Goetta
A beloved Cincinnati specialty, this hearty breakfast dish combines ground pork, beef, and steel-cut oats. Slow-cooked into a savory mush, then chilled, sliced, and pan-fried to crispy, golden-brown perfection. A true taste of German-American comfort food.
For 8 servings
4 steps. 185 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Meats and Onions
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the ground pork, ground beef, and finely chopped onion.
- c.Cook over medium-high heat, using a spoon to break up the meat, until it is fully browned and the onion is translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- d.Carefully drain off all excess grease from the pot.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Goetta Mixture
- b.Return the pot to the stove over low heat. Add the steel-cut oats and stir to combine with the meat.
- c.Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and dried marjoram. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well-mixed.
- d.Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting.
- e.Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours. It is crucial to stir every 15-20 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent the oats from sticking and burning.
- f.The goetta is done when it is very thick, has a porridge-like consistency, and a spoon can stand up in the center.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Chill and Set the Goetta
- b.Remove the pot from the heat and carefully fish out and discard the bay leaves.
- c.Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans with oil or non-stick spray.
- d.Pour the hot goetta mixture into the prepared pans, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- e.Allow the pans to cool on a wire rack at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- f.Cover the pans with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely cold and firm.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Slice and Fry to Perfection
- b.Once chilled, run a knife around the edges of a loaf pan and invert the firm goetta onto a cutting board.
- c.Using a sharp knife, slice the loaf into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices.
- d.Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
- e.Carefully place the goetta slices in the hot pan, leaving space between them. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- f.Fry for 4-6 minutes per side without moving them, until a deep, golden-brown crust forms and the edges are crispy.
- g.Serve immediately with your favorite breakfast accompaniments.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest goetta, use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet and be patient, allowing a good crust to form before flipping.
- 2Do not skip the chilling step. The goetta must be completely cold and firm to slice cleanly without crumbling.
- 3Goetta freezes exceptionally well. Slice the entire chilled loaf, place parchment paper between slices, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time per side.
- 4Stirring during the long simmer is essential. The oats will sink and can easily scorch on the bottom of the pot.
- 5Serve classic Cincinnati style with eggs, toast, and a side of ketchup or apple sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variation
Replace the ground beef with an equal amount of ground breakfast sausage for a different flavor profile. Some traditional recipes use pork scraps or organ meats for a more rustic taste.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add a pinch of allspice, ground cloves, or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other spices for a warmer, more complex flavor.
Vegetarian GoettaVegetarian Goetta
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a combination of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The combination of ground pork and beef provides a high-quality source of complete protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Sustained Energy Release
Steel-cut oats are a complex carbohydrate with a low glycemic index, providing a slow and steady release of energy to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning.
High in Soluble Fiber
The steel-cut oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which can help aid digestion, promote gut health, and contribute to managing cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Goetta is a traditional German-American breakfast food that originated in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. It's a savory porridge or mush made from ground meat (usually pork and beef), steel-cut oats, and spices, which is then chilled, sliced, and fried until crispy.