Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs

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Craving a tasty meal that’s easy to make? Try these Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs! They’re perfect for busy days when you want a yummy dinner without much work. These savory meatballs cook in a tangy sauce for 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax or get other things done.

You only need a few simple items to make this dish. Frozen meatballs, ranch mix, gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncinis are the main parts. The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can set it and forget it until dinner time. Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes or rice for a filling meal your family will love.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs:

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 packet au jus mix or brown gravy mix
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 8-10 pepperoncini peppers
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice from the jar
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

You’ll also want to have some rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles ready to serve with your meatballs. These sides help soak up the yummy sauce.

Remember, you can adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers based on how spicy you like your food. Start with fewer if you’re not sure, and add more next time if you want extra kick!

Don’t forget to grab a 6-quart crockpot before you start cooking. It’s the perfect size for this recipe and will give your meatballs plenty of room to simmer in that flavorful sauce.

Instructions

First, spread the frozen meatballs in your 6-quart crockpot. Make sure they’re in an even layer.

Next, grab a small bowl. Mix the ranch dressing mix, gravy mix, water, and pepperoncini juice. Whisk it well. Pour this tasty mix over your meatballs.

Cut the butter into small pieces. Spread these pieces on top of the meatballs.

Add the pepperoncini peppers on top. They’ll give your dish a nice zing!

Put the lid on your crockpot. Set it to LOW and let it cook for 3-4 hours.

Halfway through cooking, give everything a gentle stir. This helps coat all the meatballs in that yummy sauce.

When the meatballs are hot and the sauce is bubbly, they’re ready!

Serve your meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. If you want, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.

Enjoy your tasty Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs!

Possible Substitutes List

You can swap out some ingredients in this recipe if needed. Here are some easy switches:

Meatballs:

• Homemade meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• Plant-based meatballs for a veggie option

Ranch mix:

• 2 tablespoons of dried herbs (like parsley, dill, and chives)
• Italian dressing mix for a different flavor

Au jus or gravy mix:

• Onion soup mix
• Beef bouillon cubes (crushed)

Butter:

• Olive oil or vegetable oil (use 1/4 cup)
• Margarine for a dairy-free choice

Pepperoncini peppers:

• Banana peppers
• Pickled jalapeños (for more heat)
• Sweet pickles (for less spice)

You can also try these changes:

• Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor
• Add diced onions or minced garlic for extra taste
• Toss in some mushrooms for a meaty texture

Remember, swapping ingredients might change the taste a bit. But it’s fun to try new things!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make these Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple changes. Use lean turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef to lower the fat content. This swap can help manage blood sugar levels.

Cut the butter amount in half to 1/4 cup. This reduces calories and fat without losing flavor. You can also use a low-sodium au jus or gravy mix to decrease salt intake.

For serving, skip the mashed potatoes or rice. Instead, try cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables. These options are lower in carbs and won’t spike your blood sugar as much.

Here are some more tips:

• Use sugar-free ranch dressing mix
• Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to the crockpot
• Serve smaller portions (about 3-4 meatballs per person)

Remember to check with your doctor or dietitian about how this recipe fits into your meal plan. They can give you personalized advice on portion sizes and ingredient swaps.

By making these tweaks, you can still enjoy the tasty flavors of Mississippi Meatballs while keeping your blood sugar in check. The slow cooker method stays the same, so it’s still an easy meal to prepare.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For extra flavor, try using homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones. You can make them ahead and freeze them for later use.

Stir the meatballs gently halfway through cooking. This helps them get evenly coated with the tasty sauce.

Don’t lift the lid too often while cooking. Each time you do, heat escapes and adds to the cooking time.

If you like spicy food, add a few extra pepperoncini peppers or some red pepper flakes to the mix.

To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool down first. Then put them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

You can freeze these meatballs too. Place them in a freezer-safe container and they’ll stay good for about 2 months.

When reheating, warm them up slowly in a pot on the stove. Add a splash of water if needed to thin out the sauce.

For a quick lunch, stuff the meatballs into a roll to make a tasty sandwich. Top with some melted cheese for extra yumminess.