Tillie Doyle
Cooking beets in a crock pot is a great way to prepare them with minimal effort and similar results to roasting. The slow cooker method takes a few minutes of prep and a few hours of cooking time, and it's much better than boiling, which can make a mess and boil out the flavour. To cook beets in a crock pot, first trim and wash the beets, leaving the peel intact. Then, add water to the crock pot and place the beets inside. Set the crock pot to cook for 3 to 8 hours, depending on the desired doneness. Once they're cooked, let the beets cool, then peel the skins off. The beets are now ready to be used in various recipes, such as salads, sides, or meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | A few minutes |
| Cook time | 3-4 hours on high, 7-8 hours on low, or overnight |
| Cookware | Slow cooker or crockpot |
| Ingredients | Beets, water, salt |
| Recipe | Wash beets, trim greens, roots and ends, cut large beets in half, add water and salt, cook, peel, serve |
| Serving suggestions | Salads, sides, lunch bowls, dinners, soups, cupcakes |
| Nutrition | 78-180 kcal, 17-21g carbohydrates, 2-3g protein, 1-11g fat, 1-2g saturated fat, 240-388mg sodium, 400-590mg potassium, 4-5g fiber, 12-17g sugar, 60-65IU vitamin A, 6-9mg vitamin C, 22-31mg calcium, 1mg iron |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the beets
Preparing beets for the crock pot is a simple process. Start by washing your beets and removing any debris. You can leave the peel on, but you should trim the tops and roots. If your beets are large, cut them into halves or quarters, with the pieces being no thicker than 2 inches. Try to make all the beets a similar size so they cook evenly.
Some recipes suggest removing the greens from the beets and using them in another recipe or discarding them. However, others recommend leaving the beets whole and unpeeled. If you do decide to leave the beets whole, make sure not to cut into them, as they will bleed during the cooking process.
Once your beets are prepared, place them into the crock pot and add water—usually around 1 cup or 2 cups for a large slow cooker. You can also add a little salt at this stage for seasoning.
Now your beets are ready to be cooked in the crock pot!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time for beets in a crock pot depends on the temperature setting and the size of the beets. It is recommended to cut any large beets into halves or quarters, with the pieces being no thicker than 2 inches. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking or undercooking.
For cooking on a high temperature setting, the recommended cooking time is 3 to 4 hours. However, it is important to note that the size of the beets may require adjustments to this timeframe. Smaller beets may take around 3 hours, while larger beets might need the full 4 hours or slightly longer. It is suggested to use a fork or sharp knife to test the doneness of the beets and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
On the other hand, if you prefer to cook your beets on a low temperature setting, the recommended cooking time is 7 to 8 hours. This slower cooking method allows the beets to become tender and fully cooked without the risk of overcooking. Again, the size of the beets may require slight adjustments to the cooking time.
It is worth mentioning that some sources suggest cooking beets in a crock pot on high for 20 minutes under pressure, followed by a natural release for 10 minutes. This method is suitable for smaller beets and can be adjusted for larger ones.
In summary, the cooking time for beets in a crock pot depends on the temperature setting and the size of the beets. Cooking on high typically ranges from 3 to 4 hours, while cooking on low can take up to 7 to 8 hours. Adjustments can be made based on the size of the beets and their doneness.
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Peeling the beets
There are several methods you can use to peel the beets. One is to use a paper towel to rub off the skins. You can also use your hands, and the skins should slide off easily, especially if you are peeling under running water while the beets are still warm. If you are worried about staining, you can wear rubber gloves. Another option is to use a swivel peeler to remove the skins.
Once peeled, you can slice or cut the beets into the desired shape for your recipe. If you are not using them immediately, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
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Storing and freezing beets
Storing beets in the refrigerator:
Beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months if they are kept whole and unwashed. To store beets in the refrigerator for up to a week, they should be cooked and stored in an airtight container.
Freezing beets:
Freezing is a great option for preserving beets for the long term. To freeze beets, first, cook them with about 0.5 inches of their stem intact to minimize color bleed. Then, cool them in cold water and remove the stems, taproot, and skin. Next, cut the beets into slices or cubes and place them on a shallow tray or pan. Put the tray in the freezer until the beets are frozen solid. Finally, transfer the frozen beets to freezer bags or containers, leaving about 0.5 inches of headspace. Frozen beets will last for up to a year in the freezer.
Other preservation methods:
In addition to freezing, beets can also be preserved through pickling, canning, or drying. Pickled beets can be stored at room temperature for up to a year and a half and are a great addition to salads. Canning and drying beets are also popular preservation methods, although the texture of canned and dried beets may differ from that of fresh or frozen beets.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked beets are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Salads
Beets are a great addition to salads, providing a burst of colour and flavour. You can add them to a simple green salad or get creative with combinations like spinach, goat cheese, and walnuts. Beets also pair well with fruits and veggies like oranges, carrots, and apples. Try a Spiralized Golden Beet Salad with a Rosemary Honey Dressing or a Roasted Beet and Cabbage Slaw for a refreshing side dish.
Lunch Bowls
Slow-cooked beets are an excellent component for meal prep, as they can be made in bulk and added to lunch bowls throughout the week. They provide a nutritious and colourful boost to your midday meal.
Side Dishes
Beets make a tasty and tangy side dish for dinner. Reheat them with butter, salt, and pepper, or drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. For a fancier touch, try a balsamic glaze, or sprinkle with toasted walnuts and goat cheese.
Pickling
Pickled beets are a unique and delicious treat. You can use them to elevate dishes like hard-boiled eggs or enjoy them as a snack.
Freezing
Slow-cooked beets freeze well, so you can always have some on hand. Simply slice or chop them into recipe-sized portions and store them in ziplock bags. That way, you can easily add them to future meals.
Baking
Beets are a surprisingly versatile ingredient in baked goods. They add moisture and a unique flavour to cupcakes, like chocolate beet cupcakes. So don't be afraid to experiment with adding beets to your favourite baking recipes!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook beets in a crock pot for 3-4 hours on high heat or 7-8 hours on low heat.
To prepare beets for cooking in a crock pot, wash and trim the beets, removing any greens and leaving the skins on. Cut large beets in half or quarters so that they are no thicker than 2 inches.
Beets are done when they are tender. You can test their doneness with a fork or sharp knife.
