These easy roasted beets are made with just beets, salt, and oil. It's my go-to beet recipe that’s simple and never disappoints! If you're searching for a healthy, simple vegetable side dish, these roasted beets are definitely contenders.

Don't let anyone tell you that beets taste like dirt. These are so sweet and rich, you'll make a beet-lover out of anyone.

roasted beet slices on round white plate on white and light blue towel

A Healthy Oven-Roasted Beet Recipe

Beets always get a bad rap. Some people harp on them and say they’re too difficult to make, while others take up issue with their flavor and texture. I happen to love, love, love beets, and I’m pretty sure this is the recipe that could change all those haters’ minds! If you ask me, roasting beets is the very best way to cook them. It makes them candy-sweet and the perfect side to really any meal.

If you’ve ever said (or thought) that beets taste like dirt, I think a little olive oil and kosher salt may just do the trick and show you the light. We have beets growing in droves in my garden, so I’ve learned to work with them and have perfected this recipe. Even my kids love them hot off the pan when they’re just a little crispy around the edges. If that doesn’t convince you to attempt these beautiful roasted veggies, I don’t know what will!

I do love beets, and if you ask me, roasting them is the absolute best way to cook them. It makes them candy sweet. These would be perfect as a simple side to just about any meal and if you have a few leftover, they are excellent served cold in salads. I have beets coming up in masses in my garden, and this is what I do with them over and over again. I'm telling you, I aim to make a beet fan out of you and this is where it starts.

skinned uncooked beets in round white bowl

How do you clean beets?

Give the beets a good scrub (like you would a potato) to get any hidden dirt off. I have this little scrubber and we love it. Then use a sharp knife to cut off the tops and bottoms (stem and root ends) of your beets.

How do you peel beets?

Use a paring knife or a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the outside of the beet. Both are good options. Cutting beets will stain your hands red and stain any curtains or clothes that might be nearby. Wear gloves if you don't want red fingers and an apron to shield your clothes if needed.

Why are beets healthy for you to eat?

Did you know that beets are high in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium? Now you do!

How do you pick the best beets at the store?

When picking out beets at the store, choose ones that are firm to the touch and have nice perky greens on top, instead of droopy, wilted greens and soft beet roots (the part we eat).

Can you use the green leafy parts of beets in anything?

Yes, you can wash and eat the beet tops too! They are pretty strong as far as greens go, but are loaded with all kinds of vitamins and minerals. I use a little in my green smoothies or sauté them up with olive oil and salt. Small leaves are good raw in salads too.

Commonly asked beet questions:

Are beets good for you?

Beets are a GREAT veggies to incorporate into your diet because they’re low calorie and a wonderful source of nutrients, like vitamin C, fiber, and folate. They even have healthy elements that help to lower blood pressure and improve physical stamina! That means they’re great for kids and adults alike.

Do you leave the skin on beets when roasting?

Just like potatoes, beets are grown underground and they have a tough skin on their surface. It’s important to scrub them well to remove excess dirt and peel the skin before cooking them because it’s pretty tough and unsavory to eat.

What do roasted beets taste like?

Contrary to popular belief that beets taste like dirt (c’mon, you guys know I wouldn’t feed you dirt!), roasted beets actually take on a nice sweet, but earthy, flavor and have a similar consistency to roasted potatoes.

Roasting beets in the oven is easy:

Just wash the outside and give the fresh beets a quick peel and then rinse again.
Slice uniformly thin (the key to having them cook evenly!)
Toss of olive oil and then lay them out on a sheet.
Sprinkle with salt.
Bake and then enjoy!

Simple Roasted Beets

★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: Melissa Griffiths - Bless this Mess
Total Time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These easy roasted beets are made with just beets, salt, and oil. It's my go-to beet recipe that’s simple and never disappoints! If you're searching for a healthy, simple vegetable side dish, these roasted beets are definitely contenders.

Ingredients

Scale

4 to 5 beets
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash the beets and use a vegetable scrubber to wash the outside. Remove the stem and root end with a sharp knife. Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to peel the beets. Slice the beets into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them in a small bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil over the sliced beets and then toss to combine. Place the sliced beets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Roast in the hot oven until the beets are fork tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Enjoy hot with additional salt to taste.

Notes

Give the beets a good scrub (like you would a potato) to get any hidden dirt off. I have this little scrubber and we love it. Then use a sharp knife to cut off the tops and bottoms (stem and root ends) of your beets.
Use a paring knife or a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the outside of the beet. Both are good options.
Cutting beets will stain your hands red and stain any curtains or clothes that might be nearby. Wear gloves if you don't want red fingers and an apron to shield your clothes if needed.
Did you know that beets are high in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium? Now you do!
When picking out beets at the store, choose ones that are firm to the touch and have nice perky greens on top instead of droopy, wilted greens and soft beet roots (the part we eat).
Did you know that you can wash and eat the beet tops too? They are pretty strong as far as greens go, but are loaded with all kinds of vitamins and minerals. I use a little in my green smoothies or sauté them up with olive oil and salt. Small leaves are good raw in salads too.

Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Category: Side
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American

Keywords: How to cook beets, how to cook a beets, easy beets recipe, roasted beets, roasted beets recipe, how to make beets, easy beet recipe, Thanksgiving side dish ideas, recipe with beets

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This recipe was originally published in 2017, and has been updated and rephotographed in February 2020.