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How long to roast beets and carrots depends on how you cut them and the temperature you use, but the short answer is that most beets and carrots roast beautifully in an oven set to 400°F.
Beets usually take longer than carrots because they’re denser, so you’ll often need around 40 to 60 minutes for beets and about 20 to 30 minutes for carrots.
If you’re roasting beets and carrots together on the same pan, timing becomes a bit of a balancing act, but it’s totally doable with a few simple tricks.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to roast beets and carrots, how to prep them, and how to get them perfectly tender every single time.
How Long to Roast Beets and Carrots Together
When you roast beets and carrots together, the key is to account for their different densities.
Beets are firm and packed tight, while carrots are a bit softer and cook faster.
So the answer to how long to roast beets and carrots really comes down to giving the beets a head start.
1. Give Beets a Head Start
If you want to roast beets and carrots on the same tray, start the beets first.
Roast the beets alone for about 20 minutes before adding the carrots.
This way, both vegetables finish roasting at roughly the same time.
2. Cut Them Into Similar Sizes
The size of your pieces matters just as much as the oven temperature.
Cut beets and carrots into cubes or chunks that are about the same size.
Aim for one-inch pieces so everything roasts evenly.
Smaller pieces cook faster, so if you dice them small, expect a shorter roasting time.
3. Use a High Heat
A 400°F oven is the sweet spot for roasting beets and carrots.
At this temperature, beets take about 40 to 60 minutes and carrots take about 20 to 30 minutes.
If you roast at 425°F, you can shave off about 10 minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
4. Toss in Oil and Season
Coat your beets and carrots in olive oil before roasting.
Oil helps them caramelize and keeps them from drying out.
Sprinkle on salt, pepper, and any herbs you love, like rosemary or thyme.
How to Roast Beets and Carrots Perfectly
Knowing how long to roast beets and carrots is one thing, but nailing the technique is what makes them taste amazing.
Here’s how to get them right every time.
1. Wrap Beets in Foil for Even Cooking
Wrapping whole beets in foil traps steam and helps them cook through evenly.
If you’re roasting whole beets, wrap them individually in foil and roast for 50 to 60 minutes.
Once they’re tender, the skins slip off easily with a paper towel.
2. Spread Vegetables in a Single Layer
Crowding the pan steams the vegetables instead of roasting them.
Spread your beets and carrots in a single layer with a little space between each piece.
This helps them brown nicely and keeps the texture just right.
3. Flip Halfway Through
About halfway through roasting, give everything a quick stir or flip.
This ensures both sides get that caramelized edge.
It also helps you check on the beets since they take longer than the carrots.
4. Check for Tenderness
The best way to know when beets and carrots are done is to pierce them with a fork.
If the fork slides in easily, they’re ready.
If there’s resistance, give them a few more minutes and check again.
5. Add Carrots Later if Needed
If you’re worried about overcooking the carrots, add them to the pan about 20 minutes after the beets.
This trick works well when you’re roasting beets and carrots at the same time.
Tips for Roasting Beets and Carrots
A few small tweaks can make a big difference in how your roasted vegetables turn out.
1. Keep the Skin On
You don’t have to peel beets or carrots before roasting.
The skin holds in moisture and adds a nice earthy flavor.
Just scrub them well under running water before you start.
2. Don’t Skip the Oil
Oil isn’t just for flavor, it helps the vegetables roast instead of steam.
Use enough to lightly coat every piece without making them greasy.
3. Add a Little Sweetness
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup brings out the natural sweetness in both beets and carrots.
Toss them with a bit of sweetener before roasting for a deeper, richer flavor.
4. Roast at the Right Temperature
Stick with 400°F for the most reliable results.
Lower temperatures take longer, and higher temperatures can burn the outside before the inside cooks through.
So, How Long to Roast Beets and Carrots?
How long to roast beets and carrots comes down to about 40 to 60 minutes for beets and 20 to 30 minutes for carrots at 400°F.
Beets take longer because they’re denser, so give them a head start when roasting both together.
Cut everything into even pieces, toss with oil and seasoning, and check for tenderness with a fork.
With these simple steps, you’ll know exactly how long to roast beets and carrots so they come out tender, caramelized, and full of flavor every time.