Greek-Style Meatballs Lemon-Feta

Juicy, herbed meatballs simmered in a savory tomato base, topped with a creamy lemon-feta sauce—an easy weeknight dinner bursting with Mediterranean flavor.

I first served this to my family and they couldn't get enough of the rich flavors melded with the fresh lemon-feta sauce.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs: 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb, 1 small onion finely grated, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 large egg, 60 g (½ cup) breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed), 2 tbsp milk
• For the Cooking Liquid: 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 120 ml (½ cup) beef or chicken broth, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt
• For the Lemon-Feta Sauce: 120 g (½ cup) Greek yogurt, 80 g (⅔ cup) crumbled feta cheese, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped, 1 tbsp olive oil, Black pepper to taste
• To Serve: Fresh parsley or dill chopped, Lemon wedges

Instructions

Quickly chop vegetables, mince herbs, and blend sauces for faster, everyday meal preparation.

Check price on Amazon

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, and milk. Mix gently until just combined' do not overmix.

Step 2:

Shape mixture into 16–18 golf ball-sized meatballs.

Step 3:

In the Instant Pot, select Sauté mode. Add olive oil, then brown the meatballs in batches (about 2 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 4:

Pour in canned tomatoes, broth, oregano, and salt. Stir and scrape any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 5:

Return meatballs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.

Step 6:

Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 8 minutes.

Step 7:

Quick-release the pressure carefully. Remove the lid and let meatballs rest in the sauce for 2–3 minutes.

Step 8:

Meanwhile, whisk together all Lemon-Feta Sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

Step 9:

Serve meatballs topped with tomato sauce and a generous spoonful of lemon-feta sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Pin it

Pin it

This recipe has become a staple at family dinners, bringing everyone together to enjoy hearty Mediterranean flavors.

Notes

Swap beef or lamb for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Serve with warm pita, rice, or a Greek salad. The lemon-feta sauce also doubles as a dip for roasted vegetables.

Required Tools

Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker), Mixing bowls, Whisk, Tongs or slotted spoon

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, dairy (feta cheese, yogurt, milk), gluten (breadcrumbs use gluten-free if needed). Always check labels for allergens if using commercial products.

Mix doughs, batters, and whipped cream easily for baking cakes, cookies, and everyday treats.

Check price on Amazon

Pin it

Pin it

The vibrant combination of tomato base and lemon-feta sauce makes this dish uniquely refreshing. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a simple meal.

Common Questions

→ Can I substitute the meat with poultry?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives while maintaining moisture with added herbs and breadcrumbs.

→ How do I make the dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the texture without gluten, ensuring the dish remains suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ What is the best way to brown the meatballs before cooking?

Use the sauté mode on the Instant Pot with olive oil, browning the meatballs in batches for about 2 minutes per side to develop flavor and texture.

→ Can the lemon-feta sauce be used for other dishes?

Absolutely, this creamy sauce also works as a dip for roasted vegetables or a topping for grilled foods.

→ How do herbs like mint and parsley impact the flavor?

The fresh herbs add bright, aromatic notes balancing the richness of the meat and tanginess of the tomato sauce.