Beets are one of nature’s most vibrant and nutrient-rich vegetables. Whether you’re new to cooking beets or looking to expand your beet-prepping repertoire, learning how to cook beets 6 ways is a fantastic skill for every home cook. These ruby-red root veggies pack earthy sweetness, tons of antioxidants, and bold color into every bite. From salads and soups to smoothies and side dishes, cooked beets are a delicious way to eat the rainbow.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through six easy beet cooking methods—from roasting beets in the oven to steaming, boiling, and even microwaving. We’ll also touch on prepping, peeling, and storage tips to help you get the best flavor and texture out of your fresh red beets.

🛒 What You’ll Need:

• Fresh beets (red, golden, or chioggia — all work!)
• Olive oil (for roasting)
• Salt (optional)
• A steamer basket, baking sheet, foil, or pot (depending on method)
• Gloves (optional, to avoid beet-stained hands!)

✨ Health Benefits of Beets

Before we dive into the cooking methods, it’s worth noting why beets deserve a spot in your weekly meals:

• High in folate, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber
• Rich in antioxidantes, especially betalains
• Naturally support liver function e detoxification
• Help promote heart health and blood pressure balance

🍠 How To Cook Beets – 6 Easy Ways

1. Roasting Beets in the Oven (Whole or Cubed)

Why roast them?
Roasting brings out beets’ natural sweetness and intensifies their earthy flavor. It also keeps them tender yet firm, perfect for salads or sides.

🔥 Oven-Roasted Whole Beets

Step-by-Step:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and trim the beet tops (leave about an inch of stem). Don’t peel yet!
3. Wrap each beet in foil and place on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 45–60 minutes, depending on size. Beets are done when a knife slides in easily.
5. Let them cool slightly, then rub off skins with a paper towel or your hands.

🧄 Roasted Beet Cubes

Step-by-Step:

1. Peel and cube raw beets (½ to 1-inch pieces).
2. Toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs (try thyme or rosemary).
3. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Perfect for: Grain bowls, salads, and as a hearty side.
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2. Boiling Beets

Why boil them?
Boiling is quick and simple—ideal when you need tender beets fast for blending or marinating.

Step-by-Step:

1. Wash and trim beet greens, leaving an inch of stem.
2. Place whole beets in a pot and cover with water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–45 minutes.
4. Drain and cool slightly, then peel skins with a paper towel.

Tips:

• Add vinegar or lemon juice to help preserve color.
• Use the beet water for soups or to dye eggs naturally!

Perfect for: Smoothies, dips, or beet hummus.
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3. Steaming Beets

Why steam them?
Steaming preserves more nutrients than boiling, with a gentle cooking method that keeps beets juicy and flavorful.

Step-by-Step:

1. Peel and cut beets into chunks or steam whole (depending on size).
2. Add to a steamer basket over boiling water.
3. Cover and steam for 15–30 minutes (cubed) or 40 minutes (whole).
4. Check doneness with a fork.

Bonus: No oil needed, making this a super-clean method.
Perfect for: Healthy bowls, baby food, or meal prep.
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4. Microwaving Beets

Why use the microwave?
Microwaving is the fastest way to cook a beet—great when you’re short on time.

Step-by-Step:

1. Wash and trim the beets.
2. Place in a microwave-safe dish with 2–3 tablespoons of water.
3. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap (poke a few holes for steam).
4. Microwave on high for 8–12 minutes, depending on size.
5. Let cool and peel.

Tip: Flip beets halfway for even cooking.
Perfect for: Quick lunches or emergency side dishes.
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5. Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker Beets

Why choose this method?
The Instant Pot delivers soft, steamed beets in a fraction of the time of traditional methods—with no babysitting.

Step-by-Step:

1. Place a steamer rack or trivet in the Instant Pot.
2. Add 1 cup of water and whole, unpeeled beets.
3. Cook on high pressure:
   • Small: 10 minutes
   • Medium: 15 minutes
   • Large: 20 minutes
4. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
5. Remove and peel.

Perfect for: Meal prep or cooking beets in bulk.
#PressureCookerBeets #InstantPotRecipes #EasyBeetCookingMethod

6. Grilling or BBQ-Roasted Beets

Why grill beets?
This smoky cooking method adds charred flavor and works great for summer meals or outdoor entertaining.

Step-by-Step:

1. Peel and slice beets into ½-inch rounds.
2. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place directly on a hot grill or use foil packets.
4. Grill for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Tip: Grill beet greens too! They’re similar to Swiss chard and delicious.
Perfect for: BBQ salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls.
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🍽️ How to Peel Beets Easily

Let beets cool slightly after cooking. Then, using your hands or a paper towel, rub off the skins. The skins should slide off effortlessly if fully cooked. For less mess, wear kitchen gloves to avoid pink-stained fingers.

🧊 How to Store Cooked Beets

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 dias.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked beets (peeled and chopped) for up to 3 meses. Great for soups, smoothies, and roasting later.
• Tip: Label with date and method for easy meal planning.

🍴 Delicious Ways to Use Cooked Beets

Once your beets are cooked, the recipe ideas are endless! Try these flavorful dishes:

• Beet and goat cheese salad
• Beet hummus or dip
• Beet and quinoa power bowls
• Beet soup (Borscht)
• Beet smoothies with berries and ginger
• Beet risotto or pasta sauce
• Pickled beets with vinegar and spices

🌈 Cooking Tips for Beginners

• Choose firm, unblemished beets for best texture and flavor.
• Don’t toss the beet greens—they’re edible and perfect for sautéing.
• Beets can stain surfaces, so use a cutting board you don’t mind tinting.
• Cooking time varies based on beet size, so test frequently.

📸 Fresh Red Beets Close-Up

There’s nothing quite as photogenic as a freshly sliced beet. Their stunning magenta color adds flair to any plate. Whether roasted or steamed, cooked beets make meals more beautiful—and more nutritious.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to cook beets six different ways, you’ll never be short on options to enjoy this powerhouse vegetable. Whether you’re roasting for deep flavor or steaming for simplicity, each method highlights the beet’s natural earthy-sweet essence.

So the next time you see those vibrant beets at the farmers market or grocery store, grab a bunch and try one (or all!) of these cooking methods. Your meals will be healthier, more colorful, and packed with bold, wholesome flavor.