Crockpot Mississippi Meatloaf Recipe
A flavorful and easy-to-make Crockpot Mississippi Meatloaf featuring ground beef mixed with ranch and au jus seasoning, slow-cooked to perfection with tangy pepperoncini peppers for a juicy, tender result. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner served over mashed potatoes or rice.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-6 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef (90/10)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 (1 ounce) ranch dressing seasoning packets, divided
- 2 (1 ounce) au jus gravy mix packets, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced dried onion
Slow Cooker Mixture
- 2 cups water
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers
- Cooking spray (for greasing foil)
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, milk, eggs, 1 packet of ranch seasoning, 1 packet of au jus gravy mix, and minced dried onion. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatloaf.
- Mix the Cooking Liquid: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ranch packet, au jus gravy mix packet, and 2 cups of water. Set this mixture aside.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Line the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker with foil. Spray the foil generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Shape and Place Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the foil inside the slow cooker.
- Add Liquids and Peppers: Pour the water mixture over and around the meatloaf in the slow cooker. Add 6 to 8 pepperoncini peppers around the meatloaf for flavor and moisture.
- Cook the Meatloaf: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the meatloaf is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the meatloaf with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm, ideally over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs gives a lighter texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; always check internal temperature.
- Adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers for more or less tangy heat according to your taste.
- For a lower fat option, use leaner ground beef or substitute part of the beef with ground turkey.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Mississippi meatloaf, crockpot meatloaf, slow cooker dinner, easy meatloaf recipe, pepperoncini meatloaf