs. Place cooled meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: The best way to reheat Mississippi Meatballs is on the stovetop. Place the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Reheating in the Slow Cooker: If you have time, you can reheat them in the slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours. This is a great option for keeping them warm for a potluck or gathering.

Your Mississippi Meatballs FAQ: Simple Answers for Confident Cooking

• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
  

  Absolutely! Brown your homemade meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker or Dutch oven, then follow the recipe as directed.

  
  
• Can I make this recipe in the oven?
  

  Yes, you can! Place all ingredients in an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until meatballs are heated through and sauce is bubbly.

  
  
• What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?
  

  Pepperoncini peppers are key for the classic flavor, but you can substitute banana peppers for a milder taste, or a mix of banana peppers and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

  
  
• Can I double this recipe?
  

  Definitely! This recipe is easily doubled or even tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a larger slow cooker or pot.

  
  
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  

  Yes! Mississippi Meatballs are perfect for making ahead. The flavors actually meld together and deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.

  
  

Time to Savor Your Delicious Mississippi Meatballs and Share the Joy

Congratulations, you’ve just mastered the art of incredibly easy and utterly delicious Mississippi Meatballs! This recipe is all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a comforting, no-fuss meal. We hope you enjoy every saucy, savory bite!

Now it’s your turn! Rate this recipe below, share your photos with us on social media, and don’t forget to leave a comment – we love hearing from our community of home cooks! Happy cooking!

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