How to Make Goetta in a Crock-Pot

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Developed by German immigrants as a way to get more servings out of inexpensive cuts of meat, goetta is traditionally prepared from pinhead oats and ground pork, beef or a combination, cooked slowly in broth. The resulting thick mixture is typically packed into loaf pans, refrigerated until firm, then sliced and pan-fried. The low, moist heat supplied by a slow cooker like a Crock-Pot makes it a simple, low-maintenance way to prepare the oats and meat for goetta without requiring constant stirring or attention.

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Measure the pinhead oats into the slow cooker. Add beef or pork broth, using approximately 3 parts of broth for every 1 part oats. Stir to combine.

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Adjust the slow cooker's temperature to high. Put the lid securely in place and cook until the mixture has thickened and the oats are tender but not mushy, approximately 1 1/2 hours.

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Place the ground meats in a large mixing bowl, using about 2 total pounds for every 6 cups of broth used. Combine the meats well with your hands.

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Empty the ground meat into the slow cooker. Stir to combine the oats, broth and meat.

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Season the goetta with your choice of herbs and spices. Traditional seasonings include salt, pepper, thyme, sage, bay leaves, onions, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sage and rosemary. Mix well.

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Replace the slow cooker's lid. Turn the heat to low and cook until the goetta is thick enough to be shaped with your hands, approximately 3 hours.

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Let the goetta cool slightly. Divide evenly between loaf pans lined with waxed paper. Smooth and press down on the top of each loaf of goetta with the back of a large spoon.

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Cover each loaf pan with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm.

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Remove the goetta by turning the loaf pan upside down on a cutting board. Cut into slices 1/2 inch thick.

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Karen Amundson/Demand Media

Heat oil, butter or a combination of both in a skillet. Fry the goetta on both sides until golden brown. Serve for breakfast accompanied by maple syrup, ketchup or jelly, if desired.