Description
Mississippi Meatballs are a delicious and comforting Southern classic featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce made from ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, butter, and brown sugar. This easy one-pot dish is perfect for quick meals, family dinners, or gatherings, pairing wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5–7 pepperoncini peppers, sliced, plus some juice from the jar
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef with optional garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Then form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
- Assemble the Sauce Base: In a large skillet or slow cooker, mix together ranch seasoning mix, au jus gravy mix, water or beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir in the butter until melted and smooth. Add the sliced pepperoncini peppers along with some of their juice to add tang and mild heat to the sauce.
- Cook the Meatballs: Gently add the prepared meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are submerged. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- Simmer meatballs on low heat to let them absorb the sauce flavors fully.
- Taste and adjust the sauce seasoning before adding meatballs for balanced tanginess and sweetness.
- Use fresh jarred pepperoncinis and include some juice in the sauce for best flavor.
- Meatballs can be formed and refrigerated a day ahead for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Mississippi Meatballs, Southern meatballs, tangy meatballs, easy comfort food, pepperoncini meatballs, one pot meatballs, gluten free meatballs
