Easy Instant Pot Beets (Ready in 25 Minutes)

Name: Easy Instant Pot Beets (Ready in 25 Minutes)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 6 small beets (about 2” each); 1 cup water

This Instant Pot Beets recipe is the easiest, most foolproof way to cook beets to tender, earthy perfection! Ready in 25 minutes, it’s perfect for meal prepping, salads, and side dishes. Whether you love them sliced, cubed, or pureed, these beets cook in a fraction of the time compared to boiling or roasting!

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Why This Recipe Works

Beets are delicious, but let’s be honest—roasting them takes forever, and boiling them is way too messy. That’s why this Instant Pot beets recipe is a complete lifesaver! It locks in all the earthy sweetness and nutrients without the long wait times or cleanup.

You just need some water and a pressure cooker, and you’ll have perfectly tender beets that are easy to peel and ready to use in everything from salads to soups. You can even adjust the time for softer or firmer beets, making them as tender or crisp as you like!

And since cooked beets keep incredibly well in the fridge, this recipe is great for meal prepping. Whether you’re a beet lover or just looking for an easy way to add more veggies to your meals, this Instant Pot method is quick, mess-free, and incredibly convenient!

Ingredients

Beets: For the best flavor and texture, choose firm, unblemished beets with fairly smooth skin. The size of the beets will determine cooking time, so try to pick ones that are roughly the same size.
Water: One cup is enough for a 6-quart Instant Pot to build pressure properly.

Instructions

Prep the Beets: Rinse the beets under cold running water to remove dirt. Trim off the stems and roots but leave the skins on (this helps them retain flavor and color).
Set up the Instant Pot: Place the metal trivet or steamer rack inside the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water to the bottom. Place the beets on the trivet in a single layer.
Cook: Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select high pressure. Set the time according to the size of your beets (specific cooking times are in the recipe card).
Quick Release: Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release to release the steam. Open the lid once the pressure is fully released.
Peel the Beets: Once cool enough to handle, rub the skins off with a paper towel or gently peel them using your fingers. They should slide off easily!
Serve or Store: Slice, dice, or mash the beets as needed for your favorite recipes, or store them for later use.

Substitutions & Variations

Halves: To reduce cooking time, cut the beets in half and base the cooking time on their new diameter.
Add-Ins: Add orange peels, bay leaves, or rosemary to the water for a flavor infusion.
Roasted-Like Texture: After cooking, slice the beets and quickly sauté them in olive oil for a caramelized finish.
Herb-Infused: Toss the warm beets with chopped parsley, dill, or thyme for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Pickled: Slice and store cooked beets in a vinegar brine with mustard seeds and garlic for quick-pickled beets.

Storing & Reheating

Let your Instant Pot beets cool completely, then follow these storage tips for the best results:

Fridge: Cooked and peeled beets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Depending on how you plan to use them, you can keep them whole or sliced.
Freezer: Beets also freeze well! To prevent sticking, flash-freeze slices on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. You can store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm the beets in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, steam them for a few minutes, or sauté them with butter and herbs for a roasted flavor.
Prep ahead: You can cook and peel the beets ahead of time, storing them in the fridge until needed for salads, soups, or side dishes.

Expert Tips

Similar Sizes: Beets should be the same size to ensure even cooking. If you’re using different sizes of beets, remove the smaller ones first and let the larger ones continue cooking.
Keep the Skins On: Cooking beets with their skins intact helps preserve nutrients and increases their natural sweetness. Peel them after cooking for the best results!
Use a Trivet: Use a trivet or steamer basket to prevent the beets from sitting in excess water. If you don’t have one, you can place the beets directly in the Instant Pot, but they may absorb more liquid, altering their texture slightly.
Adjust the Time: These cooking times are designed for beets that are tender and easily pierced. To create beets with a crisper, more al dente texture, reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when my beets are done cooking?

Beets are done when a fork or knife slides in easily with little resistance. If they feel too firm, return them to the Instant Pot and pressure cook for another 5 minutes, then do a quick release.

Do I need to peel the beets before cooking?

No! Cooking them with the skins on helps retain nutrients and makes peeling much easier afterward. Once cooled, the skins will slip right off with a gentle rub using a paper towel or your hands.

Why use a quick release instead of a natural release?

A quick release stops the cooking process immediately, preventing the beets from becoming too soft or mushy. If you prefer a softer texture, you can use a natural release for 5 minutes before manually venting the steam.

How do I prevent beet stains on my hands and cutting board?

To avoid stains, wear gloves when handling the beets, use a plastic cutting board, or rub your hands with lemon juice or baking soda.

If you enjoyed my Instant Pot Beets recipe, check out these other Instant Pot staples:

If you try this Instant Pot Beets recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!