Instant Pot Beets (2 Ways!)

If you're wondering how to cook beets in the Instant Pot, I have two methods for you - pick whichever sounds easiest!

There's pros and cons to each method, but both will yield tasty beets that can be used in salads, as a side dish, or anything else you need cooked beets for. 

These beets were delish when I served them with a simple drizzle of good olive oil and some salt and freshly chopped parsley. Yes, I generally feel like beets taste like dirt, but they're kinda growing on me. In any case, since they're super nutritious, I'll down a few for that healthy glow, ya know? 😛

Another thing you can use cooked beets for is to blend them into hummus. This is a total shortcut for making my beet hummus recipe more easily!

You may also like to know how to cook corn in the Instant Pot and how to make the best Instant Pot carrots.

How to make beets in the Instant Pot

Here's an overview of the two methods (scroll for the recipe below):

Method #1

This one involves peeling the beets beforehand and cutting them into quarters.

• Pros: The prep is done ahead of time, so you can eat the beets right after taking them out of the Instant Pot. Cooking time is faster than method 2. Also, the beet juice leftover from cooking can be cooled and drank as-is or used for other things (e.g. in a soup or smoothie), which I consider a bonus.
• Cons: Peeling raw beets can be time-consuming.

Method #2

This method involves cooking the beets whole and peeling them after they're cooked.

• Pros: You just have to scrub the beets prior to cooking them, so prep time is minimal. It's also nice to be able to just slide the skins off once they're done vs. having to peel them raw. 
• Cons: Cooking time is longer. I also don't recommend keeping the leftover beet juice because you didn't peel the beets ahead of time, and there may still be some dirt present.

If you're wondering how to remove beet stains from your hands, either wear gloves to avoid this issue in the first place, or rub your stained fingers with some lemon juice or baking soda. Don't worry... it'll come off naturally in a day or two anyway. 🙂 

Have you ever made beets in your Instant Pot?

Questions? Ask me in the comments below.