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Mississippi Meatballs

Mississippi Meatballs
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Mississippi Meatballs are tender, savory meatballs smothered in a creamy and tangy sauce made with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. This easy-to-make comfort food delivers a perfect balance of flavors and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it cooks low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about ½ ounce)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 5–7 pepperoncini peppers
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional

  • Provolone or cheddar cheese, shredded (about ½ to 1 cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, then form the mixture into uniform bite-sized meatballs for even cooking.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. Cook only until they hold together and are sealed; they do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
  3. Assemble the Sauce: In a slow cooker or oven-proof dish, mix together the ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, and butter until the mixture is smooth. Add the browned meatballs in a single layer, then arrange pepperoncini peppers over the top to infuse their tangy flavor.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours in a slow cooker, or bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes in the oven until the meatballs are tender and the sauce is bubbly and flavorful.
  5. Add Cheese (Optional): About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded provolone or cheddar cheese over the meatballs. Cover and allow the cheese to melt, creating a creamy, indulgent finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh pepperoncini when possible for best flavor and texture; bottled ones are a convenient alternative.
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the texture tender.
  • Low and slow cooking helps develop deep, rich flavors in the sauce.
  • Adding a bit more butter can enrich the sauce’s texture and taste.
  • Serve with extra sauce spooned over the meatballs to keep every bite juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mississippi Meatballs, ranch meatballs, comfort food, easy meatball recipe, slow cooker meatballs, creamy meatballs

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/mississippi-meatballs/