When it comes to cooking beets, there are two ways to go about it – boiling or roasting.
Both methods are simple, so the decision boils down to personal preference.
Some people prefer the earthy flavor of boiled beets, while others find that roasting brings out the sweetness of the beets.
No matter which cooking method you choose, be sure to enjoy these nutrient-rich veggies.
Beets are a good source of fiber, potassium, manganese, and vitamin C – plus they’re low in calories and cholesterol-free.
If you’re a foodie looking to add excitement to your beet dishes, consider substituting other veggies for beets.
Each veggie has its unique flavor and texture that can elevate a dish.
For example, try using carrots or sweet potatoes in place of beets for a delicious and nutritious side dish.
You may even be surprised by how good these substitutes can taste.
So, next time you’re looking to make a beet dish, why not experiment with some different vegetables? You may find your new favorite recipe.
What is Beet?

It’s a root vegetable that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family, including spinach and chard.
Beet is a rich source of nutrients, including folate, potassium, manganese, and magnesium.
It also contains betaine and nitrates, which have been shown to have health benefits.
Beet is a mild-flavored, sweet vegetable with a slightly earthy flavor that may be eaten roasted, boiled, or salads.
It’s also used in smoothies and juices.
It can blend in with various foods since people of all ages can eat it to its earthiness and sweetness.
When selecting beets, look for firm and have smooth skins. Avoid those that are soft or have blemishes.
Beet can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
It’s important to remember that beet will bleed its color, so it’s best not to store them with other vegetables.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Beets
For those who do not enjoy the taste of beets or simply don’t have any on hand, several substitutes can easily be substituted in recipes.
Here are five of the best substitutes for beets:
1 – Carrots

Carrots are a great substitute for beets in terms of color.
They also have a sweetness to them that can balance out dishes.
They are earthier than beets and provide a unique flavor profile in terms of taste.
When it comes to cooking carrots, there are many different ways to go about it.
You can roast them, puree them, or even fry them.
Carrots can be used as a side dish or even as the main ingredient.
There are many different types of carrots available on the market.
The most common type is the orange carrot.
However, there are also yellow, white, and purple carrots.
Depending on the dish you’re making, you may want to consider using a different color carrot.
For example, orange carrots would be the best option if you’re making soup.
However, if you’re making a salad, purple carrots would be a better fit.
Carrots are available all year long and can be found in most grocery stores.
2 – Rutabaga

Rutabaga is a root vegetable that is part of the cabbage family.
It is also known as a Swedish turnip or yellow turnip.
This vegetable has a similar appearance to a turnip but is larger and has yellow-tinged flesh.
The taste of rutabaga is somewhere between a cabbage and a potato.
You can also expect a slight sweetness and nuttiness.
Rutabaga can be eaten raw, roasted, or mashed.
It is also a popular ingredient in soups and stews.
This vegetable is available all year long but peaks from November to March.
You can find the rutabaga in the produce section of most grocery stores.
3 – Sweet Potato

For those looking for a healthier option, sweet potatoes are a great substitute for beets.
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of fiber.
In terms of taste, sweet potatoes are much sweeter than beets.
This can make them a good choice for those who are not fans of the earthy taste of beets.
Most importantly, sweet potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways.
They can be roasted, baked, mashed, or even made into chips.
The next time you are looking for a healthy side dish, consider giving sweet potatoes a try.
You may be surprised at how much you enjoy them.
4 – Red Cabbage

If you want that beautiful red hue in your dish without the sweetness of beets, then look no further than red cabbage.
This vegetable can provide a similar color to dishes as beets do, but with a more savory flavor.
You can use red cabbage in salads, slaws, or roasted as a side dish.
In terms of texture, red cabbage is more firm than beets and will hold up better in dishes where you don’t want the vegetable to break down.
When cooking with red cabbage, make sure not to overcook it, leading to a mushy texture.
You should look for a tightly packed cabbage with no bruises or brown spots that is brightly colored.
It’s important to note that red cabbage will bleed its color, so be careful when cooking with it.
If you want to avoid this, you can always cook the cabbage separately before adding it to your dish.
5 – Celeriac

Beets are a favorite amongst many, but celeriac can take their place if you don’t want anything too strong.
It has an almost identical taste and texture to beets – only less potent than the original.
The celeriac must have a soft, squishy texture with no crunch.
The best part? This low-calorie veggie tastes better than its counterparts–peel them raw if needed so they won’t be too tough or stringy when cooked.
It is also sweet and tangy like an apple but has no bitterness, which makes for an interesting contrast in taste combinations.
Since both beets and celeriac are root vegetables, they can be cooked in the same ways.
You can roast, steam, or even pickle them.
One great thing about celeriac is that you can find it all year round in most grocery stores.
It’s usually located in the produce section near other root vegetables.
Make sure to give it a good wash before using.
Conclusion
Beets are a delicious, earthy root vegetable that can be used in various dishes.
However, if you’re looking for a substitute, there are plenty of other vegetables that can give you a similar flavor and texture.
The best substitutes for beets are sweet potatoes, red cabbage, celeriac, rutabaga, and carrots.
Each of these vegetables has its unique flavor and texture that can add something special to your dish.
So next time you’re looking for a beet substitute, don’t be afraid to try one of these vegetables.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Beets

Ingredients
- Carrots
- Rutabaga
- Sweet Potato
- Red Cabbage
- Celeriac
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.