Despite interest from other SPL sides and being poised to sign for Kilmarnock on 23 February 2012 he signed for Hearts until the end of the season. He chose the number 4 which is unusual for a striker. The vacant numbers were 4, 14, 16 and 37 which he wore at Celtic but he chose 4. Having not played a competitive game in two months he missed the game against Dundee United on 25 February as was not match fit. After scoring twice in a bounce game, he made his debut as a substitute on 3 March against Rangers in a 2–1 win at Ibrox. He scored his first goal for Hearts in a 2–2 draw with St Mirren in the Scottish Cup 6th round at Tynecaste on 10 March. He had a second goal in the same match wrongfully ruled out for offside. In just his second league appearance for the club he scored his first league goal against local rivals Hibernian in a 2–0 win. This goal made it 2 goals in 3 games for Beattie. On 15 April 2012, he set up the first goal and scored the winning penalty in a 2–1 win over Celtic in the Scottish Cup Semi Final. After the goal Beattie got booked for taking his shirt off and his impromptu lap of honour. He went on to appear as a substitute as Hearts beat Hibernian 5–1 in the final. In his short spell he quickly became a fans favourite. The club offered him a new deal on lesser terms however he turned this down and on 6 July 2012, the club confirmed his departure. In all he made nine appearances, scoring three times.