Discover the cherished tradition of Slow Cooker Goetta, a delightful recipe that carries the legacy of German heritage and warm family memories. Introduced to Sharon Geers by her husband’s grandfather, this goetta recipe holds special significance and pays homage to a time when hearty meals were crafted with love and resourcefulness during the Great Depression. With a slow cooker adaptation and some ingredient tweaks, Sharon has perfected the art of making goetta, delighting many with this delicious dish.
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 cups water
- 2½ cups steel-cut oats
- 6 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons beef bouillon granules
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, rubbed sage, and pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 pounds bulk pork sausage
- 2 medium onions, chopped
PREPARATIONS:
- In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine water, oats, and an array of seasonings. Cook on high for 2 hours, then remove bay leaves.
- In a large skillet, cook the bulk pork sausage and chopped onions until no longer pink, breaking up the sausage into crumbles. Drain and reserve 2 tablespoons drippings, then stir the sausage mixture and reserved drippings into the oat mixture in the slow cooker. Continue cooking on low for 2 more hours.
- Transfer the goetta mixture to two plastic wrap-lined 9×5-in. loaf pans and refrigerate, covered, overnight.
- To serve, slice each loaf into 16 slices and cook goetta in batches in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and heated through.
YIELD:
- Makes 2 loaves (16 slices each).
PREP/COOK TIME:
- Prep time: 45 minutes
- Cook time: 4 hours
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- For optimal flavor and texture, refrigerate the goetta mixture overnight before slicing and cooking.
TIPS:
- Slow Cooker Goetta freezes well, making it convenient for future use.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Goetta offers a taste of history and a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations and perfected by Sharon Geers in Wilmington, Ohio. Inspired by her husband’s grandfather’s stories of preparing goetta during the Great Depression, Sharon has adapted the traditional recipe, turning it into a flavorful and convenient slow cooker delight that has won the hearts of many.
This beloved goetta recipe boasts a hearty combination of steel-cut oats, beef bouillon, aromatic spices like garlic powder, rubbed sage, pepper, allspice, and crushed red pepper flakes, complemented by the rich flavor of bulk pork sausage and chopped onions. Slow-cooked to perfection, the aroma that fills the home is reminiscent of a time when food was made with love and care.
The convenience of the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, and an overnight stay in the refrigerator further enhances the taste and texture of the goetta. When ready to serve, simply slice the chilled mixture into loaves, and lightly brown the slices in a skillet for an irresistibly delicious meal.
Slow Cooker Goetta is not only a delightful family tradition but also a freezer-friendly option, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a meal that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed at any time.
This cherished breakfast sausage holds a special place in the hearts of the population of greater Cincinnati, where goetta is a beloved dish served in restaurants and available in supermarkets. The origins of goetta are subject to fond debates, with some attributing it to German immigrants who brought the recipe with them in the mid-1800s, while others credit the Finke family of northern Kentucky for inventing it in the early 1900s, creatively utilizing meat scraps from their butcher shop.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Goetta represents the union of heritage and innovation, with Sharon Geers beautifully preserving a treasured family tradition through her delectable adaptation. Embrace the rich history and delicious flavors of this hearty dish, relishing every bite of this goetta creation that has become “a very good thing” to be shared with family and friends.
