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    Home » Recipes » Side Dish

    Instant Pot Beets

    Published: Sep 24, 2019 · Updated: Apr 7, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 12 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pin for beets.

    Learn how to cook beets in your pressure cooker in 15 minutes. Instant Pot beets are perfect for snacking, smoothies, appetizers, spiralizing, salad, bowls, and so much more.

    A bowl of beets cooked in the Instant Pot, topped with fresh parsley.

    Up until a few years ago, I used to dislike beets. It wasn't until I started juicing and roasting fresh beets that I realized how delicious they can taste.

    These days I use my Instant Pot to quickly steam beets. When I steam beets in the pressure cooker, there’s no guesswork about timing. They come out just how I want them every time.

    How to cook beets in the Instant Pot

    To cook beets in your pressure cooker, follow these step-by-step directions:

    1. Prepare the beets: Trim off the ends of the beet and rinse them to remove any debris.

    Cleaned beets and a chef's knife on a wooden cutting board.

    2. Add ingredients to Instant Pot: Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and add the water. Carefully place the beets on the trivet.

    Hand placing beets on the rack inside the Instant Pot.

    3. Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once completed, turn off the Instant Pot and wait 10 minutes to naturally release the pressure.

    Quick-release any remaining pressure and carefully remove the lid.

    4. Check doneness: If a fork can be inserted easily into the beet, it's ready. Carefully remove the beets and place them in a bowl.

    Hand using tons to remove the beets.

    5. Prepare the cooked beets: On a cutting board, slice off the ends and remove the peel. It should slide right off.

    Pro tip: Use gloves to prevent your hands from staining.

    Once cooled, cut the beets as desired and place them in a bowl. Toss with extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette (if using), salt, and pepper. Serve immediately.

    Hands holding cooked beet after slicing off the top.

    Serving suggestions

    Prepared beets can be used in many ways and make a tasty addition to smoothies, soups, salads, appetizers, and side dishes.

    Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

    • Marinate the beets in balsamic vinegar for an hour before tossing it with some extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. This makes a delicious side.
    • Make a creamy beet hummus in minutes using your food processor.
    • Blend a delicious beet smoothie for a delicious breakfast.
    • Add the beets to your salads and bowls. They make the perfect topping.
    • Spiralize the beets for a quick and delicious noodle salad.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do I need a steamer basket to cook beets in the Instant Pot? No, you can use the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot.

    How long do beets last in the fridge? 3 to 5 days if stored in an airtight container.

    Can you freeze cooked beets? Yes, cooked beets can be frozen.

    Pro tip: After you've sliced or diced the beets, freeze them in a single layer on a tray. This will prevent the beets from clumping up together. Once frozen, add them to a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to a year.

    How do I remove beet stains from my hand? While the stains will come off naturally in a couple of days, try rubbing your fingers with some baking soda or lemon juice.

    A bowl of cooked beets with a bowl of fresh parsley and another bowl of flaky salt.

    More Instant Pot recipes

    • Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
    • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
    • How to Cook Wheat Berries in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs
    • Instant Pot Basmati Rice

    Did you make this Instant Pot beets recipe? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out. Save this easy side dish recipe for later by pinning to your favorite Instant Pot Pinterest board and be sure to tag me on Real + Vibrant’s Instagram to show me your beets.

    Bowl of beets with fresh herbs on top

    Instant Pot Beets

    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep time: 5 minutes
    Cook time: 25 minutes
    Total time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 2 -3 servings
    Calories: 106kcal
    Author: Sapana Chandra
    Beets can easily be made in the Instant Pot. Pressure cooked beets are perfect for snacking, smoothies, appetizers, spiralizing, salad, bowls, and so much more.

    Ingredients

    • 6 small beets, or 3 large beets
    • 1 cup water

    Optional:

    • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
    • salt and pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    • Rinse the beets and trim the stems and roots.
    • Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and add the water. Carefully place the beets on the trivet.
    • Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once completed, turn off the Instant Pot and wait 10 minutes to naturally release the pressure. Quick-release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.  If you can easily insert a fork or the tip of a knife into the beet, it's done. Carefully remove the beets and place in a bowl to cool.
    • On a cutting board, slice off the ends and remove the peel - it will slide off.* Cut the beets as desired.

    Notes

    • Use gloves to prevent your hands from staining.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 106kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 198mg, Potassium: 800mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 81IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 39mg, Iron: 2mg
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!
    « Instant Pot Carrots
    Instant Pot Jasmine Rice »
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    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Damaris says

      September 30, 2019 at 6:21 pm

      I love beets and I haven't thought to cook them in a pressure cooker! Beautiful photos!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 2:45 pm

        Thank you, Damaris!

        Reply
    2. Vicky says

      September 24, 2019 at 1:31 pm

      Love the idea of making beets in the pressure cooker! So easy!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 24, 2019 at 6:28 pm

        Thank you! It makes prepping meals so much easier!

        Reply
    3. Sheri Brubaker says

      September 24, 2019 at 1:06 pm

      This is a really cool way to cook beets! I can’t wait to try this.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 24, 2019 at 6:28 pm

        Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    4. Deanne says

      September 24, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      I LOVE beets! They make me think of my Grandma and how she used to can them! So healthy, too and I love the convenience you've given in the Instant Pot!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 24, 2019 at 6:28 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    5. Beth says

      September 24, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      Love, love beets! I grew up on pickled beets so this quick way to get beets in my belly!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 24, 2019 at 6:29 pm

        So happy to hear and pickled beets are amazing!

        Reply
    6. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      September 24, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      I love Instant Pot beets, especially in salads. These look delicious.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 24, 2019 at 6:29 pm

        Thank you! They do taste amazing in salads!

        Reply

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    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

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