Goetta is a traditional German-American breakfast meat that originated in Cincinnati, Ohio. It consists of ground meat, typically pork and beef, mixed with steel cut oats. Goetta is sliced and fried to create a crispy, savory breakfast dish. While you can find goetta in many grocery stores and butcher shops in the Cincinnati area, it’s also easy and rewarding to make your own homemade goetta.
1. Authentic Goetta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups steel-cut oats (not quick oats)
- 6 cups water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon ground marjoram
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a large stockpot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt, then stir in the steel-cut oats. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5–10 minutes until the oats begin to soften.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
In a separate skillet, cook the ground pork and ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked meat, chopped onion, garlic, black pepper, thyme, sage, marjoram, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot with the oats. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Continue cooking the mixture on low heat, stirring frequently, for 1–2 hours. The oats will absorb the water, and the mixture will thicken into a cohesive, porridge-like consistency. Be patient, as this step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Step 5: Shape into a Loaf
Line two loaf pans with parchment paper or lightly grease them. Pour the goetta mixture into the pans, pressing it down firmly to ensure there are no air pockets. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Cover the pans with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the goetta to firm up so it can be sliced easily.
2. Tips for Perfect Homemade Goetta
Patience is Key: Take your time when simmering the oats and meat mixture. Slow cooking ensures the flavors meld together and the texture is just right.
Use Steel-Cut Oats: Quick oats or rolled oats won’t provide the same hearty texture that authentic goetta requires.
Spices Matter: Don’t skip the thyme, sage, or marjoram, as these spices are essential for the traditional flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Press the Loaf Firmly: Ensure there are no air pockets when transferring the mixture to the loaf pans, as this will help the goetta hold its shape when sliced.
4. How to Cook & Serving Suggestions
How to Cook Goetta
Remove the chilled goetta from the loaf pan and slice it into ½-inch thick pieces.
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
Place the slices in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
You can refer to other ways to cook goetta here
Serving Suggestions
Classic Breakfast: Serve alongside scrambled or fried eggs, toast, and hash browns for a hearty start to the day.
Goetta Sandwich: Layer fried goetta on a toasted bun with a fried egg, cheese, and your favorite sauce for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
With Pancakes or Waffles: Pair crispy goetta with sweet pancakes or waffles for a savory-sweet contrast.
As a Snack: Enjoy it as a standalone snack with a dollop of ketchup, mustard, or hot sauce for dipping.
Goetta Hash: Crumble fried goetta and toss it with diced potatoes, onions, and peppers for a flavorful breakfast hash.
5. How to Store & Reheat Goetta Properly
5.1. Storing Fresh Goetta
Fresh Goetta (uncooked or partially cooked) is made with ground pork, beef, oats, and spices. It needs to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage.
Refrigerator (Short-Term Storage):
-
- Wrap the fresh Goetta tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container to keep it from absorbing odors from other foods.
- Store it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezer (Long-Term Storage):
-
- If you plan to keep it longer, wrap the fresh Goetta tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- You can freeze fresh Goetta for up to 3 months.
- Label the packaging with the date, so you know how long it has been stored.
Tip: If you’re freezing it in a log shape (common for Goetta), you can slice it into portions before freezing for easier use later.
5.2. Storing Fried Goetta
Once fried, Goetta should be stored in a way that prevents it from becoming soggy or losing its crispy texture.
Refrigerator (Short-Term Storage):
-
- Let the fried Goetta cool to room temperature before storing.
- Place it in an airtight container or wrap it in foil. It’s a good idea to layer paper towels between the slices to absorb excess moisture.
- Fried Goetta can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezer (Long-Term Storage):
-
- For longer storage, you can freeze fried Goetta, but it may lose some of its crispness upon reheating.
- Place the fried slices on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents the pieces from sticking together.
- Fried Goetta can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5.3. Reheating Instructions
For fried Goetta: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore some of its crispy texture, or use a toaster oven. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may lose its crispness.
For fresh Goetta: If frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. You can also cook it from frozen by adjusting the cooking time.
Goetta is more than just a breakfast food—it’s a culinary tradition steeped in heritage. Making it at home allows you to enjoy its rich, savory flavor while connecting with its German-American roots. Serve it crispy and golden, experiment with creative pairings, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting this hearty dish from scratch. With proper storage, you can savor goetta for days to come, making it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.
