Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting beets, ensuring they become tender and caramelized without drying out.
Clean the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt. A vegetable brush can help with this. Cut off the beet greens, leaving about an inch of the stems. Save the greens for another recipe—they're delicious and nutritious!
Place the beets on parchment paper lined baking dish or a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. For extra flavor, add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Place the dish or sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the beet pieces. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife; the beets should be tender.
If you left the skins on, let the beets cool enough to handle. Then, use your hands or a paper towel to rub off the skins. They should come off easily.