Perfectly Cooked Beets: Roasting, Boiling, Steaming & Tips

If you think cooking beets (also called beetroots) at home is messy or intimidating, you’re not alone. But beets are wonderfully sweet, with a silky texture that makes them worth the effort. With a few simple tips you can cook beets easily and enjoy them in many dishes.

Here’s a practical guide to make beets part of your kitchen routine.

What Are Beets?

Beets, or beetroots, are the taproot of the beet plant and a versatile root vegetable. They offer a sweet, earthy flavor that becomes richer when cooked.

Beets come in several colors: red is most common, but you’ll also find yellow and striped varieties like Chioggia (often called Candy Cane). Chioggia has striking internal stripes that can fade a bit when cooked. Baby beets measure about 1 to 1½ inches across and are harvested early; larger beets can reach 6 inches or more, though those over about 3–4 inches can become woody and fibrous.

What Do Beets Taste Like?

Different beet varieties vary slightly in flavor, but most can be used interchangeably. Red beets tend to be deeply sweet and earthy. Yellow or golden beets are typically milder, less earthy, and sometimes a bit sweeter. Flavor can vary from beet to beet, so it’s worth tasting different types to find your preference.

FAQS

How to Store Beets

Trim the greens before storing, as attached greens draw moisture from the root. Store beets loosely wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keep the greens separate, wrapped lightly, and use them within a day or two. Cooked beets store well in the fridge—slice extras to add to salads or platters through the week. They can also be frozen in airtight containers for longer storage.

How To Cook Beets

Beets are adaptable: roast, boil, or steam them, or eat them raw thinly sliced or shredded for a crunchy salad addition. Some people prefer to peel beets before cooking, while others scrub and roast them whole—the skins slip off easily after cooking. Roasting concentrates their sweetness; steaming and boiling yield tender, milder flavors. Cooked beets can also be pickled.

How to Roast Beets

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Scrub beets to remove dirt, then trim the top and the small tail root.

2. Wrap each beet in aluminum foil. For baby beets you can group several in one piece of foil. Place wrapped beets on a baking sheet to catch any juices. Roast 50–60 minutes for average-sized beets, or until a knife slides easily into the center.

3. Let beets cool until you can handle them, then peel the skins—rubbing with a paper towel speeds this up. Slice or dice as needed for recipes.

How Do You Cook Beet Greens?

Don’t discard the greens if your beets come with them—beet greens are delicious and nutritious. Treat them like chard or collards: wash thoroughly, then sauté, steam, or add to soups and stews. Chop to the size your recipe calls for and cook until tender.

How Do You Remove Beet Stains From Hands?

Beets can stain your hands, especially red varieties. Stains usually come out with warm water and soap and a bit of scrubbing. Lemon juice can help remove stubborn color, or wear gloves while handling beets to avoid staining.

How Can I Make Sure Beets Don’t Stain My Counter?

Work on a stain-resistant surface or protect your countertop. Line your workspace with parchment paper or use a metal baking sheet when preparing beets. Red beets can tint other ingredients and surfaces with a pink hue; golden beets are less likely to bleed color.

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Beet Recipes to Try

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