Save It Juicy, herb-packed meatballs simmered in an aromatic tomato sauce, finished with a bright and creamy lemon-feta topping. A quick, vibrant Greek-inspired dinner that comes together easily in the Instant Pot for a weeknight meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
I first made these Greek meatballs after craving something cozy but different than the usual stew. The aroma from the herbs and tomatoes filled my kitchen, and the lemon-feta sauce instantly elevated the dish. It's become a favorite for busy evenings when I want something truly satisfying and impressive with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Ground lamb or beef: 500 g (1 lb) (or a mix)
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup (use gluten-free if needed)
- Large egg: 1
- Red onion: 1/3 cup, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Fresh dill: 1 tbsp, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Lemon zest: From 1 lemon
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 1/2 cup
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (plus 1 tbsp for sauce)
- Garlic (sauce): 1 clove, minced
- Dried oregano (sauce): 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper (for sauce): To taste
- Feta cheese: 120 g (4 oz), crumbled
- Plain Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Lemon zest (sauce): 1 tsp
- Fresh dill or parsley (sauce): 1 tbsp, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper (sauce): To taste
Instructions
- Mix Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 16 meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs:
- Select Sauté mode on the Instant Pot. Add olive oil. Brown meatballs in batches (about 2 to 3 minutes per side). Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
- Make Sauce:
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir, scraping up browned bits.
- Simmer Meatballs:
- Return meatballs to the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top.
- Pressure Cook:
- Close and seal the lid. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Prepare Lemon-Feta Sauce:
- While cooking, blend all Lemon-Feta Sauce ingredients in a small bowl until creamy.
- Serve:
- Serve meatballs hot with sauce and a generous spoonful of Lemon-Feta Sauce. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon zest if desired.
Save It My family loves gathering around the table for this dish, and it's always a hit with kids and adults alike. Watching everyone reach for seconds is the true sign of a recipe worth keeping!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over warm rice, orzo, or tucked into pita bread. Add a fresh Greek salad or cucumber slices for extra crunch and balance.
Required Tools
You'll need an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, a couple of mixing bowls, a spatula or wooden spoon, tongs, and a small bowl for blending the Lemon-Feta Sauce.
Nutrition & Allergens
Each serving offers approximately 365 calories, with 19 g fat, 14 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein. Contains dairy, egg, and gluten (unless gluten-free breadcrumbs are used). Always check ingredient labels for allergens and cross-contamination.
Save It Enjoy these Greek meatballs for a quick dinner that's bursting with flavor. The lemon-feta sauce truly brings everything together for an unforgettable meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken instead of lamb for these meatballs?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey can substitute lamb or beef for a lighter yet flavorful outcome. Adjust seasoning to enhance the milder meat taste.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatball mix and ensure all other ingredients, like broth, are gluten-free certified.
- → What is the role of lemon zest in the meatballs?
Lemon zest adds a fresh citrus aroma that brightens the meat mixture and complements the creamy lemon-feta sauce.
- → Can the tomato sauce be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the tomato sauce can be made in advance and combined with browned meatballs before cooking to deepen flavors.
- → What sides work well with these meatballs?
Serve with rice, orzo, pita bread, or a simple salad to balance the rich and tangy components of the meatballs and sauce.
- → Is it possible to cook these meatballs without an electric pressure cooker?
Yes, simmer the meatballs gently in the sauce on the stovetop until cooked through, adjusting cooking time as needed.