The vibrant color of this one-pot beet risotto makes this a show-stopping side dish or vegan meal! This cheater's version of risotto is quick and easy to make.
Beet risotto is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! Red beets are an easy way to add natural color, as well as an earthy sweetness. They're equally good in a roasted beet salad.
Since this recipe is so easy to make, it works just as well for a weeknight meal as it does for a fun holiday meal. Think Valentine's Day or Easter.
As much as I enjoy making a classic risotto (all the stirring is oddly satisfying), sometimes I want all of the benefits of the creamy texture without the extra time.
This beetroot risotto requires only 15 minutes of prep time and about half an hour of inactive, cooking time. In other words, you get to walk away and do something else while the rice simmers. Because of the qualities of Arborio rice, this method still produces a risotto-like texture. I use the same method for quick barley risotto.
What you need for this beet risotto:
These are the main ingredients of this recipe (affiliate links may be included):
- BEET: Use a medium-sized red beet. Other colors of beets can be used, but this will affect the overall color of the dish.
- RICE: Arborio rice can be found in most grocery stores or online.
- AROMATICS: Yellow onion and garlic cloves.
- KALE: Use 2 kale leaves. Cut out the stems and chop the leaves. There should be about 1 cup (pressed down) of chopped leaves. Swiss chard or spinach are good alternatives. If using spinach, stir it in at the last minute.
- BROTH: Use homemade or your favorite store-bought vegetable broth. Chicken broth can be used in a pinch, though this will change the flavor slightly and the dish will no longer be vegetarian/vegan.
- BALSAMIC VINEGAR: A couple of tablespoons of balsamic vinegar adds a really nice hit of acid.
- SEASONING: Dried rosemary (I prefer crushed dried rosemary), kosher salt and ground pepper.
- OPTIONAL: If you like, top each serving with some grated Parmesan cheese. For a vegan option, use a store-bough vegan Parmesan cheese substitute or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
See recipe card below for full ingredients list & recipe directions.
💙What’s to love about this beetroot risotto recipe:
▪️GORGEOUS! I mean, just look at that color! The grated beets infuse the broth and rice with their natural vibrant color.
▪️FLAVOR, FLAVOR, FLAVOR: The sweetness of the beets pairs so well with the acid of the balsamic vinegar, and the other seasonings (garlic, rosemary and salt). A flavor dance in your mouth!
▪️QUICK & EASY: Since this is a cheater’s version of risotto and takes a fraction of the time to cook.
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How to make beet risotto:
- PEEL THE BEET: Cut off the ends of the beet, then use a vegetable peeler to peel off the outer skin. This can be messy work, so I recommend holding the beet with a paper towel or using food prep gloves. If you aren’t using gloves, wash your hands right away to avoid staining your skin with the beet juices.
- GRATE THE BEET: Grate the beet using a box grater. I like to do this onto a dark colored cutting board so that my light wood boards aren’t stained by the juices.
- SAUTÉ THE ONION: Set a large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil to heat. I prefer to use a nonstick saucepan or an enameled cast-iron skillet so that less oil can be used. Add the onions to the pan and cook until they are tender, about 5 minutes, giving them a stir occasionally.
- RICE & MORE: Add the rice, garlic, vinegar and rosemary to the onions. Stir while cooking for about a minute.
- ADD THE REST: Stir in the grated beets, chopped kale and vegetable broth.
- BOIL & SIMMER: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and cover the saucepan. Simmer until almost all the liquid is absorbed. That should take 25 to 30 minutes.
- TASTE & SEASON: Taste the rice and season with salt and pepper until you’re satisfied. Serve with or without Parmesan cheese on top. See my notes above about vegan options.
What to serve with this beetroot rice recipe:
As an entrée:
Serve this as a vegetarian or vegan main dish. The serving size listed is just ½ cup, so be sure to adjust the recipe if serving this as an entrée for multiple people. It looks pretty served in white, shallow bowls.
If you prefer to add meat to your meal, stir in some cooked chicken or pork sausage, or top with sliced baked chicken breast or seared shrimp.
As a side dish:
Serve alongside chicken, pork, shrimp or fish.
Other beet recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Beet risotto is best served immediately after cooking. The creamy texture is best at this point. That being said, feel free to refrigerate any leftovers. Reheat it gently in a saucepan or skillet with a little extra broth to reconstitute the rice.
Arborio rice works best for creamy textures because of its high starch content. In a pinch, you could use pearl barley or sushi. If using sushi rice, soak it for at least an hour ahead of time. The cooking times of the recipe will vary depending on the type of grain used.
Yes, it’s vegan assuming that you use vegetable broth. Rather than topping with regular Parmesan cheese, use a store-bought vegan Parmesan cheese alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Or leave off any topping entirely.
Beet Risotto Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion chopped
- ¾ cups arborio rice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 medium beets peeled & grated (about 1 cup) - (See Note 1)
- 2 kale leaves finely chopped (about 1 cup) - (See Note 2)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- Kosher salt to taste
Optional:
- Grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (for vegan)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan set over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
- To the onions, add the rice, garlic, vinegar and rosemary. Stir, cooking, until the rice is coated, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the beets, kale and vegetable broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook until almost all of the liquid is absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve. Optional: Top with Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was first published on October 9, 2013 and updated on March 31, 2022.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Stephanie
I've made this several times and it's great. I'm wondering if you think the flavors will work with Golden Beets as well? I have a bunch I need to use up. Thanks!
Laura Rich
I Googled easy beet recipes for tonight, found yours and made it. It was so good my five year old picky eater ate seconds! This is definitely going in the rotation. Thanks!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Laura, that's wonderful! I'm so glad that it was a hit with your whole family. Thank you for letting me know.
Heather
This was fantastic and I only made two changes - a bit of pancetta (a little goes a long way) and beet greens instead of kale (since I had them, I figured I'd use them). So simple and delicious! What a great use of beets and a wonderful non-creamy risotto recipe!
Ani
I plan on making this as my vegetarian/vegan option at Christmas dinner! The colors are just perfect 🙂 I am going to add some peas for the red/green theme and I just love the sweetness they bring!
Kirsten
Dara,
I quickly snarfed up all the beet greens in the farm share, but haven't touched the beets just yet. This rice is so pretty!
Thanks!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Kirsten! The beet greens are always such a wonderful bonus when I buy beets.
Amanda
Beautiful color! So vibrant! And I love that it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.
That color! SO pretty! And I love the flavors in this dish!
Bev @ Bev Cooks
That. Is. Fabulous.
Manju @ Manju'sEatingDelights
This Pilaf looks 'sexy' and so vibrant! Love it...I hope you win 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Manju! I'm not entering myself, but I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else comes up with.
Tahnycooks
Loving this recipe!! And, I'm so glad that I have beets to use! The color is stunning and I can't wait to try this!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you! I hope you have a chance to try it.
Sommer @ ASpicyPerspective
Looks delicious, Dara! Love the bright color!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Sommer. The beets really made their mark. And I love how well they went with the rosemary.
gina @ skinnytaste
Love this photo and the white on white : ) Plus I bet this tastes amazing!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Gina! It was fun working with such a vibrant ingredient.
Paula - bell'alimento
So vibrant and delicious! Gorgeous Dara!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Paula! All credit goes to the beets. 🙂
Olena@iFOODreal
What a different recipe! The colour is gorgeous! I love beets although many people don't. I definitely see why your son was so excited about this in his lunch box LOL.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
He had a great time shocking his friends with the color!
Lindsay
Love this! We just finished our own beet/balsamic/arborio/rosemary recipe too! Funny how the same 4 ingredients can turn into such different dishes. Gorgeous photos. 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Lindsay! I'm heading over to check it out. I can't wait to see what you came up with!
Katrina @ WVS
I am a beet fanatic!! This recipe is absolutely fabulous Dara!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Katrina. I've fallen in love with beets and I love how this recipe highlights their flavor.
Tieghan
It is so pretty, Dara! That color is just incredible! I love that this is made all in one pot and that the prep time is 15 minutes! So perfect for busy nights!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Tieghan! I just love the color that beets impart. And yes, the short prep time makes it even better!