Mississippi Meatloaf (Print)
Tender beef meatloaf slow-cooked with tangy peppers in a rich au jus and ranch gravy for a Southern-inspired comfort dish.
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 cup 2% milk or higher fat content
02 -
2 large eggs, well beaten
03 -
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
04 -
2 packets (1 ounce each) au jus gravy mix, divided
05 -
2 packets (1 ounce each) ranch seasoning mix, divided
06 -
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
07 -
2 pounds lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
→ Gravy Components
08 -
3 cups cold water
09 -
¼ cup peperoncini juice (optional)
10 -
6 whole peperoncini peppers (optional)
11 -
2 tablespoons cornstarch
12 -
2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
# Directions:
01 -
Line a 6 or 8 quart slow cooker with a large piece of foil, ensuring it extends up the sides. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, 1 packet of au jus gravy mix, 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix, and breadcrumbs until thoroughly combined.
03 -
Add ground beef to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness. Clean hands work best for this step.
04 -
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared slow cooker and shape it into an oval loaf.
05 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold water, peperoncini juice (if using), remaining au jus gravy packet and remaining ranch seasoning packet until well combined.
06 -
Pour the gravy mixture over and around the shaped meatloaf.
07 -
Place peperoncini peppers on top of the meatloaf if using.
08 -
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
09 -
Carefully transfer the cooked meatloaf to a serving platter using two spatulas or by lifting the foil edges.
10 -
Strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
11 -
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry.
12 -
Once the gravy simmers, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while whisking continuously. Simmer for 1 minute until thickened, then remove from heat.
13 -
Slice the meatloaf and serve with the thickened gravy poured over each portion.
# Notes:
01 -
Regular breadcrumbs can be substituted for panko if needed.
02 -
The peperoncini components add a tangy spice but can be omitted for a milder flavor profile.
03 -
Using foil in the slow cooker makes removal and cleanup significantly easier.