Cincinnati-style Goetta Loaf (Crock Pot Edition)
Experience a delightful twist on a Cincinnati classic with this Cincinnati-style Goetta Loaf. Goetta, often likened to scrapple yet substantially less greasy, is a comforting dish beloved especially in the Cincinnati region of Ohio. This hearty meal is traditionally enjoyed for breakfast, dressed with syrup, gravy, or a pat of melted butter. Inspired by the classic Dottie Dorsel Pinhead Oatmeal Company's recipe, this alternative version omits onions, making it a rich and flavorful dish ideal for any meal of the day. Packed with the robust flavors of ground beef, pork, and wholesome pinhead oats, this dish is perfect to prepare in a slow cooker for a hassle-free, satisfying dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.
4
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (Ground)
Ground pork
1 lb (Ground)
Water
8 cups (N/A)
Pinhead oats (steel-cut oatmeal)
2 1/2 cups (N/A)
Dried savory
2 teaspoons (Dried)
Salt
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Bacon fat
1 tablespoon (For frying)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, blend together the ground beef and ground pork until well combined. Set this meat mixture aside.
2
In a large crock pot, pour in 8 cups of water along with the salt and black pepper. Cover and cook on high for 20 minutes to bring the water to a gentle boil.
3
Once boiling, carefully stir in the pinhead oats into the water mixture. Be sure to cover the crock pot again and continue to cook on high for an additional 90 minutes, allowing the oats to absorb the water and soften.
4
After the initial cooking time, add the blended meat and dried savory to the crock pot. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure even distribution and flavoring. Cover and reduce the heat to low, cooking for an additional 3 hours.
5
After 3 hours, check the texture of the goetta. If it is not thick enough to your liking, continue to cook it on low, stirring frequently until you achieve your desired consistency.
6
Once the goetta is ready, pour the mixture into two greased bread pans, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover each pan with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator to chill and firm up, which will take several hours or overnight.
7
To serve, take the chilled goetta out of the refrigerator and slice it into thick pieces. In a skillet, heat the bacon fat over medium heat. Once hot, add the slices of goetta and fry until well-browned on both sides, turning once for even cooking.
8
Serve warm, topped with your choice of syrup, gravy, or melted butter. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cincinnati-style Goetta?
Goetta is a meat-and-grain sausage or loaf popular in the Cincinnati region of Ohio, similar to scrapple but known for being less greasy.
What meats are used in this Goetta recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of ground pork.
Does this Goetta recipe include onions?
No, this specific alternative version omits onions, focusing on the flavors of the meat, savory, and pinhead oats.
What type of oats are required for authentic Goetta?
Authentic Goetta requires pinhead oats, which are also commonly known as steel-cut oatmeal.
How long do the oats cook in the crock pot before adding meat?
The oats should be cooked on high for 90 minutes after the water has reached a gentle boil.
What is the total cooking time in the slow cooker?
The total slow cooker time is approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes, including boiling water, cooking oats, and simmering the meat mixture.
What seasoning gives Goetta its distinct flavor?
In addition to salt and pepper, 2 teaspoons of dried savory are used to provide the traditional flavor profile.
How do I ensure the Goetta has the right consistency?
If the mixture isn't thick enough after 3 hours of slow cooking, continue to cook it on low and stir frequently until it thickens.
How is the Goetta shaped into a loaf?
The cooked mixture is poured into two greased bread pans and smoothed with a spatula before chilling.
How long should Goetta chill before frying?
The loaves should be refrigerated for several hours or overnight until they are completely firm.
What is the best way to fry Goetta slices?
Heat bacon fat in a skillet over medium heat and fry thick slices until they are well-browned on both sides.
What can I serve with Goetta?
It is traditionally served with syrup, gravy, or a pat of melted butter.
Is Goetta only for breakfast?
While traditionally a breakfast staple, it is a hearty and flavorful dish suitable for any meal of the day.
How many calories are in a serving of this Goetta?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
One serving contains about 14 grams of fat.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does Goetta contain fiber?
Yes, thanks to the pinhead oats, there are 4 grams of fiber per serving.
Is this a German-inspired dish?
Yes, Goetta is a staple of German-American cuisine, particularly in the Ohio River Valley.
Can I prepare the meat in advance?
Yes, you should blend the ground beef and pork together and set the mixture aside until the oats are ready.
What is the initial temperature setting for the crock pot?
The crock pot starts on a 'high' setting to bring the water to a boil and cook the oats.
When should the heat be reduced to low?
The heat should be reduced to 'low' after adding the meat and savory to the crock pot.
Why is bacon fat used for frying?
Bacon fat adds a traditional smoky flavor and helps achieve a perfectly browned crust on the Goetta slices.
Can I use steel-cut oats if I can't find 'pinhead' oats?
Yes, pinhead oats and steel-cut oats are the same thing and are interchangeable in this recipe.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt.
Is there any sugar in this Goetta recipe?
The nutritional data indicates there is no sugar in this recipe.
What makes this version 'crock pot edition'?
This version is adapted specifically for slow cookers to allow for a hassle-free cooking process compared to stovetop methods.
Do I need to grease the pans for the Goetta loaf?
Yes, you should grease two bread pans to ensure the loaf can be easily removed after it has chilled and firmed up.
What is the history of the Dottie Dorsel Pinhead Oatmeal Company?
The Dottie Dorsel recipe is a classic reference for traditional Goetta, emphasizing the use of high-quality pinhead oats.