Save 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 on a busy weeknight and it quickly became a favorite thanks to its rich flavors and simple preparation.
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
- 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.
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Save This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and enjoying every bite.
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 (per serving)
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 33 g
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Save This recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners and impresses guests with minimal effort.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground lamb, turkey, or chicken can be used to adjust flavor and texture to your preference.
- → How do I make the dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones to keep the texture while avoiding gluten.
- → What side dishes complement these meatballs?
Serve with warm pita bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp Greek salad for a balanced meal.
- → Is the lemon-feta sauce suitable as a dip?
Absolutely, the creamy lemon-feta sauce works great with roasted vegetables or as a tangy spread.
- → Can these meatballs be prepared without an Instant Pot?
Yes, brown the meatballs on the stove then simmer them gently in the tomato sauce on low heat until cooked through.