How to Make Amazing Mississippi Meatballs

This Mississippi Meatballs recipe, a comforting blend of savory and sweet, holds a special place in my heart. Each bite transports me back to boisterous family gatherings and cozy evenings with friends, where laughter mingled with the rich aroma of slow-cooked perfection. It is more than simply a meal; it is a delectable container for treasured memories and the coziness 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 90 minutes while delivering maximum taste impact.
Keep reading to discover the step-by-step process that transforms simple ingredients into the most requested dish at every gathering.
Table of Contents
Ingredients needed to make Mississippi Meatballs
For the Meatballs:

- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal juiciness)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (the secret flavor enhancer)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (creates the signature Mississippi taste)
- 1 large egg (binding agent for tender texture)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned preferred)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (keeps meatballs moist)
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers with juice (adds tangy kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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
Time You Need to Make Mississippi meatballs
Complete Time Breakdown
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 85 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 oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. This step locks in juices and creates appealing color.
Step 4: Create the Signature Sauce
In the same skillet, combine the pepperoncini liquid, butter, and the remaining au jus package. The taste of the sauce will be greatly enhanced by the fond (brown pieces) from the meatballs.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return meatballs to the skillet, add pepperoncini peppers, and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for the Best Mississippi meatballs
Moisture Retention Secrets:
- Never skip the milk in the meatball mixture – it creates steam during cooking
- Don’t remove the lid during the final simmering stage
- Let Mississippi meatballs rest in the warm sauce for optimal flavor absorption
Texture Perfection:
- 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
Flavor Maximization:
- Toast breadcrumbs lightly before adding to mixture
- Reserve some pepperoncini juice to add brightness at the end
- Taste and adjust seasoning after the final simmer
How to Store and Reheat Mississippi Meatballs
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
- Slider buns make irresistible meatball sandwiches
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 (56% daily value)
- Fat: 24g (31% daily value)
- Carbohydrates: 12g (4% daily value)
- Sodium: 890mg (39% daily value)
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g

How to Make Amazing Mississippi Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend recommended for optimal juiciness
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix the secret flavor enhancer
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix creates the signature Mississippi taste
- 1 large egg binding agent for tender texture
- ½ cup breadcrumbs Italian-seasoned preferred
- ¼ cup whole milk keeps meatballs moist
- 1 stick butter 8 tablespoons
- 1 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, 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 oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. This step locks in juices and creates appealing color.
Step 4: Create the Signature Sauce
- In the same skillet, combine the pepperoncini liquid, butter, and the remaining au jus package. The taste of the sauce will be greatly enhanced by the fond (brown pieces) from the meatballs.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
- Return meatballs to the skillet, add pepperoncini peppers, and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (4 meatballs with sauce):- Calories: 385
- Protein: 28g (56% daily value)
- Fat: 24g (31% daily value)
- Carbohydrates: 12g (4% daily value)
- Sodium: 890mg (39% daily value)
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQ About Mississippi meatballs
What are Mississippi meatballs?
Mississippi meatballs are a Southern-inspired comfort food that combines traditional meatball techniques with the flavors of Mississippi pot roast. They feature ground beef seasoned with ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix, then simmered with butter and pepperoncini peppers to create a uniquely American twist on classic meatballs.
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. For vegetables, try roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a simple garden salad to balance the richness.
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. The milk addition keeps them tender, while the ranch and au jus packets provide the signature flavor that sets these apart from traditional Italian meatballs.
Why are meatballs so delicious?
Meatballs achieve their irresistible appeal through the perfect combination of protein, fat, and seasonings formed into the ideal bite-sized portion. specifically deliver umami-rich flavors from the au jus and ranch seasonings, while the tender texture comes from proper fat content and gentle mixing techniques that create a satisfying eating experience.
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, however, represent a distinctly American evolution, moving away from Italian traditions to embrace Southern flavors and cooking methods that reflect regional American preferences.
What’s the difference between a meatball and a burger?
The primary differences lie in size, preparation method, and intended use. Mississippi beef meatballs are formed into small, round portions designed for simmering in sauce, while burgers are flattened into patties for grilling or pan-frying. Meatballs typically contain binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs for structure, whereas burgers rely mainly on the meat’s natural binding properties.
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