Pin 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.
I first made these Instant Pot Greek Meatballs for a casual family dinner and everyone loved them. They're now a go-to when we're craving something hearty but bright and fresh.
Ingredients
- Ground lamb or beef (or a mix): 500 g (1 lb)
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup (use gluten-free if needed)
- Large egg: 1
- Red onion (finely chopped): 1/3 cup
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- Fresh parsley (chopped): 2 tbsp
- Fresh dill (chopped) or dried dill: 1 tbsp fresh (or 1 tsp dried)
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Lemon zest: zest of 1
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 1/2 cup
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp for sauce + 1 tbsp for meatballs
- Garlic (for sauce): 1 clove minced
- Dried oregano (for sauce): 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper (for sauce): To taste
- Feta cheese (crumbled): 120 g (4 oz)
- Plain Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Lemon zest (for sauce): 1 tsp
- Fresh dill or parsley (chopped): 1 tbsp
- Freshly ground black pepper (for sauce): To taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 16 meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs:
- Select Sauté mode on the Instant Pot. Add olive oil. Brown meatballs in batches (about 2, 3 minutes per side). Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
- Make the 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.
Pin 
Pin My kids love helping to roll the meatballs, and we all enjoy building our own bowls. It makes weeknights feel fun and special.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over rice, orzo, or stuff them into warm pita bread with extra sauce. Add a crisp cucumber salad or roasted veggies for a full meal.
Variations
Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter spin. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meatball mixture for deeper flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, and add a squeeze of fresh lemon to revive flavors.
Pin 
Pin This easy Greek-inspired dinner shines with fresh herbs and lemon. Serve with lots of lemon-feta sauce and enjoy a vibrant feast.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different meat than lamb?
Yes, ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be used depending on your preference for a lighter or richer flavor.
- → How do I make the dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to keep it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What is the best way to brown the meatballs in the Instant Pot?
Use the Sauté function to brown meatballs in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden before pressure cooking.
- → Can the lemon-feta sauce be prepared in advance?
Yes, blend the sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- → What sides pair well with these meatballs?
Serve with rice, orzo, pita bread, or a fresh salad to complement the Mediterranean flavors.
- → Is it possible to make a dairy-free version of the topping?
Yes, replace feta and yogurt with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt for a similar tang.