Pin it Juicy, herb-packed meatballs simmered in aromatic tomato sauce and finished with a bright, creamy lemon-feta topping make this Instant Pot Greek Meatballs recipe a weeknight favorite. It's a vibrant, Greek-inspired dinner that's ready in about 40 minutes.
I first made these Greek meatballs when experimenting with pressure cooker recipes for a busy weeknight. The flavors pop and the creamy lemon-feta sauce ties everything together for a meal my family keeps requesting.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs: 500 g (1 lb) ground lamb or beef (or a mix), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed), 1 large egg, 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped), 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped or 1 tsp dried dill), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, zest of 1 lemon
- For the Tomato Sauce: 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper (to taste)
- For the Lemon-Feta Sauce: 120 g (4 oz) feta cheese (crumbled), 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (chopped), freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Form 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 2–3 minutes per side). Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
- Prepare Sauce Base:
- 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:
- 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.
- Make 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 it 
Pin it Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Sharing these meatballs for dinner has become a family tradition. We gather around the table, spoon on generous helpings of sauce, and everyone agrees it's comfort food with a Greek twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Greek meatballs with rice, orzo, or warm pita for a heartier meal. Add a simple cucumber-tomato salad on the side for freshness.
Allergen and Nutrition Info
Contains: Dairy (feta, yogurt), egg, gluten (if not using gluten-free breadcrumbs). Each serving provides about 365 calories, 19 g fat, 14 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein.
Equipment Needed
Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, mixing bowls, spatula or wooden spoon, tongs, and a small bowl for blending the sauce are all you need for this recipe.
Pin it 
Pin it These Instant Pot Greek Meatballs are a quick, flavorful escape to the Mediterranean and make great leftovers the next day as well.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other meats besides lamb or beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I make the lemon-feta sauce?
Simply blend crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, fresh herbs, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using gluten-free breadcrumbs keeps the dish gluten-free. Check labels to avoid cross-contamination.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Rice, orzo, or warm pita bread complement the flavorful meatballs and sauce beautifully.
- → Can I prepare this without an electric pressure cooker?
Yes, these meatballs can be cooked on the stove with a covered pan, allowing them to simmer gently in the sauce.
