Savory Southern-Style Meatloaf

This slow cooker Mississippi Meatloaf transforms everyday ground beef into a flavor-packed comfort food masterpiece with minimal effort. The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and tangy peperoncini creates a rich, savory profile that elevates traditional meatloaf to something truly special.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic month when I needed more set-it-and-forget-it dinner options. The first time I served it, my husband immediately declared it the best meatloaf he'd ever tasted and now specifically requests "that Mississippi one" whenever meatloaf is mentioned.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef provides the hearty base choose 85/15 or 90/10 for the best balance of flavor and texture
• 1 cup milk adds moisture and richness to prevent dry meatloaf
• 2 large eggs help bind everything together
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar balances the savory flavors with just a touch of sweetness
• 2 packets au jus gravy mix delivers deep beefy flavor without hours of simmering
• 2 packets ranch seasoning mix adds herbaceous tang and complexity
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs creates a lighter texture than regular breadcrumbs
• Peperoncini peppers and juice provide mild heat and bright acidity
• Cornstarch thickens the amazing gravy that forms during cooking

How To Make Mississippi Meatloaf

Prepare The Slow Cooker

Line your 6 or 8 quart slow cooker with foil, ensuring it extends up the sides to create a sling that will help you remove the meatloaf later. Spray the foil thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Create The Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine milk, beaten eggs, sugar, one packet each of au jus mix and ranch seasoning, and the breadcrumbs. Whisk until completely incorporated. The wet ingredients will activate the breadcrumbs, creating the perfect binding mixture.

Add The Meat

Incorporate the ground beef into the mixture using clean hands. Gently fold and mix until just combined. Avoid overworking the meat as this will result in a dense, tough texture. The mixture should look uniform but still be somewhat loose.

Shape And Position

Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared slow cooker and gently shape it into an oval loaf. Keep the shape somewhat flat rather than too tall to ensure even cooking throughout.

Prepare The Gravy Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together cold water, peperoncini juice if using, and the remaining packets of au jus and ranch seasoning. The cold water helps prevent clumping of the seasoning mixes.

Add Liquid And Garnish

Pour the gravy mixture around and slightly over the meatloaf. Place peperoncini peppers decoratively on top of the meatloaf. These will infuse flavor during the long cooking process.

Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The meatloaf is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop while keeping the meat incredibly juicy.

Finish The Gravy

Once the meatloaf is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using the foil sling. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Create a slurry with cornstarch and water, then whisk it into the simmering liquid until thickened into a glossy, flavorful gravy.

The peperoncini peppers are my secret weapon in this recipe. While they might seem like an unusual addition to meatloaf, they provide just the right amount of tangy brightness that cuts through the richness. My grandmother would have been skeptical of this nontraditional ingredient, but even she would have been converted after one bite of this incredibly flavorful meatloaf.

Make-Ahead Options

This Mississippi Meatloaf is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the meat mixture and shape it in the slow cooker up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply cover and refrigerate, then add the gravy mixture just before starting the slow cooker. This makes it perfect for busy mornings when you want to come home to a ready-made dinner.

Smart Substitutions

If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey can be substituted for the beef, though the flavor profile will change slightly. For those avoiding breadcrumbs, crushed pork rinds make an excellent low-carb alternative that adds extra savory notes. If peperoncinis are too spicy for your family, banana peppers provide a milder tang with similar flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions

This meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which provide the perfect canvas for the rich gravy. For a complete meal, add roasted green beans or a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meatloaf. Leftover slices make incredible sandwiches the next day when placed on toasted bread with a smear of mayonnaise and some fresh lettuce.

Storage Tips

For the best results, store leftover meatloaf and gravy separately. The meatloaf will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The gravy can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to the gravy to restore its silky consistency. This meatloaf also freezes beautifully. Slice before freezing for easy portioning, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this Mississippi Meatloaf without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place the meatloaf in a loaf pan or shape it on a baking sheet, and make the gravy separately on the stovetop.

→ What can I substitute for the peperoncini peppers?

If you don't have peperoncini peppers, you can use banana peppers, pickled jalapeños (for more heat), or omit them entirely. You could also substitute the juice with pickle juice or a splash of vinegar for tanginess.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute, though the meatloaf may be slightly less rich. Consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the mixture to maintain moisture if using very lean turkey.

→ How can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?

Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also verify that your au jus and ranch seasoning packets are gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat derivatives.

→ Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and shape the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also prepare the gravy mixture separately. When ready to cook, place the meatloaf in the slow cooker and pour the gravy over it as directed.

→ What side dishes pair well with Mississippi Meatloaf?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, mac and cheese, or a simple garden salad. The rich gravy is particularly delicious over mashed potatoes or rice.