Mississippi Meatballs

If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish, Mississippi Meatballs are an absolute must-try! Inspired by the famous Mississippi Pot Roast, this recipe combines juicy meatballs with a deliciously tangy and savory gravy made with ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s packed with bold flavors and incredibly easy to prepare.

Mississippi Meatballs are perfect for family dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or even as an appetizer for parties. Whether you cook them in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the oven, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Mississippi Meatballs, including how to make them, variations to try, serving ideas, and expert cooking tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time. Let’s get started!

What Are Mississippi Meatballs?

Mississippi Meatballs are a flavor-packed twist on the classic meatball recipe, inspired by the beloved Mississippi Pot Roast. The dish takes juicy homemade or store-bought meatballs and simmers them in a rich, buttery, and slightly tangy gravy made with ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. The combination of these ingredients creates a savory, slightly spicy, and irresistibly tender dish that can be enjoyed in many ways.

The Origins of Mississippi Meatballs

Mississippi Meatballs are a variation of the Mississippi Pot Roast, a slow-cooked beef roast dish that became popular in Southern home kitchens and later gained national attention. The original Mississippi Pot Roast recipe was created by Robin Chapman in the 1990s as a simple, flavorful meal using just a few pantry staples. Over time, this flavor combination has been adapted into other dishes, including these delicious Mississippi-style meatballs.

What Makes Mississippi Meatballs Unique?

Unlike traditional Italian-style meatballs, which are often served with marinara sauce or gravy, Mississippi Meatballs stand out because of their:

✅ Zesty & Tangy Flavor: The ranch seasoning and pepperoncini add a bold, slightly tangy taste.
✅ Savory, Buttery Gravy: Instead of tomato sauce, this dish features a rich and umami-packed gravy made with au jus mix and butter.
✅ Slow-Cooked Tenderness: When cooked in a slow cooker or simmered gently on the stovetop, the meatballs absorb the delicious flavors, making them super tender and juicy.
✅ Incredible Versatility: Mississippi Meatballs can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even as an appetizer for parties.

Mississippi Meatballs are comfort food at its finest—rich, hearty, and bursting with Southern flavors.

Step-by-Step Mississippi Meatballs Recipe

Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Mississippi Meatballs. This recipe is easy to follow, and you can prepare it using a slow cooker, stovetop, or oven, depending on your preference.

Ingredients Needed

For the Meatballs (If Making from Scratch)

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Sauce

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (plus 2 tablespoons of juice from the jar)
• 1 cup beef broth

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional, but Recommended)

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the meatballs in batches and sear them for about 2 minutes per side until browned.
• Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Browning helps lock in the juices and adds extra flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time.

Cooking Methods

Slow Cooker Method (Best for Flavor & Convenience)

1. Place the browned (or raw) meatballs in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus mix over the meatballs.
3. Add sliced pepperoncini peppers and butter on top.
4. Pour in beef broth and 2 tablespoons of pepperoncini juice.
5. Cover and cook on:
   • Low for 4-6 hours (best for tender meatballs)
   • High for 2-3 hours if short on time.
6. Stir gently before serving to coat the meatballs in the sauce.

Stovetop Method (Faster, But Requires More Attention)

1. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, place the meatballs.
2. Sprinkle ranch seasoning and au jus mix over them.
3. Add pepperoncini peppers, butter, and beef broth.
4. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. If the sauce is too thin, let it cook uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes to thicken.

Oven Method (Great for Large Batches)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the meatballs in a baking dish.
3. Sprinkle ranch seasoning and au jus mix over them.
4. Add pepperoncini, butter, and beef broth.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
6. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Recipe Variations

Mississippi Meatballs are incredibly versatile, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Whether you want a spicier version, a keto-friendly option, or a vegetarian alternative, there’s a variation for everyone.

Classic Mississippi Meatballs

This is the traditional version using ground beef, ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. It delivers the rich, tangy, and savory flavors that make this dish so popular.

• Best meat choice: 80/20 ground beef or a blend of beef and pork.
• Cooking method: Slow cooker for maximum tenderness.
• Serving suggestion: Over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Mississippi Meatballs

To make this dish low-carb and keto-friendly, swap out the high-carb ingredients and adjust the recipe slightly.

Ingredient Swaps:

• Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
• Replace au jus mix with homemade beef bone broth and extra seasoning to avoid added starches.
• Stick to unsalted butter and increase the amount of pepperoncini juice for extra flavor.

Best served over: Gluten-Free Orzo for a keto-friendly alternative.

Spicy Mississippi Meatballs

For those who love heat, you can turn up the spice level with a few simple additions.

Ways to Add Heat:

• Use hot pepperoncini instead of mild ones.
• Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture.
• Mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the sauce.

This version pairs well with rice or crusty bread to balance the heat.

Vegetarian Mississippi Meatballs

If you’re looking for a meatless alternative, you can still enjoy the flavors of Mississippi Meatballs using plant-based substitutes.

Ingredient Substitutes:

• Use store-bought vegetarian meatballs or make your own using lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs.
• Replace beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Use vegan butter instead of dairy-based butter.
• Ensure the ranch seasoning and au jus mix are free from animal products or use homemade versions.

Pair with: Italian Sausage Soup for a hearty meal.

Mississippi Meatballs Casserole

If you want a one-pan meal, turn Mississippi Meatballs into a baked casserole.

How to Make It:

1. Place cooked or raw meatballs in a baking dish.
2. Add cooked pasta or mashed potatoes at the bottom for a layered effect.
3. Pour the Mississippi sauce over everything.
4. Top with shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella).
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly.

This version is a great family-friendly meal that’s easy to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade ones?

Yes, frozen meatballs work well in this recipe. Simply add them directly to the slow cooker, stovetop, or oven, and adjust the cooking time as needed. No need to thaw them beforehand.

2. Can I make Mississippi Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Alternatively, you can fully cook the dish and reheat it when ready to serve.

3. Can I make this dish without pepperoncini peppers?

Yes, but the pepperoncini adds a unique tangy flavor. If you prefer a milder version, substitute them with banana peppers or omit them entirely while still using a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice for balance.

Conclusion

Mississippi Meatballs are a flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that combines savory, tangy, and buttery flavors into one satisfying meal. Inspired by Mississippi Pot Roast, these meatballs offer a Southern twist on classic comfort food, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, and meal prep.

With various cooking methods, including the slow cooker, stovetop, and oven, as well as several recipe variations such as spicy, keto-friendly, and vegetarian, there’s a version for everyone. Pair them with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal, or serve them as party appetizers for an easy crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty family meal or a fun party dish, Mississippi Meatballs are guaranteed to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy the bold, comforting flavors of the South.

Try them with Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo for a complete comfort-food feast!