Instant Pot Greek Meatballs

Featured in: Everyday Dinners

This dish features juicy ground lamb or beef meatballs seasoned with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and oregano. The meatballs are browned and cooked in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce infused with garlic and spices. A bright, creamy lemon-feta sauce, made with yogurt and fresh lemon zest, is served atop to balance the savory flavors. Quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful Greek-inspired meal, it pairs well with rice or pita.

Updated on Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:25:05 GMT
Instant Pot Greek Meatballs smothered in savory sauce, topped with creamy lemon feta, a bright flavor. Save to Pinterest
Instant Pot Greek Meatballs smothered in savory sauce, topped with creamy lemon feta, a bright flavor. | bloomoven.com

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 that comes together easily thanks to the Instant Pot.

I first tried these Greek meatballs on a busy weeknight when I needed something comforting and fast. My family fell in love with the lemon-feta sauce, and now it's requested regularly!

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Ingredients

  • Ground lamb or beef (or a mix): 500 g (1 lb)
  • Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup (use gluten-free if needed)
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Red onion, finely chopped: 1/3 cup
  • Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
  • Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tbsp
  • Fresh dill, chopped (or dried): 1 tbsp (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Lemon zest: zest of 1 lemon
  • Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: 1/2 cup
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp (plus 1 tbsp for sauce)
  • Garlic, minced (for sauce): 1 clove
  • 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

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Instructions

Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, gently mix together meatball ingredients until just combined. Shape into 16 meatballs.
Sauté the Meatballs:
Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil. Brown meatballs in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
Prepare the Sauce:
Add minced garlic to remaining oil in the pot and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Simmer Meatballs:
Return meatballs to the sauce and 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 meatballs cook, mix Lemon-Feta Sauce ingredients in a small bowl until creamy.
Serve:
Serve meatballs hot with tomato sauce and Lemon-Feta Sauce. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon zest if desired.
Save to Pinterest
| bloomoven.com
Save to Pinterest
| bloomoven.com

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The first time we shared these Greek meatballs as a family dinner, everyone added extra lemon zest over the top and made it a new tradition. My kids love dipping pita in the extra sauce!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Instant Pot Greek meatballs with rice, orzo, or warm pita. Add a crisp Greek salad for a complete meal.

Required Tools

You'll want an Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker), mixing bowls, spatula or wooden spoon, tongs, and a small bowl for the sauce.

Allergen Information

This dish contains dairy (feta, yogurt), egg, and gluten unless gluten-free breadcrumbs are used. Always double-check labels for possible cross-contamination.

Warm, hearty Instant Pot Greek Meatballs bathed in a rich tomato sauce, ready to serve with creamy feta. Save to Pinterest
Warm, hearty Instant Pot Greek Meatballs bathed in a rich tomato sauce, ready to serve with creamy feta. | bloomoven.com
Warm, hearty Instant Pot Greek Meatballs bathed in a rich tomato sauce, ready to serve with creamy feta. Save to Pinterest
Warm, hearty Instant Pot Greek Meatballs bathed in a rich tomato sauce, ready to serve with creamy feta. | bloomoven.com

Enjoy these quick Greek meatballs any night of the week. The lemon-feta sauce adds a delightful finish you'll want to try again soon!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different meats for these meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter variation without compromising flavor.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

What sides pair well with the meatballs?

Serving with rice, orzo, or pita bread complements the dish and absorbs the flavorful sauce.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, both the tomato sauce and lemon-feta topping can be prepared ahead and combined when serving.

What herbs enhance the flavor best?

Fresh parsley, dill, and oregano bring authentic Greek flavors and balance richness.

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Instant Pot Greek Meatballs

Tender herb meatballs simmered in tomato sauce, finished with a creamy lemon-feta topping.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cook Duration
20 min
Entire Time
40 min
Created by Rachel Moore

Recipe Group Everyday Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Greek

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

Ingredient List

Meatballs

01 1 lb ground lamb or beef (or a mix)
02 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if preferred)
03 1 large egg
04 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
07 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped or 1 tsp dried dill
08 1 tsp dried oregano
09 1/2 tsp ground cumin
10 1/2 tsp salt
11 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 Zest of 1 lemon

Tomato Sauce

01 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
02 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
03 1 tbsp olive oil
04 1 clove garlic, minced
05 1 tsp dried oregano
06 Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon-Feta Sauce

01 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
02 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 1 tsp lemon zest
05 1 tbsp olive oil
06 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
07 Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix gently until evenly combined, then form into 16 uniform meatballs.

Step 02

Brown the meatballs: Select Sauté mode on the pressure cooker and heat olive oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking each side for about 2–3 minutes until golden. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.

Step 03

Prepare the tomato sauce base: Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring and scraping any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 04

Combine meatballs and sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the pot, submerging them in the sauce and spooning some sauce over the top.

Step 05

Pressure cook the meatballs: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. After cooking, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 06

Prepare lemon-feta sauce: In a small bowl, combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, fresh herbs, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 07

Serve: Plate the meatballs with tomato sauce and top with a generous spoonful of lemon-feta sauce. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon zest if desired.

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Essential Tools

  • Electric pressure cooker (e.g., Instant Pot)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Tongs
  • Small bowl for sauce preparation

Allergy Notes

Review ingredients to spot any allergens and ask your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (feta, yogurt), egg, and gluten if standard breadcrumbs are used

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Use this info as a reference only; it doesn’t replace health guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 365
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 32 g

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