Meatloaf Goetta Recipe: A Unique Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Meatloaf Goetta is a delicious, hearty dish with roots in both German and Appalachian cuisine. It combines the savory flavors of pork shoulder, oats, and aromatic spices to create a loaf-like dish, which is then sliced and fried to a crispy, golden perfection. If you’re looking for a comforting and filling meal that’s a little different from your typical meatloaf, this Meatloaf Goetta is the perfect recipe to try. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a hearty dinner, it has become a beloved staple in many households.

For more information on variations of goetta, check out Goetta: The Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed and The Fascinating History of Goetta in Cincinnati.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Meatloaf Goetta Recipe: A Hearty Twist on a Comfort Food Classic

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including resting time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Goetta is a traditional German-inspired dish from Cincinnati, typically made with pork, oats, and seasonings. It’s a savory, hearty meal often enjoyed for breakfast or dinner. This recipe uses bone-in pork shoulder, which imparts rich flavor to the meat, while the steel-cut oats create a satisfying texture. Once cooked, the goetta is sliced and pan-fried until crispy, offering a crispy exterior with a tender interior. Perfect for a comforting, home-cooked meal.

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Ingredients

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For the Meat Loaf Goetta:

• 1 (3-pound; 1.36 kg) bone-in pork shoulder, fat cap trimmed to 1/2-inch thick (see notes)
• 1 large onion (10 ounces; 284 g), roughly chopped
• 3 stalks celery, roughly chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 1/2 cups (400 g) pinhead or steel-cut oats
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (for table salt, use half as much by volume)
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried ground sage
• 1 teaspoon MSG (optional)

For Frying:

• Neutral oil, such as vegetable oil or bacon fat, for pan-frying goetta slices

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder:

      • Begin by trimming the fat cap on the pork shoulder to 1/2-inch thick, leaving some fat for flavor.
      • Place the pork shoulder in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bay leaves, then cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

   2. Cook the Pork:

      • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreddable. Skim off any impurities that float to the top during cooking.

   3. Cook the Oats:

      • In a separate pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the steel-cut oats, salt, black pepper, and sage. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the water. If necessary, add more water to achieve a creamy consistency.

   4. Shred the Pork:

      • Remove the pork shoulder from the pot, allowing it to cool slightly. Discard the bay leaves, and shred the pork using two forks. Remove any bones and excess fat, if desired.

   5. Combine Pork and Oats:

      • Once the pork and oats are both cooked, combine them in a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded pork to the cooked oats and mix thoroughly. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and sage, to taste. If desired, add MSG for a deeper umami flavor.

   6. Form the Goetta:

      • Press the mixture into a loaf pan or spread it evenly on a baking sheet, compacting it to form a solid loaf or block. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the goetta to firm up.

   7. Pan-Fry the Goetta:

      • Once the goetta has firmed up, slice it into 1/2-inch thick slices.
      • Heat a generous amount of neutral oil (or bacon fat) in a large skillet over medium heat.
      • Fry the goetta slices in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

   8. Serve:

      • Serve the fried goetta slices with your favorite sides, such as eggs, toast, or pickles, for a comforting meal.

Notes

Fat Cap: Trim the pork shoulder’s fat cap to about 1/2-inch thick. Leaving too much fat will make the goetta greasy, while too little fat may result in a drier texture.

MSG: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is optional but adds a savory umami flavor. Feel free to skip it if you prefer, or substitute it with soy sauce for an umami boost.

Make-Ahead: Goetta can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well; just slice and freeze for later use.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding cooking time)
• Cook Time: 2 hours (for the pork), 30 minutes (for the oats), 15 minutes (for frying)
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Comfort Food
• Method: Boiling, Simmering, Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: German-American (Cincinnati)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice of goetta (about 1/2-inch thick)
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Meat Loaf Goetta Recipe

Instructions

Cook the Pork Shoulder

1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder: Trim the fat cap of the pork shoulder to about 1/2 inch thick. This will help prevent the goetta from becoming too greasy.
2. Cook the Pork: Place the pork shoulder in a large pot. Add the onion, celery, and bay leaves, and cover with water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2 hours, or until the pork is fully cooked and tender.
3. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the pork into small, bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones.

Prepare the Oatmeal Mixture

1. Cook the Oats: In the same pot used for cooking the pork, bring the liquid to a boil and add the pinhead or steel-cut oats. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and the mixture thickens (about 20-30 minutes). Add more water if needed to maintain a thick, porridge-like consistency.
2. Season the Mixture: Add the kosher salt, black pepper, dried sage, and MSG (if using) to the cooked oats, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Combine the Pork and Oat Mixture

1. Combine Pork and Oats: Once the oats have cooked and the pork has been shredded, add the pork into the oatmeal mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
2. Set the Mixture to Cool: Let the combined mixture cool for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to form into a loaf.

Form the Loaf

1. Shape the Mixture: Transfer the cooled mixture into a loaf pan. Press it down gently to compact it, forming a firm, even loaf.
2. Chill the Loaf: Cover the loaf pan and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling the goetta will help it set, making it easier to slice.

Slice and Fry the Goetta

1. Slice the Goetta: After chilling, remove the goetta loaf from the pan and slice it into 1/2-inch thick slices.
2. Fry the Slices: Heat neutral oil or bacon fat in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the goetta slices and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Serve: Remove the fried goetta slices from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with eggs, toast, or your favorite breakfast sides.

Advanced Techniques

1. Enhancing the Flavor Profile

To elevate the flavors of the Meatloaf Goetta, consider experimenting with additional spices. Ground allspice or cayenne pepper can add a subtle heat, while garlic powder or fresh garlic can provide a savory depth. Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your personal taste preferences.

2. Making Goetta with Different Meats

Though the traditional recipe uses pork, you can experiment with different meats, such as beef, chicken, or even turkey. Each meat will offer its own distinct flavor and texture. For a more unique take, try mixing two types of meats for a richer taste.

3. Using a Slow Cooker for Pork

If you’re short on time or prefer a hands-off method, you can cook the pork in a slow cooker. Set the pork, onions, celery, bay leaves, and water in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and shreddable.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Storing Leftover Goetta

Leftover Meatloaf Goetta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, it’s best to store the slices separately from any oil or grease used during frying.

2. Freezing Goetta

Goetta freezes well! To freeze the goetta, allow it to cool completely and then wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and fry the slices as you normally would.

3. Maintaining Crispy Texture

For crispy slices, always fry the goetta just before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the goetta soggy. If reheating, do so in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil to restore its crispiness.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Making Meatloaf Goetta Gluten-Free

The traditional recipe uses oats, which are naturally gluten-free. However, ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination. For a grain-free option, you can substitute the oats with ground cauliflower rice.

2. Low-Sodium Goetta

If you’re watching your sodium intake, reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe. You can also opt for a low-sodium broth instead of water to cook the pork for added flavor without the extra salt.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use a different kind of meat besides pork?

Yes, you can use beef, turkey, or chicken for a different flavor. Pork shoulder is traditional because of its fat content, which helps keep the goetta moist, but other meats can be used in a similar way.

2. How do I get the goetta slices to be crispy?

Make sure to fry the slices in hot oil for a few minutes on each side. Using bacon fat or vegetable oil will give the slices the crispiness you’re looking for. Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if necessary.

3. Can I skip the MSG?

Yes, you can skip the MSG if you’d prefer, though it does help enhance the savory flavor. If you want a similar umami boost, you can add a small amount of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Meatloaf Goetta is a savory, satisfying dish that offers a unique twist on traditional meatloaf. With its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful center, it’s a hearty meal perfect for any time of day. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, Meatloaf Goetta is sure to impress family and friends. Try this recipe for a fun and comforting new addition to your meal rotation!