How to Cook Beets? Easy Guide

I’ve never been a big fan of beets, although I have to say the only ones I’ve tried are the pre-cooked, packaged kind. I find them too sweet and cloying.

On the other hand, recipes with raw beets are another story, and roasted beets are especially good, particularly when freshly made.

If we use salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices, the sweet taste of the beetroot is balanced, and in my opinion, they are finger-licking good.

Packaged beets often contain additives, as well as plastic. Buying raw beets has nothing but advantages. They aren’t available in all supermarkets, but they are in some, and also in small shops.

Many recipes roast the beets whole and then peel them, but I prefer to do it this way because if you use a good peeler (or a sharp knife) they are quite easy to peel. Once they are ready, we can eat them directly, without having to wait for them to cool down and burn our hands.

How to Cook Beets for 4 People?

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Beet	1 bunch
Salt	To taste

Recipe Steps

1. Although it’s quite common to buy pre-cooked beets, both canned and semi-preserved, in this recipe we’ll see how easy it is to cook raw beets at home, a super economical product that allows us to prepare many different recipes afterwards:
   • salads
   • carpaccios
   • gazpacho or salmorejo
   • rice dishes
   • hummus
   • creams
   Table beets, also called beetroot, are found in bunches of 2 or 3 beets, usually already somewhat cleaned of dirt.
2. The first thing we’re going to do is cut off both ends of each beet. Then, wash them well in cold water to remove all the dirt, since we’re going to cook them with the skin on.
3. Place a saucepan over high heat with enough water to cover the beets. As soon as the water comes to a boil, add salt and the beets.
   • If any beets are too large, cut them in half.
   • Ideally, the beets should be of a similar size so they cook evenly.
   The boil will stop briefly when you add the beets. Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and let the beets cook for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on their size.
   • Small beets: about 40 minutes
   • Large beets: up to 60 minutes
   To check for tenderness, pierce the beets with a knife. If it goes in and out easily, the beets are cooked.
4. Remove the beets from the pot and let them cool slightly. Once they’re lukewarm, peel them and they’re ready to use.
   Beets can be used in countless dishes:
   • salads
   • carpaccios
   • rice dishes or risottos
   • hummus
   • gazpacho and salmorejo
   • hot or cold soups

Video Guide 📽️

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How to Cook Beets in the Oven?

1. Heat oven to 400°F / 200°C.
2. Wash beets, trim tops and root tail (don’t peel).
3. Wrap each beet in foil (optional: add a small drizzle of oil + pinch of salt).
4. Roast 45–70 min (small 45–55, large 60–70) until a knife slides in easily.
5. Cool 5–10 min, then rub off skin with paper towel and slice.

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How to Cook Beets on the Stove?

1. Wash beets, trim ends (don’t peel).
2. Put in a pot and cover with water. Add pinch of salt.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer 40–60 min until tender.
4. Drain, cool a bit, peel, then slice.

Read Also: Homemade Croissants Recipe

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How to Cook Beets in the Instant Pot?

1. Pour 1 cup water into the pot, add trivet/steamer basket.
2. Add washed, trimmed beets (whole or halved if very large).
3. Cook on High Pressure:
   • Small: 12–15 min
   • Medium: 18–22 min
   • Large: 25–30 min
4. Natural release 10 min, then quick release.
5. Cool slightly, peel, slice.

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How to Cook Beets in the Air Fryer?

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F / 193°C.
2. Wash, trim, and lightly oil + salt the beets (whole or halved).
3. Wrap in foil or place in a small heat-safe pan.
4. Air fry 35–55 min, turning halfway, until fork-tender.
5. Cool a few minutes, peel, slice.

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Notes and Recommendations for Cooking Beets

• Although pre-cooked beets are easy to find at the supermarket, the result is not the same as cooking them at home.
• Always try to cook beets of a similar size to ensure even cooking.
• Once cooked, beets can be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container for up to 5 days.

Grades

• If you don’t want to use oil, you can add other liquids such as balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.
• You can use your favorite spices and herbs, such as oregano or basil, instead of Italian seasoning.
• Nutritional information is calculated using ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	36
Fat	0.2 g
Saturated Fat	0 g
Calories from Fat	4.9%
Cholesterol	0 mg
Protein	1 g
Carbohydrates	8.4 g
Sugar	7 g
Fiber	1.1 g
Sodium	61 mg
Calcium	15 mg
Iron	0.6 mg
Vitamin C	4 mg
Beta-carotene	21 mcg
Vitamin E	0.1 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cooked Beets

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Conclusion

Cooking beets at home is simpler than it seems and makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and texture.

By starting with raw beets and following a few basic steps, you get a versatile ingredient that works in countless dishes while keeping all its color and nutrients.

Once you try freshly cooked beets, it’s hard to go back to the packaged version—they’re proof that sometimes the simplest approach really is the best.

Read Also:

• Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
• Easy Refried Beans Recipe

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