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 when craving classic Mediterranean comfort, but didn&t want to spend hours at the stove. The electric pressure cooker locks in all the aromatics, making every bite tender and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- Ground lamb or beef (or a mix): 500 g (1 lb), for classic flavor
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup, use gluten-free if needed
- Egg: 1 large, for binding
- Red onion: 1/3 cup, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, plus 1 clove for sauce
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Fresh dill: 1 tbsp, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp for meatballs, 1 tsp for sauce
- Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp for meatballs, extra for sauce
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp for meatballs, to taste
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon for meatballs, 1 tsp for sauce
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz) for sauce
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 1/2 cup for sauce
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp for sauce, 1 tbsp for lemon-feta sauce
- Feta cheese: 120 g (4 oz), crumbled
- Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup, plain
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp for sauce
- Fresh dill or parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped for lemon-feta sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Mix Meatball Ingredients:
- Combine lamb or beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon zest in a large bowl. 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, turning to get color on both sides. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Sauce:
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté briefly. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to release any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer Meatballs:
- Return browned meatballs to the pot. Spoon some sauce over the top.
- Pressure Cook:
- Close and seal the lid. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Let pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Make Lemon-Feta Sauce:
- While meatballs cook, blend feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, herbs, and black pepper in a small bowl until creamy.
- Serve:
- Spoon meatballs with sauce onto plates. Top with Lemon-Feta Sauce plus extra herbs and lemon zest if desired.
Pin 
Pin My kids love rolling the meatballs together, and it&s become a fun family activity. Sharing these at the table, we often sprinkle extra lemon zest for a tangy finish.
Required Tools
You&ll need an Instant Pot or similar pressure cooker, mixing bowls for the meatballs and sauce, a spatula or wooden spoon, tongs for turning the meatballs, plus a small bowl for making the Lemon-Feta Sauce.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (feta, yogurt), egg, and gluten unless you use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Always check labels for gluten-free needs and any cross-contamination risks.
Nutritional Information
Each serving supplies about 365 calories, 19 g fat, 14 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein, making it a balanced option for dinner.
Pin 
Pin This Greek-inspired comfort dish is easy to bring together any night of the week. Enjoy the burst of flavors and creamy tang in every bite.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of meat works best for these meatballs?
Ground lamb or beef provide rich flavor, but a mix or ground turkey can be used for a lighter option without sacrificing tenderness.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives ensures the dish remains suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → How is the lemon-feta sauce prepared?
The sauce blends crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and fresh herbs for a creamy, tangy finish to the meatballs.
- → What cooking method is used to simmer the meatballs?
The meatballs are browned first, then simmered in aromatic tomato sauce using a pressure cooker for tender, flavorful results in less time.
- → What sides complement this dish well?
Rice, orzo, pita bread, or a light salad pair nicely, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors and balancing the meal.