Save to Pinterest 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.
This is one of my favorite quick meals when I want something flavorful yet easy to pull together on a busy day.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 16 meatballs.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Return meatballs to the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- While cooking, blend all Lemon-Feta Sauce ingredients in a small bowl until creamy.
- Step 7:
- Serve meatballs hot with sauce and a generous spoonful of Lemon-Feta Sauce. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon zest if desired.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together around the table with smiles and full plates.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the meatball mix. For a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Required Tools
Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker), Mixing bowls, Spatula or wooden spoon, Tongs, Small bowl (for sauce)
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (feta, yogurt), Egg, Gluten (if not using gluten-free breadcrumbs). Double-check labels for gluten-free needs and possible cross-contamination.
Save to Pinterest This vibrant recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple with its blend of herbs and creamy sauce.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different meats for the meatballs?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter variation while maintaining the flavor balance.
- → How do I make the dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatball mix to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- → What sides pair well with these meatballs?
They pair nicely with rice, orzo, pita bread, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- → Can I prepare the tomato sauce in advance?
Yes, the tomato sauce can be made ahead and reheated with the meatballs before serving.
- → How do I achieve the best flavor in the lemon-feta topping?
Blend feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and fresh herbs until smooth for a bright, creamy finish.