Roasted Beets and Sweet Potatoes

Name: Roasted Beets and Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 6 medium sweet potatoes (orange, white, or purple; peeled and chopped); 2 medium beets (peeled and chopped); 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp sea salt; 1 tbsp oil (such as olive oil)

Roasted Beets and Sweet Potatoes is a simple oven-baked side dish made with minimal ingredients and basic seasonings. It combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the earthy flavor of beets, all roasted at high heat until browned and tender. This is a practical way to upgrade your usual roasted potatoes routine with more color, nutrients, and texture—no extra steps or fancy tools required.

Fork holding roasted beets and roasted sweet potatoes over a tray of oven-baked root vegetables.

Why Combine Beets and Sweet Potatoes?

1. Balanced Flavor
Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness, while beets add an earthy, slightly bitter edge. Roasting enhances both, creating a sweet-savory contrast that works well together.

2. Similar Cook Times
When chopped into equal-sized pieces, both beets and sweet potatoes roast evenly at the same temperature. That means no juggling pans or adjusting bake times.

3. Nutrient Boost
Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and beta-carotene, while beets are rich in antioxidants and support healthy blood flow. Together, they make a nutrient-dense side that’s filling and colorful.

4. Texture Variety
Roasted sweet potatoes are soft with crispy edges, and beets stay firm but tender. The mix gives you better texture than using just one vegetable.

5. More Visual Appeal
Orange sweet potatoes and deep red or golden beets look great together on the plate—especially if you’re prepping for guests or meal photos.

Ingredients

6 medium sweet potatoes (orange, white, or purple — any variety works)
2 medium beets
1 tablespoon oil (olive, avocado, or any neutral cooking oil)
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Tip: Choose sweet potatoes and beets that are firm and similar in size so they roast evenly.

Bowl of uncooked chopped beets, white sweet potatoes, and orange sweet potatoes prepared for roasting. — *Colorful mix of beets and sweet potatoes prepped for oven roasting — the first step in making roasted beets and sweet potatoes.*

How To Make Roasted Beets and Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat oven
Set your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prep the vegetables
Peel the sweet potatoes and beets. Cut both into evenly sized, bite-sized chunks (about ¾-inch pieces).

Step 3: Season
Place chopped vegetables on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands or a spatula to toss until everything is well coated.

Step 4: Roast
Place the sheet in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, toss the veggies with a spatula to ensure even browning. Roast for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until edges are browned and centers are fork-tender.

Step 5: Serve
Remove from oven and serve warm. Great as a side for protein, tossed into salads, or added to grain bowls.

What to Serve with Roasted Beets and Sweet Potatoes

This combo makes a versatile side that works with just about anything. Here are some easy ways to serve it:

1. With Grilled or Roasted Meats
Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted turkey for a complete and colorful plate.

2. In Grain Bowls
Add to a bowl with quinoa, farro, or brown rice, plus greens, avocado, and a tahini or yogurt-based dressing.

3. Topped with Eggs
Turn leftovers into breakfast. Add a fried or poached egg on top for a filling, veggie-packed morning meal.

4. On a Salad
Toss into a spinach or arugula salad with goat cheese, walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette for a nutrient-rich lunch.

5. With Legumes or Plant-Based Proteins
Pair with roasted chickpeas, lentils, or baked tofu for a hearty vegetarian dinner.

6. As a Holiday Side
The color and flavor make this dish a great fit for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, where it adds something fresh to the table alongside traditional roasted potatoes.

Close-up of roasted beets, white sweet potatoes, and orange sweet potatoes with crispy edges. — *A close-up of perfectly roasted beets and sweet potatoes — a nutrient-packed, colorful alternative to traditional roasted potatoes.*

Queen of Roast Tips: Get It Crispy, Every Time

If you’re aiming for that perfect balance of golden edges and tender centers, these are the non-negotiables. Here’s how to roast like a pro — whether you’re doing roasted sweet potatoes, beets, or both:

1. Don’t Skip the Preheat
Always preheat your oven to a hot 400°F (or higher). A fully heated oven helps the veggies crisp up faster and roast more evenly.

2. Dry Veggies = Crispier Results
After peeling and chopping, pat the sweet potatoes and beets dry with a paper towel. Extra moisture = steam, and steam = soft, not crispy.

3. Don’t Crowd the Pan
Spread the veggies out in a single layer with space in between. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of roast. Use two pans if needed.

4. Go Generous (but Not Drenched) on Oil
Use just enough oil to coat every piece — usually 1 tablespoon per 3–4 cups of chopped veggies. Too much oil will leave them greasy; too little and they dry out.

5. Season Before Roasting
Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or ranch seasoning stick better when added before the oven. Add fresh herbs after roasting to keep their flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I roast beets with sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can roast them together as long as they’re cut into evenly sized pieces. Both vegetables roast well at 400°F and typically finish in 40 to 45 minutes when chopped into ¾-inch chunks.

Is it better to peel beets before or after roasting?

For this recipe, it’s better to peel beets before roasting, especially since they’re being chopped and mixed with sweet potatoes. It saves time later and helps the seasonings stick. However, if you’re roasting whole beets, peeling afterward is easier.

Does beetroot go with sweet potatoes?

Yes, beetroot and sweet potatoes complement each other well. The earthy flavor of beets pairs nicely with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. Roasting brings out the best in both and creates a balanced, colorful side dish

How long should you roast beets?

When cut into chunks, beets roast in about 40 to 45 minutes at 400°F. Toss halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Whole beets can take up to an hour or more depending on size, so chopping them is ideal for quicker cooking.

Pile of roasted beets and sweet potatoes, including golden, orange, and deep red cubes with caramelized edges. — *A vibrant medley of roasted sweet potatoes and beets — crisp on the outside, tender inside, and full of flavor.*

Roasted Beets and Sweet Potatoes is a simple, no-fuss recipe that adds color, flavor, and nutrients to any meal. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, it’s an easy way to change up your usual side dish routine. The balance of sweet and earthy flavors makes it a reliable go-to, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd.

If you liked this, you might also want to try the Ranch Roasted Sweet Potatoes, same crisp texture, but with a bold, seasoned twist that’s perfect for weeknights.

Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments. And don’t forget to save it for later — your future self will thank you on a busy night.