Cincinnati Favorites You’ll Love — Recipe in the Comments

If you aren’t from Cincinnati you’re probably wondering what in the world these are… but just trust us on this, you’re going to LOVE them.

This is a simple, old-school Cincinnati recipe called goetta. It is a savory loaf of meat and oats that you slice and fry for breakfast or dinner. It tastes like warm comfort and has a nice crisp outside with a soft inside. For a fun side note, here’s a one-bite recipe my husband begged me to keep if you like meals that make people say wow.

Why make this recipe

• It uses simple, cheap ingredients.
• It makes more than you need, so you can eat it all week.
• It is warm, filling, and different from usual breakfast foods.
• If you love regional foods, you might also enjoy reading about a New Orleans sandwich classic for more local flavor ideas.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 6 cups water or low-salt broth
• 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying)

Directions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground pork and ground beef over medium heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in the steel-cut oats, salt, pepper, thyme, sage, and bay leaves.
4. Pour in the water or broth and bring to a low boil. Stir so nothing sticks.
5. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring every 10–15 minutes. The mix should be thick and porridge-like when done.
6. Remove bay leaves. Pour the hot mixture into a greased loaf pan and press it down to make an even shape.
7. Let the loaf cool at room temp for 30 minutes, then cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. When ready to serve, slice the chilled loaf into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch slices.
9. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry slices 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
10. This makes a meal that freezes well, similar to how other loaf-style dishes are doubled and frozen for later use.

Serving

• Serve hot with eggs and toast for breakfast.
• Use fried slices on a sandwich with mustard and pickles.
• Add hot sauce or ketchup if you like a little bite.
• A side of fruit or a green salad makes it a full meal.

Storage

• In the fridge: keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• In the freezer: cut into slices, lay flat on a tray to freeze, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat fried slices in a skillet or oven until warmed through and crisp.

Tips

• If you want a softer loaf, add 1/2 cup more water while it simmers.
• For less salt, use low-salt broth and add salt at the end.
• Make sure to cool fully before slicing or the loaf may fall apart.
• For a quick reheat, toast slices in a toaster oven instead of pan frying.
• For a quick technique tip and a different take on serving, check this simple cooking trick that changed how someone served theirs.

Variations

• Pork only: use 2 pounds pork for a richer taste.
• Turkey goetta: swap meats for ground turkey and turkey sausage for a lighter version.
• Spicy: add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or diced jalapeño to the mix.
• Herb: add fresh parsley or chives after cooking for brightness.
• Serve with rich sides like a garlic butter fish for a special meal; try pairing ideas such as garlic butter salmon with spinach for a surf-and-turf twist.

FAQs

Q: What is goetta?
A: Goetta is a Cincinnati-area dish made from meat, oats, and spices that is cooked, chilled, sliced, and fried.

Q: Can I use rolled oats?
A: Steel-cut oats give the right texture. Rolled oats will get too soft but can work in a pinch.

Q: Is this gluten free?
A: Oats are naturally gluten free, but some brands may be cross-contaminated. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: You can make a similar loaf with textured vegetable protein or cooked lentils and vegetable broth, but the taste will differ.

Q: How do I get a crisp outside?
A: Make sure the pan is hot and use enough fat (butter or oil). Don’t move the slice for the first 2–3 minutes so it can brown.

Enjoy this Cincinnati classic — slice, fry, and share with people you love.

Cincinnati Goetta

A savory loaf of meat and oats, Cincinnati Goetta is perfect for breakfast or a hearty dinner. Slice and fry it to enjoy a warm, comforting dish with a crispy exterior.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Regional

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 6 cups water or low-salt broth

Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 2 pieces bay leaves

For Frying

• 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, brown the ground pork and ground beef over medium heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in the steel-cut oats, salt, pepper, thyme, sage, and bay leaves.
4. Pour in the water or broth and bring to a low boil. Stir to prevent sticking.
5. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring every 10–15 minutes until thick and porridge-like.
6. Remove bay leaves and pour the hot mixture into a greased loaf pan, pressing down to shape it evenly.
7. Let the loaf cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Frying

1. When ready to serve, slice the chilled loaf into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch slices.
2. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry slices for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

Notes

Goetta makes a meal that freezes well. In the fridge, store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. In the freezer, cut into slices and freeze flat before storing. Reheat in a skillet or oven until warm and crisp.