Mississippi Crock Pot Meatloaf

Crock Pot Mississippi Meatloaf is a tender and moist meatloaf infused with the bold and comforting flavors inspired by the classic Mississippi pot roast. Combining savory seasoning mixes, tangy peperoncini peppers, and a flavorful gravy cooked right in the slow cooker, this recipe delivers an easy and satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy. The slow cooking process ensures every bite is packed with rich, juicy taste and the gravy adds the perfect finishing touch.

I first tried this recipe on a cold weekend, and now it is a regular request in my household, especially during cool weather when comfort food is a must.

Ingredients

• Milk: 2 percent or higher helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender. Use fresh milk for best flavor.
• Eggs: Well beaten to help bind the meat mixture and improve texture.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the savory and salty flavors without making it sweet.
• Au jus gravy mix: Provides the signature savory base. Opting for low sodium versions is best if you watch your salt intake.
• Ranch seasoning mix: Adds creamy herbaceous notes and richness.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Absorb moisture without making the loaf dense. Use fresh or homemade breadcrumbs if possible.
• Lean ground beef: Use lean ground beef with 85/15 or 90/10 fat content to ensure juicy flavor without excessive grease.
• Peperoncini juice: Adds a subtle tangy heat which you can adjust or leave out if sensitive.
• Peperoncini peppers: Placed whole on top they bring authentic Mississippi flavor without overwhelming spice.
• Cornstarch and water: Combine to make a slurry that thickens the savory cooking juices into gravy.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

In this recipe, aromatics are mixed into the meatloaf mixture rather than sautéed separately. Begin by preparing the slow cooker. Line a 6 or 8 quart crock pot with a large piece of foil going up the sides and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Mix the Base Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, granulated sugar, one packet of au jus gravy mix, one packet of ranch seasoning mix, and the panko breadcrumbs until they are fully combined. This mixture balances flavors and provides moisture to the meat.

Add the Ground Beef:

Add the lean ground beef to the bowl with the base ingredients and mix gently, being careful not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. Using your clean hands to combine everything evenly works best.

Form the Meatloaf:

Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker lined with foil. Gently shape it into an oval loaf for even cooking and easy serving.

Prepare the Gravy:

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the cold water, peperoncini juice, the remaining packets of au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning mix. This will become the flavorful gravy that cooks with the meatloaf.

Add Gravy and Peppers:

Pour the prepared gravy evenly over the meatloaf and around the sides in the crock pot. Place the whole peperoncini peppers on top of the meatloaf. They will infuse more flavor during cooking without adding unwanted heat if you keep them whole.

Slow Cook:

Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.

Remove and Lift Out:

Carefully lift the meatloaf from the crock pot using two spatulas underneath to support it. Avoid lifting by the foil edges as the gravy can make it messy or unstable.

Strain and Thicken Gravy:

Pour the cooking juices through a fine mesh strainer into a medium saucepan over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water together until smooth making a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy allowing it to thicken for about one minute before turning the heat off.

Slice and Serve:

Slice the meatloaf into portions and pour the thickened gravy over each serving. Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or your favorite sides.

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I love how the peperoncini peppers on top surprise guests with their punch of flavor without overwhelming the meatloaf. A memorable family dinner was when my kids eagerly requested seconds after trying this for the first time all thanks to the rich, savory gravy and tender meat.

Storage Tips

Store leftover meatloaf and gravy separately in airtight containers to keep textures and flavors fresh. Refrigerate leftovers up to three days or freeze for up to three months. When reheating, heat gently in the slow cooker or oven to avoid drying out. Add a splash of water to loosen gravy if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground chicken, pork, or turkey can replace beef adjusting cooking times slightly for juiciness. Choose onion soup mix if au jus gravy mix is unavailable. Use regular breadcrumbs if panko is not on hand and slightly reduce liquid to maintain texture. Consider omitting the peperoncini juice if you want less heat or tang.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of meatloaf spooned with gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. Add steamed peas, carrots, or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. Warm buttery biscuits or crusty bread complement the savory flavors nicely.

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This Crock Pot Mississippi Meatloaf is an easy, comforting recipe that delivers rich savory flavor with minimal hands on time. Serve with mashed potatoes for a classic family meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What makes this meatloaf moist and tender?

The slow cooking in a crock pot and the combination of eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender throughout cooking.

→ Why use peperoncini peppers in this dish?

Peperoncini peppers add a distinctive tangy flavor that complements the savory seasonings without adding significant heat.

→ How is the gravy prepared and served?

The gravy is created by combining seasoning packets with water and peperoncini juice, poured over the meatloaf while cooking, then thickened with cornstarch slurry and served on top.

→ Can other ground meats be used instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken, pork, or turkey can be substituted to suit preference or dietary needs while maintaining flavor.

→ How do you reheat leftovers for best results?

Leftovers can be reheated in the slow cooker with added water, wrapped in foil and warmed in the oven, or microwaved, stirring in gravy as needed to maintain moisture.

→ Is it necessary to strain the gravy?

Straining the gravy removes small bits of meat and enhances a smooth texture, though it can be skipped if not bothersome.