If you love the earthy sweetness and vibrant color of beets but dread the long cooking time, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Instant Pot Beets (2 Ways!) Recipe. It transforms beets into tender, flavorful gems in a fraction of the time it takes to roast or boil them. Whether you prefer your beets whole and simple or peeled and sliced for a quick side, these two methods deliver consistently delicious results that brighten any meal, all while keeping things super hands-off and straightforward. Get ready to amaze your friends with this versatile, easy-cooking secret!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot beets recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of fresh ingredients come together to enhance the natural flavors of the beets while ensuring perfect texture and juiciness every time.
- 6 small-to-medium beets: Choose firm beets about 2 inches in diameter for even cooking and sweeter taste.
- 1 cup water: Provides the steam necessary for pressure cooking—no extra seasoning needed here to let the beets shine.
How to Make Instant Pot Beets (2 Ways!) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Beets
First, decide which cooking method suits your mood. For whole steamed beets, simply trim the beet greens and give them a gentle rinse—no peeling required at this stage. If you want peeled beets, scrub them clean, then peel off the skin with a vegetable peeler and slice them into even rounds or cubes. Both approaches work wonderfully, but note that peeling before cooking speeds up the softness slightly.
Step 2: Set Up Your Instant Pot
Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot insert and place the trivet inside. For whole beets, stack them directly on the trivet. For sliced beets, place them in a heatproof bowl or on a steamer basket above the water. Close the lid securely and set the valve to sealing.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
For whole beets, select the manual pressure cooking setting and set the timer for 20 minutes. If you are cooking sliced beets, reduce the time to 10 minutes to avoid overcooking. The Instant Pot will build pressure and cook the beets quickly and evenly, infusing them with a tender texture that’s hard to beat.
Step 4: Natural Release and Check
Once the cooking time is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes—this extra steam gently finishes the cooking process. Afterward, carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Check the beets with a fork; they should slide in easily with a soft bite. If they need more time, simply close the lid and cook for a few additional minutes under pressure.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beets (2 Ways!) Recipe
Garnishes
Beets are spectacular on their own but become truly special with the right garnishes. Try crumbled goat cheese or feta, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to highlight their natural sweetness and add a burst of flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
These Instant Pot beets are a perfect companion to roasted chicken, grilled fish, or hearty grain bowls. Their tender texture and vibrant color provide a fresh, nutritious contrast that brightens even the simplest of meals. They also pair beautifully with leafy salads and creamy potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your cooked beets thinly and layer them with orange segments and pistachios for a stunning salad. Alternatively, puree them with a little garlic and olive oil to create a smooth beet hummus that’s as pretty as it is tasty. The versatility of this Instant Pot Beets (2 Ways!) Recipe invites you to experiment and impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cooked beets keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Their flavor deepens as they rest, making them even more delightful the next day. Just keep the beets whole or sliced but avoid adding dressing until serving to preserve freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked beets by slicing them and placing the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually before transferring them to freezer bags. Frozen beets last up to 3 months and thaw quickly in the fridge or microwave, perfect for busy days when you want a ready-to-use nutritious ingredient.
Reheating
Reheat beets gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to maintain their texture. Avoid overcooking when reheating, especially for sliced beets, to keep them tender without becoming mushy. Adding a little olive oil or vinaigrette after reheating helps revive their shine and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use large beets instead of small-to-medium for this recipe?
Yes, you can use larger beets, but you’ll need to increase the pressure cooking time to around 25-30 minutes for whole beets. Keep in mind their size affects how evenly they cook, so consider slicing if they are very large.
Is peeling beets before pressure cooking necessary?
Not at all! Cooking beets whole with their skin on locks in moisture and flavor. The skin slips off easily after cooking. Peeling before cooking is optional and works well if you want ready-to-eat slices immediately.
Can I add flavorings to the water inside the Instant Pot?
While you can add aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, or vinegar to the water, they are not necessary. The beets have a strong natural flavor that shines without extra seasoning, but subtle additions can create interesting flavor twists.
How do I know when my beets are perfectly cooked in the Instant Pot?
The perfect beet should be tender enough for a fork to slide in easily but still hold its shape. Use the suggested cooking times as a guide, then test the texture and adjust as needed for your preferred firmness.
Can I use frozen beets with this Instant Pot Beets (2 Ways!) Recipe?
Frozen beets can be used but will require less cook time, usually about 7-10 minutes under pressure, since they are already partially cooked. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Instant Pot Beets (2 Ways!) Recipe, you will wonder how you ever managed without it. It brings out the best in beets quickly and effortlessly, making this vibrant vegetable a staple in your weeknight meal rotation. Whether you like them whole with their skin on or peeled and sliced, these methods open up a world of flavor and color that’s ready when you are. Give it a go and enjoy the ease and deliciousness it adds to your kitchen!
Print
Instant Pot Beets (2 Ways!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Vegetable Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe provides two easy and efficient ways to cook beets using an Instant Pot. Whether you prefer your beets roasted-like or steamed, these methods ensure perfectly tender beets in just about 20 minutes, preserving their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Ingredients
Beets
- 6 small-to-medium beets (about 2-inch diameter each)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Beets: Begin by thoroughly washing the beets to remove any dirt. Leave the skin on and trim any stems or roots if necessary.
- Pressure Cook the Beets: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet or steamer basket inside. Arrange the beets on the trivet. Close the lid securely and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve from sealing to venting to release the steam. Open the lid once the pressure is fully released.
- Check for Doneness: Test the beets by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender but not mushy. If needed, cook for an additional 5 minutes under pressure.
- Peel and Serve: Allow the beets to cool slightly, then easily peel off the skins using your hands or a paper towel. Serve warm or chilled as desired.
Notes
- Beets can vary in size; adjust cooking time accordingly for larger or smaller beets.
- Using the trivet keeps beets out of the water and steams them evenly.
- Cooked beets keep well refrigerated for up to a week.
- Add seasoning or dressings after cooking to enhance flavor.
