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Cooking beets is fast and easy in a pressure cooker. Here’s how to make Instant Pot beets in half the time of oven roasting! Use this bright root vegetable for salads, appetizers, side dishes, soups, and more.
Confession: Alex and I used to never cook beets: not because we didn’t like them but because they so long to cook! Oven roasted beets take 1 hour, and that seems like a big hurdle most days. (Even though we do like baking projects that take hours, like sourdough bread. Go figure!)
But now, we’ve found a way to cut the time in half! Instant Pot beets take about 30 minutes total, and they come out tender every time! It’s so fast and easy, we can’t stop making beet recipes like salad and bright pink hummus.
How to make Instant Pot beets
Here’s our method for how to make beets in an Instant Pot. There’s a bit of variation based on the size of the beets. You’ll need to estimate the timing, and then adjust as necessary. It makes for perfectly cooked, tender beets in just 30 minutes. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Wash the beets well under cold water. Slice off the stem and root end of each of the beets.
Step 2: Pressure cook on High for 12 minutes for very small beets, and about 18 minutes for very large beets. Remember that it will take about 5 minutes for the Instant Pot to “preheat” and come up to pressure before the cooking starts. Test to see if the beets are tender by inserting a clean knife. If knife slides right in, the beet is done.
Step 3: If there is a little resistance to the knife, pressure cook on High again for 1 to 2 minutes and test again. When the beets are done, rinse them and slip off the peels with your fingers: they’ll come right off.
And that’s it: perfect Instant Pot beets in half the time of oven roasting!
What type of Instant Pot to use?
Pressure cooker brands can vary, so keep that in mind as you make this recipe! Alex and I use the Instant Pot brand (Instant Pot is the brand name; Instapot is a slang variation). We use the Instant Pot 6 Qt Programmable Pressure Cooker.
This recipe is customized for a 6 quart pressure cooker. We also can’t speak to other brands and types of pressure cookers. For example, Instant Pot Mini works differently, so use it at your own risk!
More beet recipes
Now that you’ve got cooked beets, there are so many ways to eat them! Here are some beet recipes:
- Try our favorite Beet Salad with Balsamic Dressing or Arugula Beet Salad.
- Go for Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese.
- Try bright pink Beet Hummus.
- Learn How to Cook Beets, like roasted beets or boiled beets.
And, try more of our favorite Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes!
Dietary notes
This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.
Frequently asked questions
Cooking beets in an Instant Pot is faster and easier than traditional roasting or boiling methods. It also helps retain the beets’ vibrant color and nutrients.
No, you don’t need to peel the beets beforehand. The skin will actually help protect them from drying out during cooking. After they’re cooked, the skin will slip off easily.
Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot for 6 to 8 medium beets. This will create enough steam to cook them thoroughly.
Instant Pot Beets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 1x
Description
Cooking beets is fast and easy in a pressure cooker. Here’s how to make Instant Pot beets in half the time of oven roasting! Use this bright root vegetable for salads, appetizers, side dishes, soups, and more.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 medium beets
Instructions
- Wash the beets well. Slice off the stem and root end of each of the beets. (You can save the greens to use in salads.)
- Place the stainless steel trivet into the Instant Pot, then place the beets on top. Add 1 cup water. Lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Place the pressure release handle (vent) in the “Sealing” position.
- Cook on high pressure for 12 to 20 minutes: Press the Pressure Cook button, making sure the “High Pressure” setting is selected, and set the time: 12 minutes for small beets and 18 for very large beets. Note that it takes about 5 minutes for the pot to “preheat” and come up to pressure before it starts cooking. (During cooking, avoid touching the metal part of the lid.)
- Quick release: Vent the remaining steam from the Instant Pot by moving the pressure release handle to “Venting”, covering your hand with a towel or hot pad. Never put your hands or face near the vent when releasing steam. Open the pressure cooker lid.
- Test: Because beets all vary in size, the timing varies. Test doneness by sliding in a knife to make sure that the beets are tender. If the knife slides right in, they’re done! If there is resistance, cook 1 to 2 more minutes on High Pressure.
- Rinse and peel: Allow to cool under water, then rub off the skin with your fingers (it will come right off!). Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Category: Essentials
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Plant Based
Omgoodness. Worked perfectly.
Worked like a charm, so much quicker then roasting and they came out perfectly. Thank You