Beets are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be paired with a variety of meats for a delicious dinner. When choosing a meat to serve alongside beets, there are a few key factors to consider: the flavor profile, texture, preparation method, and potential health benefits. The earthy, sweet flavor of beets complements rich, savory meats like beef, bison, lamb, and duck. Leaner meats like chicken, turkey, and pork also pair well with beets, as do plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu. The preparation method for the beets and meat can also influence the flavor pairing. Roasting, braising, grilling, and sautéing are all excellent cooking techniques that enhance the natural flavors of beets and meats. When thoughtfully paired, beets and meat make for a hearty, nutritious, and delicious dinner.
Meats That Pair Well with Beets
Beef
Beef is one of the most popular meats to serve with beets. The rich, beefy flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet, earthy taste of beets. Cuts of beef like sirloin, tenderloin, and ribeye work particularly well. Ground beef is also excellent mixed into beet dishes like borscht. When cooking beef with beets, opt for moist cooking methods like braising, stewing, or roasting. This allows the flavors to mingle into a cohesive dish. Some delicious beef and beet dinner ideas include:
- Roasted beets and beef tenderloin with a red wine reduction
- Braised beef short ribs served over mashed beetroots
- Beet and beef stew with carrots and potatoes
- Hamburgers topped with pickled beets
Bison
Lean bison has a sweet, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with beets. It can be prepared similarly to beef when cooking with beets. Bison stroganoff with sliced beets is a warming and nourishing meal. Beet burgers topped with bison patties are also delicious. Due to its leanness, bison suits dry heat cooking like grilling or pan frying. For a simple dinner, grill bison steaks and roasted beet wedges. The earthy sweetness of the beets balances the bold bison flavor.
Lamb
The unique gamy flavor of lamb complements the root vegetable sweetness of beets. Braised lamb shanks served on a bed of beetroot risotto is a stellar pairing. Roast rack or leg of lamb sliced over a beet salad is another excellent option. Lamb patties or kebabs also work well when beet puree is used as a rich condiment. Lamb and beets are often used in Middle Eastern cuisine, so seasoning with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom can enhance the flavors.
Duck
Duck has a rich, fatty quality that stands up well to the earthy sweet flavor of beets. Braising or roasting are the best cooking methods to meld the flavors. Try incorporating roasted or pureed beets into the wild rice stuffing for duck breast. Or braise duck legs with chopped beets, shallots, and red wine. Beets also pair wonderfully with duck fat. After roasting a duck, save the fat drippings to sauté beet batons or shreds for a delicious side dish.
Chicken
Lean and versatile chicken can be readily combined with beets for a simple yet nourishing dinner. Sautéed chicken breasts served over a beet, walnut, and goat cheese salad is a tasty option. For heartier fare, braise chicken thighs in a mixture of chicken stock, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and halved mini beets. Roast chicken seasoned with fresh thyme also complements roasted beet wedges or a beetroot slaw as savory sides.
Turkey
Like chicken, turkey has a mild flavor that pairs well with sweet, earthy beets. Slices of roasted turkey breast complement shredded raw beets tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. For a family-friendly meal, coat turkey cutlets with breadcrumbs, pan fry, and serve alongside oven roasted beets. Ground turkey mixed with cooked quinoa, beets, feta, and herbs makes savory beet burgers or meatballs. Turkey and beet soup with lentils or barley is comforting and nourishing.
Pork
The subtle sweetness of pork balances nicely with beets. Pork tenderloin or chops can be pan seared or grilled then served with roasted beets and a Dijon mustard sauce. Beets add moisture and flavor to pork in braised dishes like pork shoulder stewed with red beets, bay leaves, garlic, and onions. Italian sausage and beet pasta brings out the best of both ingredients. And for a delicious sandwich, layer sliced roast pork loin, beet slaw, and spicy mustard on ciabatta.
Beans
Hearty beans and beets are an excellent plant-based protein pairing. Cannellini or great northern beans have a creamy texture that complements tender beet chunks in salads or stews. Toss white beans with roasted beets, arugula, walnuts, and a lemony dressing. Or add canned white beans to beef and beet stew for a boost of protein and fiber. Kidney and garbanzo beans provide hearty texture and nutty flavor to balance sweet, cooked beets. Puree beans and beets together for a dip or spread.
Lentils
Earthy, protein-packed lentils complement the rich sweetness of beets. Red and yellow lentils work well pureed into beet soups for added body and nutrition. Or make a warm beet, lentil, and goat cheese salad. Braising beet greens and chopped beets with French green lentils is another simple yet nourishing dish. Lentils add sustaining fiber and protein to balance the natural sugars of the beets.
Tofu
Tofu is a versatile plant-based ingredient that pairs well with beets. Its neutral flavor absorbs the surrounding ingredients’ flavors. Baked tofu cubes tossed in an orange beet dressing become colorful and sweetly savory. Silken tofu can be blended with roasted beets and seasonings to make a smooth, protein-rich soup. And for veggie burgers, combine crumbled tofu, cooked quinoa, grated beet, and nuts or seeds. Tofu adds protein while beets provide healthy carbohydrates.
How to Cook Beets to Pair with Meat
When cooking beets to serve with meat, keep these tips in mind:
- Roasting concentrates the beet’s natural sweetness. Roast whole beets wrapped in foil at 400°F for about 1 hour.
- Boiling maintains a firm, sliceable texture. Boil halved or quartered beets until fork tender, about 30-40 minutes.
- Pickling imparts tangy flavor. Thinly slice raw beets and quick pickle in vinegar, sugar, and spices.
- Grilling brings out smoky depth. Grilled beet slices or wedges pair well with grilled meats.
- Pureeing creates a smooth, creamy texture. Puree roasted or boiled beets with cooking liquid.
- Mashing results in a chunky, rustic texture. Mash boiled beetroots with butter, cream, or oil.
When pairing beets with meat, aim for contrasting textures. For example, serve tender beef fillet with roasted beet cubes or mashed beetroot. Opt for crispy duck breast with shredded raw beets. And combine ground turkey with a pureed beet sauce. Varying the textures ensures the flavors shine through.
Health Benefits of Beets and Meat
Enjoying beets and meat together not only provides great flavor, but also nutritious benefits:
- Beets are high in folate, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamin C. They contain the antioxidant betalain which gives them their signature color.
- Beef provides protein, iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins. Opt for leaner cuts to reduce saturated fat.
- Bison is lower in fat and calories than beef but with more iron. It is a great source of protein and nutrients.
- Lamb provides protein along with important minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Choose leaner cuts to limit fat.
- Duck offers protein while providing iron and important B vitamins. Focus on portion size due to its higher fat content.
- Chicken and turkey are lean sources of protein without much saturated fat.
By pairing beets with high quality protein sources like meat, duck, and plant-based proteins, you create well-balanced and nourishing meals. The fiber from the beets can help slow digestion which stabilizes blood sugar when eating meat which is high in protein. Together, they make up a nutritious plate.
Serving Suggestions for Beets and Meat
Here are some tips for serving delicious beet and meat dinner dishes:
Seasoning Ideas
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, dill
- Spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, caraway
- Shallots, garlic, onions, leeks
- Black pepper, sea salt
- Orange or lemon zest
- Horseradish, mustard, vinegar
- Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar
Sauce and Condiment Suggestions
- Grainy mustard
- Balsamic or sherry vinegar reduction
- Yogurt or sour cream
- Horseradish cream
- Tahini or roasted garlic aioli
- Pistachio or walnut pesto
- Gremolata
- Red wine, pomegranate, or beet juice reduction
Vegetable, Grain, and Salad Additions
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips
- Onions, shallots, leeks, garlic
- Carrots, celery, mushrooms, bell peppers
- Quinoa, barley, rice, couscous, farro
- Mixed greens, arugula, spinach, endive, chicory
- Citrus fruits, dried cranberries, nuts, seeds
- Feta, goat cheese, blue cheese, Parmesan
With a balance of contrasting textures, bright flavors, and health-enhancing ingredients, beet and meat combos make for hearty yet nourishing dinners the whole family can savor.
Sample Beet and Meat Dinner Menus
Here are a few sample dinner menus featuring delicious beet and meat pairings:
Pork Tenderloin with Beet Salad
- Pistachio crusted pork tenderloin
- Roasted gold and red beets atop mixed greens with goat cheese and walnuts
- Herb roasted fingerling potatoes
- Orange segments with pomegranate seeds
Beet Risotto with Lamb Chops
- Rosemary and garlic grilled lamb chops
- Beet, goat cheese, and arugula risotto
- Sauteed broccolini with lemon
- Toasted baguette slices
Chicken Thighs with Roasted Beets
- Chicken thighs braised with mini beets
- Couscous with pistachios and currants
- Shredded raw golden beet and carrot slaw
- Creamy beet hummus with flatbread
Red Beet Burgers with Turkey Bacon
- Beet and quinoa veggie burgers
- Oven roasted sweet potato wedges
- Turkey bacon
- Mixed greens salad with sherry vinaigrette
There are endless delicious combinations of meats and beets to discover. With thoughtful seasoning and cooking techniques, you can create nutritious and satisfying beet-centered meals.
Conclusion
Beets are a versatile vegetable that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of meats like beef, bison, lamb, duck, chicken, turkey, and pork. Beans, lentils, and tofu also complement the sweet earthiness of beets. Roasting, braising, grilling, and sautéing are ideal cooking methods that allow the flavors to mingle. Contrasting textures like tender meat with caramelized roasted beets also enhances the dish. Beets and meat offer complementary health benefits like antioxidants, minerals, protein, and fiber. With mindful seasoning and ingredient combinations, beet and meat dinners are full of flavor and nutrition. From beet burgers to braised short ribs, the possibilities for tasty beet-centered meals are endless.