Authentic Cincinnati-Style Goetta: A Detailed Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of pork shoulder
  • 1 pound of beef chuck
  • 7 cups of water
  • 2 cups of pinhead oats
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Combine the pork shoulder and beef chuck in a large pot. Add water and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, or until the meats are tender. Remove the meats from the pot and set aside, saving the broth.
  3. Add the pinhead oats to the broth and cook for two hours, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
  4. While the oats are cooking, finely chop the meats.
  5. When the oats are ready, add the chopped meats, chopped onion, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, sage, thyme, rosemary, and nutmeg to the pot. Mix well.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and press it down firmly. Allow it to cool then refrigerate overnight.
  7. The next day, slice the goetta into half-inch thick slices.
  8. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of vegetable oil.
  9. Fry the sliced goetta on both sides until crispy and brown. Serve and enjoy.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the meats and cooking the oats
  • Knife - for chopping the onion and meats
  • Cutting board - to provide a surface for chopping
  • Loaf pan - for shaping and cooling the goetta mixture
  • Skillet - for frying the sliced goetta
  • Spatula - for flipping the goetta while frying

Recipe variations

  • Use ground pork or ground beef instead of pork shoulder and beef chuck.
  • Replace pinhead oats with steel-cut oats or rolled oats.
  • Add minced garlic or garlic powder for extra flavor.
  • Include diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
  • Add grated cheese like cheddar or Swiss to the mixture before cooking.
  • Try using different types of meat such as turkey, chicken, or lamb.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with mushrooms or tofu.
  • Replace the loaf pan with muffin tins for individual servings.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free oats or alternative grains like quinoa or millet.
  • Serve the goetta with different dipping sauces or condiments like spicy mustard or apple sauce.

Recipe overview

This recipe page provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Goetta, a unique and flavorful meat-and-grain sausage of German-American origin. This dish is traditionally made with pork shoulder, beef chuck, and pinhead oats, all simmered to perfection with a mixture of aromatic herbs and spices. It’s then refrigerated overnight and fried until crispy the next day. The recipe includes detailed instructions to help you create this delicious dish from scratch. With a bit of patience, you'll have a savory and filling meal that's perfect for breakfast or any time of the day. So get ready to delve into the delightful world of making Goetta!

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use different types of meat according to your preference. However, the traditional recipe calls for pork shoulder and beef chuck.
  2. Can I substitute the pinhead oats with regular oats?
    While pinhead oats are traditional for goetta, you can substitute them with regular steel-cut oats if needed.
  3. What can I serve goetta with?
    Goetta is often served as a breakfast dish. It can be enjoyed with eggs, toast, or as a side with breakfast potatoes.
  4. Can I freeze goetta?
    Yes, goetta can be frozen. After cooking and cooling, you can slice the goetta and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags before freezing.
  5. Can I make goetta ahead of time?
    Absolutely! In fact, goetta is typically made ahead of time. After cooking and cooling the mixture in a loaf pan, you can refrigerate it overnight before slicing and frying it the next day.
  6. Is goetta gluten-free?
    No, goetta is not gluten-free due to the use of oats. However, you can try using gluten-free oats as a substitute if you have dietary restrictions.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - For chopping the onion and meat
  • Chef's Knife - To finely chop the onion and meat
  • Large Pot - For boiling the meats and cooking the oats
  • Wooden Spoon - For stirring the oats and meat mixture
  • Loaf Pan - To shape and cool the goetta mixture
  • Skillet - For frying the sliced goetta
  • Spatula - To flip and remove the fried goetta slices

Origin stories

Goetta hails from the Cincinnati area of Ohio, reflecting the rich German heritage of the region. It sprang from the kitchens of the 19th-century German-American immigrants, who commonly combined meat with grains such as oats to stretch their resources. This humble foodstuff quickly became a beloved local specialty, its unique blend of meats and pinhead oats offering a satisfying start to many a morning. To this day, Goetta is a cherished culinary icon of Cincinnati, celebrated annually at the city's Goettafest, where it is enjoyed in a myriad of forms - from the traditional breakfast slices to Goetta pizza, Goetta burgers, and even Goetta macaroni and cheese.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.