How to Make Amazing Mississippi Meatballs
Mississippi meatballs, a comforting blend of sweet and spicy flavors, hold a special place in my heart. Each bite transports me to lively family gatherings and cozy evenings with friends, where laughter mingles with the rich aroma of perfect slow cooking. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a delicious vessel for cherished memories and the warmth of social gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mississippi meatballs offer the perfect balance of convenience and flavor, delivering restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
- Unlike traditional meatball recipes that require hours of simmering, this Southern-inspired dish comes together in under 2 hour while delivering maximum taste impact.
Table of Contents
Ingredients List
You’ll need:
- ground beef 80/20 blend recommended for optimal juiciness
- packet ranch dressing mix the secret flavor enhancer
- packet au jus gravy mix creates the signature Mississippi taste
- egg binding agent for tender texture
- breadcrumbs Italian-seasoned preferred
- whole milk keeps meatballs moist
- butter
- pepperoncini peppers with juice adds tangy kick
- Salt
- black pepper
Substitutions and Options
- Plant-based ground meat for vegetarian meatballs
- Homemade ranch mix (1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried dill)
- Low-sodium au jus mix for reduced salt content
- Greek yogurt ranch packets for lighter flavor
What is Mississippi Meatballs
Mississippi Meatballs are tender, juicy beef meatballs slow cooked in a mix of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, and pepperoncini peppers. The result? A rich, tangy, slightly spicy flavor that’s downright addictive. To be honest, the first time I made them, my family devoured every bite no leftovers, just smiles and sauce stained plates.
Timing
Complete Time Breakdown
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 h 50 minutes
How to Make Mississippi meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Combine ground beef, ranch packet, half the au jus packet, egg, breadcrumbs, and milk in a large bowl. Using your hands, carefully mix until barely blended; if you overmix, the Mississippi will become tough.
Step 2: Form Perfect Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop, form uniform balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. This ensures even cooking and professional presentation for your meatballs.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid crowding. This step preserves the juiciness and gives them an appealing color.
Do not overcook. The goal is to firm up the meatballs so they don’t fall apart in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Transfer the meatballs from the pan to the slow cooker. Add the chili, butter, and the rest of the sauce packet.
Cook on medium heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Never skip the milk in the meatball mixture – it creates steam during cooking
- Let Mississippi meatballs rest in the warm sauce for optimal flavor absorption
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the ideal fat-to-lean ratio
- Gentle mixing prevents dense, tough Mississippi meatballs
- Brown meatballs in small batches to maintain proper oil temperature
- Toast breadcrumbs lightly before adding to mixture
- Reserve some pepperoncini juice to add brightness at the end
How to Store and Reheat
Store Mississippi Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight. Then, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave for individual portions. Ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) throughout.
What to Serve with Mississippi Meatballs
Creative Ways to Enjoy Meatballs
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce
- Pair with steamed rice or buttered egg noodles for a comforting meal
- Present as party appetizers with toothpicks and garnish with fresh parsley
- For something lighter, go with roasted veggies, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.
More Great Meatballs Recipes
- Wagyu Meatballs for Beginners
- Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs sweet and spicy
- Rotel Sausage Balls: Extra Cheesy
- Crock Pot Mississippi beef Meatballs
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (4 meatballs with sauce):
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
How to Make Amazing Mississippi Meatballs
Ingredients
- ground beef 80/20 blend recommended for optimal juiciness
- packet ranch dressing mix the secret flavor enhancer
- packet au jus gravy mix creates the signature Mississippi taste
- large egg binding agent for tender texture
- breadcrumbs Italian-seasoned preferred
- whole milk keeps meatballs moist
- stick butter 8 tablespoons
- jar pepperoncini peppers with juice adds tangy kick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- Combine ground beef, ranch packet, half the au jus packet, egg, breadcrumbs, and milk in a large bowl. Using your hands,
Step 2: Form Perfect Meatballs
- Using a cookie scoop, form uniform balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid crowding.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- Transfer the meatballs from the pan to the slow cooker. Add the chili, butter, and the rest of the sauce packet.Cook on medium heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Notes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQs
What sides go with Mississippi meatballs?
Mississippi meatballs’ thick, savory sauce goes very well with starchy sides that can soak up the gravy’s taste. Popular options include creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, rice pilaf, or crusty bread.
What is the secret to the best meatballs?
The secret to exceptional Mississippi meatballs lies in three key elements: using the right fat content in ground beef (80/20 ratio), not overmixing the meat mixture, and proper browning before simmering.
Why do Americans eat spaghetti with meatballs?
While spaghetti and meatballs isn’t traditional in Italy, it became popular in America when Italian immigrants adapted their recipes to available ingredients and American tastes
Conclusion
Bottom line Mississippi Meatballs are comfort food at its finest. Juicy, flavorful, and just the right mix of tangy and savory. Honestly, once you taste that slow-cooked goodness, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite. Serve it over mashed potatoes or noodles, and watch everyone go back for seconds
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