Dump & Go Crockpot Meals I Made This Week Because It Is Too Hot To Use The Stove
Dump & Go Crockpot Meals I Made This Week Because It Is Too Hot To Use The Stove! is a easy Southern American recipe that serves 6. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by SouthernFrugalMomma on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 2 hrs 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 55 min
Cost: $7.46 total, $1.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 bag (approx. 1 lb) Homestyle Meatballs (store‑bought frozen or refrigerated meatballs)
- 1 packet A1 Gravy Mix (dry gravy mix, any brand works)
- 9.4 oz Pepperoncini Juice (3/4 of a 12.5 oz jar, includes juice and sliced peppers)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell's Beef Consommé Soup (soup base, adds rich beef flavor)
- 1 packet (≈1 oz) Ranch Seasoning Powder (dry ranch dressing mix)
Instructions
Gather and measure ingredients
Open the bag of meatballs, the A1 gravy packet, the pepperoncini jar, the beef consommé can, and the ranch seasoning packet. Measure 3/4 of the pepperoncini juice (about 9.4 oz).
Time: PT5M
Add ingredients to the crock‑pot
Place the meatballs in the crock‑pot. Sprinkle the A1 gravy mix over them, pour in the beef consommé, add the measured pepperoncini juice, and sprinkle the ranch seasoning on top.
Time: PT5M
Cook on high
Cover the crock‑pot and set it to HIGH for 2 hours 30 minutes.
Time: PT2H30M
Temperature: High setting
Check for doneness and serve
After the timer ends, check that the meatballs are heated through (internal temperature 165 °F). Stir once more, then serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 165 °F internal
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 320
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Contains meat (beef/pork), Contains dairy (if meatballs have cheese), Contains gluten (gravy mix)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Homestyle Meatballs: Ground beef meatballs, Turkey meatballs
- Instead of A1 Gravy Mix: Brown gravy mix, Instant gravy powder
- Instead of Pepperoncini Juice: Pickle juice, Hot sauce diluted with water
- Instead of Campbell's Beef Consommé Soup: Beef broth concentrate, Bouillon cube dissolved in water
- Instead of Ranch Seasoning Powder: Homemade ranch dry mix, Italian seasoning
Equipment Needed
- Crock‑Pot (slow cooker)
- Measuring Cup
- Large Mixing Spoon or Spatula
- Can Opener
- Bowl for mixing (optional)
- Knife (optional for cutting pepperoncini) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the correct amount of pepperoncini juice (3/4 of the jar) to keep the sauce balanced
- Cooking on high for the full 2 ½ hours without opening the lid
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, use homemade beef broth instead of canned consommé.
- Add a handful of fresh chopped parsley just before serving for color and freshness.
Troubleshooting
Meatballs are dry
Add an extra ¼ cup of beef broth or water and stir; continue cooking 15 minutes.
Sauce is too watery
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Flavor is bland
Add an extra ½ packet of ranch seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; reheat in microwave or on low in the crock‑pot.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; perishable.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare all dry ingredients and measure the pepperoncini juice the night before; store in the fridge and add to the crock‑pot in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Mississippi meatballs in Southern American cuisine?
Mississippi meatballs originated in the Southern United States as a quick, one‑pot comfort dish. The recipe became popular for its simple pantry ingredients—ground meat, ranch seasoning, and pepperoncini—making it a go‑to for busy families during hot summer months when using the oven or stovetop would heat the house.
What are the traditional regional variations of Mississippi meatballs in Southern cuisine?
In Mississippi and neighboring Gulf states, cooks often add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat, or substitute the pepperoncini juice with dill pickle juice. Some versions use cream cheese or sour cream to make the sauce richer.
What is the authentic traditional way Mississippi meatballs are served in the South?
Traditionally, the meatballs are spooned over buttery mashed potatoes or served alongside buttery cornbread, allowing the savory broth to soak into the starches.
What occasions or celebrations is Mississippi meatballs traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
Mississippi meatballs are a popular weeknight dinner and are often served at casual family gatherings, potlucks, and backyard barbecues where a low‑heat, make‑ahead dish is appreciated.
What makes Mississippi meatballs special or unique in Southern American cuisine?
The combination of pepperoncini juice, ranch seasoning, and beef consommé creates a tangy‑savory broth that is both creamy and slightly acidic, a flavor profile that is distinct from typical Southern gravy‑based dishes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mississippi meatballs in a crock‑pot?
Common mistakes include using too much pepperoncini juice, which can make the sauce overly salty, and opening the lid too often, which prolongs cooking time. Also, be sure the meatballs are fully submerged to prevent drying out.
Why does this Mississippi meatballs recipe use ranch seasoning powder instead of fresh herbs?
Ranch seasoning provides a quick, consistent flavor that dissolves easily in the broth, which is ideal for a set‑and‑forget crock‑pot method where fresh herbs might lose potency over the long cooking time.
Can I make Mississippi meatballs ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before, refrigerate them in a sealed container, and start cooking in the morning. Leftovers store in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for two months.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Mississippi meatballs are done?
The meatballs should be plump and fully heated through, and the sauce should be a glossy, slightly thickened broth that coats the meatballs without being watery.
What does the YouTube channel SouthernFrugalMomma specialize in?
The YouTube channel SouthernFrugalMomma specializes in budget‑friendly Southern comfort food, focusing on easy, low‑heat meals that save electricity and time, often using crock‑pot or one‑pot techniques.
How does the YouTube channel SouthernFrugalMomma's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?
SouthernFrugalMomma emphasizes frugality and heat‑saving methods, prioritizing recipes that can be made without turning on the stove or oven, unlike many Southern channels that showcase traditional frying or baking techniques.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
