Greek-Style Lemon Feta Meatballs

Featured in: Seasonal Family Dinners

This dish features juicy Greek-style meatballs blended with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and oregano, simmered gently in a rich tomato sauce. The finishing touch is a creamy lemon-feta sauce that adds tangy brightness to each bite. Cooked conveniently in an Instant Pot, the meatballs are tender and full of Mediterranean flavor. Garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, this meal suits weeknight dinners with a savory, satisfying profile.

Updated on Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:22:44 GMT
Steaming Instant Pot Greek-Style Meatballs with lemon-feta sauce, a flavorful Mediterranean dinner dish. Save
Steaming Instant Pot Greek-Style Meatballs with lemon-feta sauce, a flavorful Mediterranean dinner dish. | pumpkinvale.com

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

This recipe has become a staple in my household for quick dinners that still impress guests.

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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

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Instructions

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 23 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.
Close-up of tender Instant Pot Greek-Style Meatballs, smothered in creamy feta-lemon sauce and fresh herbs. Save
Close-up of tender Instant Pot Greek-Style Meatballs, smothered in creamy feta-lemon sauce and fresh herbs. | pumpkinvale.com
Close-up of tender Instant Pot Greek-Style Meatballs, smothered in creamy feta-lemon sauce and fresh herbs. Save
Close-up of tender Instant Pot Greek-Style Meatballs, smothered in creamy feta-lemon sauce and fresh herbs. | pumpkinvale.com

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My family loves gathering around the table for this meal it always brings smiles and seconds.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories 420, Total Fat 25 g, Carbohydrates 16 g, Protein 33 g per serving.

Delicious Instant Pot Greek-Style Meatballs with a rich tomato base, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Save
Delicious Instant Pot Greek-Style Meatballs with a rich tomato base, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. | pumpkinvale.com
Delicious Instant Pot Greek-Style Meatballs with a rich tomato base, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Save
Delicious Instant Pot Greek-Style Meatballs with a rich tomato base, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. | pumpkinvale.com

This dish is perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying leftovers staright from the fridge.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different meat for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef or lamb for a lighter variation without compromising flavor.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to keep the texture intact.

What is the best way to prepare the lemon-feta sauce?

Whisk Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, zest, fresh dill, olive oil, and black pepper until smooth.

Can the meatballs be browned without an Instant Pot?

Yes, brown the meatballs using a skillet over medium heat before simmering in sauce on the stove.

What sides pair well with these meatballs?

Serve with warm pita bread, rice, or a fresh Greek salad to complement the Mediterranean flavors.

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Greek-Style Lemon Feta Meatballs

Herbed meatballs cooked in tomato base, finished with creamy lemon-feta sauce and fresh herbs.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Time Needed
45 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Greek

Makes 4 Serving Size

Diet Information None specified

Ingredient List

Meatballs

01 1.1 lb ground beef or lamb
02 1 small onion, finely grated
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
06 1 tsp dried oregano
07 1 tsp salt
08 ½ tsp black pepper
09 1 large egg
10 ½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free optional)
11 2 tbsp milk

Cooking Liquid

01 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
02 ½ cup beef or chicken broth
03 1 tbsp olive oil
04 1 tsp dried oregano
05 ½ tsp salt

Lemon-Feta Sauce

01 ½ cup Greek yogurt
02 ⅔ cup crumbled feta cheese
03 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 1 tsp lemon zest
05 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
06 1 tbsp olive oil
07 Black pepper, to taste

To Serve

01 Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
02 Lemon wedges

How to Make

Step 01

Prepare Meatball Mixture: Combine ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, salt, black pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, and milk in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 02

Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 16 to 18 golf ball-sized portions.

Step 03

Brown Meatballs: Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil. Brown meatballs in batches for about 2 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.

Step 04

Prepare Cooking Liquid: Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, and salt to the pot. Stir well, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.

Step 05

Simmer Meatballs: Return meatballs to the pot, nestling them into the tomato mixture.

Step 06

Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set valve to sealing. Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 8 minutes.

Step 07

Release Pressure: Perform a quick pressure release carefully. Remove lid and let meatballs rest in sauce for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 08

Make Lemon-Feta Sauce: Whisk together Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, olive oil, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 09

Serve: Plate meatballs with the tomato sauce and top each serving with a generous spoonful of lemon-feta sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

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Equipment Needed

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or slotted spoon

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, dairy (feta cheese, yogurt, milk), and gluten (breadcrumbs unless gluten-free substitute used).

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 420
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 33 g

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