Goetta
A beloved Cincinnati classic, goetta is a savory, crispy pan-fried loaf made from ground pork, beef, and steel-cut oats. Slow-simmered with onion, garlic, and warm spices, then sliced and fried until golden brown, it's the ultimate hearty breakfast side with a delightful contrast of crunchy crust and soft, meaty interior.
For 12 servings
- prep
Line the loaf pans with parchment paper.
Line two 9x5 inch loaf pans with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy lifting. This recipe yields two loaves.
- boil
Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine water, steel-cut oats, ground pork, ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, marjoram, allspice, and cloves. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- simmer · ~150 min
Simmer slowly until thick and tender.
Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently. Stir occasionally, scraping the bottom to prevent sticking. Cook for 2 to 2.5 hours until the oats are very tender, the meat is cooked through, and the mixture is thick and porridge-like with no visible liquid.
TIPStir more frequently during the last 30 minutes as the mixture thickens and can scorch easily. - prep
Remove bay leaves and pour into pans.
Remove the pot from heat. Fish out and discard the bay leaves. Spoon the hot mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pans, pressing down firmly with the back of a spoon to eliminate air pockets. Smooth the surface.
- rest
Chill overnight until fully set.
Let the loaves cool to room temperature on the counter. Once cool, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. The goetta must be completely chilled and firm to slice properly.
TIPGoetta is much easier to slice when very cold. If it crumbles, pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes. - prep
Slice the chilled goetta into portions.
Lift the chilled loaf out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and slice into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick slices. You should get about 6 slices per loaf.
TIPFor a crispier result, slice a little thinner, about 1/2 inch. - fry · ~10 min
Pan-fry until golden and crispy.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add goetta slices in a single layer without crowding. Fry undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip carefully and fry the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes.
TIPDon't move the slices around in the pan. Let them sear undisturbed to build that signature crispy crust. - serve
Serve hot with your favorite breakfast sides.
Serve the goetta slices piping hot. They pair perfectly with eggs, toast, pancakes, or a drizzle of maple syrup or apple butter.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Stir the pot frequently in the last 30 minutes of simmering to prevent scorching on the bottom.
- 2Chill the goetta overnight — a full 8 hours minimum — so the slices hold together during frying.
- 3For extra-crispy slices, cut the goetta no thicker than 1/2 inch and fry in a single layer.
- 4Let the slices sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side to develop a deep golden-brown crust.
- 5If the goetta crumbles when slicing, pop the loaf in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy goetta
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the other spices for a spicy kick that cuts through the richness.
herb swapHerb swap
Replace dried marjoram with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or sage for a more aromatic, earthy flavor profile.
turkey goettaTurkey goetta
Substitute the ground pork and beef with 2 pounds of ground turkey to make a lighter, lower-fat version of this hearty breakfast sausage.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in satiating protein
The combination of ground pork and beef provides a substantial amount of protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied throughout the morning.
Whole grain oats
Steel-cut oats are a minimally processed whole grain, offering slowly digested carbohydrates and dietary fiber that support steady energy levels.
Contains allspice and cloves
These warm spices contain antioxidants called polyphenols, which may help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
No, steel-cut oats are essential — they provide the texture and starch that bind the loaf. Rolled or instant oats will turn mushy.



