
This Crock Pot Mississippi Meatloaf brings classic comfort food to your table with almost no fuss. Juicy lean beef, savory seasonings, buttery gravy, and the surprise tang of peperoncini all blend together for a flavor-packed dish that cooks while you go about your day.
The first chilly autumn I tried this method I was amazed how tender and flavorful the meatloaf turned out. Now it is a go-to for both busy weeknights and Sunday suppers.
Ingredients
- Milk: use 2 percent or whole milk for creaminess and moisture in the mix
- Eggs: binding power for the perfect sliceable loaf
- Granulated sugar: just a hint balances all the savory flavors
- Au jus gravy mix: savory umami notes that create the base for the gravy use a quality brand for best results
- Ranch seasoning: classic Mississippi tang look for a mix with simple ingredients
- Panko breadcrumbs: these give the loaf lightness and soak up all the juices regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch
- Lean ground beef: 85-90 percent lean keeps it juicy but not greasy buy the freshest you can find
- Cold water: stretches the gravy without diluting flavor
- Peperoncini juice: optional but it will bring subtle heat and brightness
- Peperoncini peppers: just one or two adds pop of color and flavor but you can skip or add as preferred
- Cornstarch: thickens the gravy into a velvety sauce
- Water: for mixing the cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot:
- Line your crock pot with a large piece of foil that goes up the sides and spray it generously with nonstick spray This makes cleanup and lifting out the meatloaf much easier
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:
- In a large bowl thoroughly whisk together milk eggs sugar one packet of au jus gravy mix one packet ranch seasoning and the breadcrumbs until everything is fully incorporated
- Combine with Beef:
- Add the fresh ground beef to your wet mix and use clean hands to gently combine Be gentle to keep the meatloaf tender and do not overwork
- Shape and Place in Crock Pot:
- Form your meatloaf mixture into a loose oval and nestle it gently into the foil lined crock pot Try not to pack it too tight for a nice texture
- Make the Gravy Base:
- In another bowl whisk together cold water peperoncini juice and the remaining au jus and ranch seasoning packets Blend well to ensure there are no lumps
- Pour Over Meatloaf:
- Carefully pour this seasoned liquid over the meatloaf and around the sides to help it soak up all the flavors as it cooks
- Top with Peperoncini:
- Add peperoncini peppers on top of the loaf even just one or two will perfume the meat and gravy with that unmistakable Mississippi kick
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for five to six hours or on high for three to four hours Check with a thermometer the internal temp should reach one hundred sixty-five degrees
- Lift Out Carefully:
- Using two spatulas or gently lifting the sides of the foil transfer the finished meatloaf to a serving platter The foil makes this step much easier with all the gravy in the pot
- Finish the Gravy:
- Strain the gravy into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer on medium heat In a small bowl whisk cornstarch and water until smooth Pour the slurry into simmering gravy whisking constantly for a minute until the sauce thickens
- Serve:
- Slice the warm meatloaf and ladle the rich gravy over each serving For a true Mississippi finish top with extra peppers if you like

My favorite part is using peperoncini both their juice and whole peppers Making this for my family always sparks laughs over who can handle the most peppers on their slice
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely and store in airtight containers in the fridge safe for up to four days Meatloaf slices freeze beautifully just wrap tightly and place in a freezer bag Freeze the gravy separately to maintain its silky texture
Ingredient Substitutions
No panko No problem just use regular breadcrumbs or even a slice or two of soaked sandwich bread If you want a milder loaf swap out the peperoncini for mild pickled banana peppers or skip them altogether For extra depth try beef bone broth in place of water for the gravy
Serving Suggestions
I always serve this meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that gravy Roasted carrots or green beans make a perfect side For a spicier plate add a few extra peppers to the finished slice and a sprinkle of coarse black pepper
A Bit of History
Mississippi style recipes are famous for combining ranch seasoning with gravy often using pepperoncini to bring zing and warmth Slow cooking in a crock pot is a Southern family tradition with roots in classic church suppers and Sunday family tables This meatloaf honors that spirit in every bite

This simple meatloaf will become a family favorite with its rich gravy and tangy twist. Try it just once and it may become your go-to for busy weeks and special meals alike.