16+ Beet Recipes


Beets are a versatile root vegetable that can add color and flavor to many dishes.

From salads to soups to pasta, there are lots of ways to use beets in your cooking.

Trying new beet recipes is a great way to eat more vegetables and expand your cooking skills.

These 15 beet recipes will give you fresh ideas for using this healthy vegetable in delicious ways.

You’ll find options for roasted beets, pickled beets, beet salads, and more.

Whether you’re new to cooking with beets or looking for creative recipes, this list has something for everyone.

Get ready to discover tasty ways to enjoy beets in your meals.

1. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Roasted beet salad with goat cheese is a tasty and colorful dish. You can make it easily at home for a weeknight meal or dinner party.

Start by roasting beets in the oven until tender. Let them cool, then peel and cut into chunks.

Mix the beets with fresh greens like arugula or baby spinach. Add crumbled goat cheese and toasted nuts for crunch.

Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This brings out the sweet flavor of the beets.

You can customize this salad by adding other ingredients you like. Try orange segments, dried cranberries, or sliced red onion for extra flavor.

2. Beet and Apple Smoothie

This vibrant smoothie combines the earthy flavor of beets with the sweetness of apples. It’s a nutritious and refreshing drink that’s easy to make.

To prepare, you’ll need a beet, an apple, and some water. For extra nutrients, add a handful of spinach or kale. A piece of ginger can give it a zesty kick.

Chop the beet and apple into small pieces. Place them in a blender with the other ingredients.

Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach your desired consistency.

This smoothie is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It can help boost your energy and support your immune system. Enjoy it as a quick breakfast or post-workout drink.

3. Borscht (Traditional Beet Soup)

Borscht is a classic Eastern European soup that showcases the earthy flavor of beets. You’ll love this hearty and colorful dish.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot. Add diced beets, carrots, and potatoes. Cook until slightly softened.

Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add shredded cabbage and let it cook until the vegetables are tender.

For extra richness, you can add small pieces of beef to the soup. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Serve your borscht hot with a dollop of sour cream on top. It’s a comforting meal perfect for chilly days.

4. Beetroot Hummus

Beetroot hummus is a colorful twist on the classic chickpea dip. To make it, you’ll need cooked beets, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and spices.

Start by roasting or boiling beets until they’re tender. Once cooled, peel and chop them into chunks.

Blend the beets with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin in a food processor. Add olive oil as you blend to achieve a smooth consistency.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the hummus is too thick, add a bit of water.

Serve with pita chips, veggie sticks, or spread on sandwiches for a vibrant, nutritious boost.

5. Beet and Quinoa Burger

Beet and quinoa burgers offer a tasty, plant-based alternative to traditional meat patties. These vibrant pink burgers pack a nutritious punch with protein-rich quinoa and fiber-filled beets.

To make them, you’ll combine cooked quinoa, grated beets, and spices in a food processor. Form the mixture into patties and chill them in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Cook the burgers in a pan with olive oil for 4-6 minutes per side until crispy.

Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings or in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.

These colorful burgers are not only visually appealing but also full of flavor. They’re perfect for your next cookout or meatless Monday dinner.

6. Beet Carpaccio

Beet carpaccio is a tasty and easy dish that looks fancy. You slice cooked beets very thin and arrange them on a plate.

To make it, you can roast beets in the oven for about an hour. When they’re cool, peel and slice them as thin as you can.

Spread the beet slices on a platter. Add salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also top it with greens like arugula.

Some recipes include a dressing made with mustard, yogurt, and lemon juice. Others add whipped feta cheese for extra flavor.

This dish is great for parties or as a light meal. It’s pretty, healthy, and full of beet flavor.

7. Beetroot and Chocolate Cake

Beetroot and chocolate cake is a surprising treat that combines earthy sweetness with rich cocoa. You’ll love how moist and fudgy this dessert turns out.

To make it, puree cooked beets with eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla. Mix this with flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Pour the batter into cake pans and bake.

The result is a dark, decadent cake that doesn’t taste like beets at all. Kids often enjoy it without knowing the secret ingredient. You can frost it with chocolate ganache or cream cheese icing.

This cake freezes well, so you can make it ahead for special occasions. Try it as cupcakes or in a bundt pan for variety.

8. Beet and Orange Juice

Beet and orange juice is a tasty and nutritious drink. You can make it at home with a juicer or blender.

Start by washing and peeling 2-3 medium beets and 2-3 oranges. Cut them into pieces that fit your juicer.

If using a blender, add some water and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove pulp.

This bright red juice is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It has a sweet and earthy flavor that you’ll enjoy.

Try adding other fruits or vegetables like carrots or apples for variety. You can also mix in some ginger for extra zing.

9. Pickled Beets

Pickled beets are a tasty way to preserve this root vegetable. To make them, start by cooking and peeling the beets.

Next, prepare a vinegar and water mixture with spices like cinnamon. Bring this to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.

Pack the cooked beets into clean jars. Pour the hot liquid over them, leaving 1/4 inch of space at the top.

For quick pickles, refrigerate the jars for 18-24 hours before eating. These will keep in the fridge for 1-3 months.

You can also process the jars in a water bath for longer storage. This classic recipe delivers old-fashioned flavor that you’ll love.

10. Beet Risotto

Beet risotto is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines creamy rice with earthy beets. To make it, you’ll need Arborio rice, beets, onion, garlic, white wine, and broth.

Start by cooking diced beets until tender. In a separate pot, sauté onion and garlic, then add the rice and toast it briefly. Pour in wine and let it absorb.

Gradually add warm broth, stirring constantly until the rice is creamy and al dente. Mix in the cooked beets and their cooking liquid for a bright pink color.

Finish your risotto with butter and grated cheese. The result is a creamy, tangy dish with a beautiful rosy hue that’s sure to impress.

11. Beetroot Brownies

Beetroot brownies offer a unique twist on the classic chocolate treat. They use pureed beets to add moisture and a subtle earthy flavor.

To make these, mix dry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in a bowl. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients including beet puree, melted chocolate, eggs, and sweetener.

Blend the wet and dry mixtures together to form a rich batter. Pour it into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F until set.

The result is a fudgy, chocolatey brownie with added nutrients from the beets. You’ll love the moist texture and deep color these brownies have.

12. Beetroot Relish

Beetroot relish is a tasty way to use up extra beets. It’s sweet and tangy, perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish.

To make it, grate peeled beets and add them to a pot. Mix in chopped apple, ginger, and onion. Pour in water, vinegar, salt, and sugar.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes. Take off the lid and cook for 10-15 more minutes to thicken it up.

You can store your homemade beetroot relish in jars in the fridge. It’s great on burgers or with cheese and crackers.

13. Beetroot and Feta Tart

Beetroot and feta tart is a tasty dish that combines earthy beets with tangy feta cheese. To make it, start by roasting beetroot until tender.

Line a tart pan with pastry and blind bake it. Slice the roasted beets and arrange them in the pastry shell.

Mix crumbled feta with eggs and cream to create a savory custard. Pour this mixture over the beets in the tart shell.

Bake the tart until the filling is set and golden on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.

You can garnish your tart with fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and color. This dish works well as a light lunch or appetizer.

14. Beet Gazpacho

Beet gazpacho is a cool and refreshing twist on the classic Spanish soup. This vibrant dish combines the earthy sweetness of beets with crisp vegetables and tangy flavors.

To make beet gazpacho, start by boiling or roasting beets until tender. Blend them with cucumbers, onions, garlic, and cold water or vegetable stock.

Add a splash of vinegar and some fresh dill for extra zest. Chill the soup for at least 2 hours before serving.

You can garnish your beet gazpacho with a dollop of yogurt, chopped herbs, or diced vegetables. This colorful soup is perfect for hot summer days and makes an impressive appetizer for dinner parties.

15. Beet Pesto Pasta

Beet pesto pasta offers a vibrant twist on traditional pesto. To make it, you’ll blend cooked beets with nuts, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor.

You can use any pasta shape you like. Cook it until al dente, then toss with the beet pesto. The result is a beautiful pink dish that’s both tasty and eye-catching.

This recipe works well for vegans too. Simply swap out any dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

For extra texture, try topping your pasta with chopped nuts or fresh herbs.

Nutritional Benefits of Beets

Beets pack a powerful nutritional punch. They’re low in calories but high in important vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Let’s explore the key nutrients and health benefits beets offer.

Vitamins and Minerals

Beets are rich in essential nutrients. A cup of raw beets contains:

  • Folate: 20% of your daily needs
  • Manganese: 14% of your daily needs
  • Vitamin C: 6% of your daily needs
  • Potassium: 9% of your daily needs

Beets also provide small amounts of iron, zinc, and vitamin B6. These nutrients help support your immune system, bone health, and energy production.

The greens of beets are edible too. They’re packed with vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Don’t throw them away – add them to salads or sauté them as a side dish.

Antioxidants and Health Benefits

Beets are loaded with powerful plant compounds that act as antioxidants in your body. These include:

  • Betalains: Give beets their red color and may have anti-inflammatory effects
  • Nitrates: Can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure
  • Fiber: Supports digestive health and helps you feel full

Studies suggest eating beets may boost exercise performance and brain function. The nitrates in beets can increase blood flow to your brain, potentially improving mental and cognitive performance.

Beets may also help fight inflammation in your body. This could lower your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Cooking Techniques for Beets

Beets can be prepared using different cooking methods to bring out their natural sweetness and earthy flavor. The most popular techniques are roasting and boiling or steaming.

Roasting Techniques

Roasting beets brings out their sweetness and creates a tender texture.

Start by washing and trimming the beets, leaving about an inch of stem. You can roast them whole or cut into wedges.

For whole beets, wrap each one in foil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes. Larger beets may take up to 90 minutes.

To roast beet wedges, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-35 minutes, turning halfway through.

Check doneness by piercing with a fork. Let the beets cool slightly before peeling off the skin.

Boiling and Steaming

Boiling and steaming are quick ways to cook beets. These methods work well for smaller beets or when you want to keep their bright color.

To boil, trim the beets and place them in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes until tender.

For steaming, place trimmed beets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 30-40 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork.

After cooking, plunge the beets into cold water. This makes the skins easier to remove. Gently rub off the skins with your fingers or a paper towel.