how long to cook fresh beets
1 Turn heat on high until water begins to boil then reduce heat to medium to keep water at a simmer. 2  Cook 45 minutes to an hour or until done (for large, fresh ones) or up to four hours (for large, older ones from storage).3  When theyâre done, remove from heat, drain water and then plunge them quickly into cold water. Wash, peel and cube them (about 1â³). 2  Arrange cubes in a glass microwavable dish, add 2 tablespoons of water (per 2 1/2 cups of beets). 3  Cover with a lid then cook on high for approximately 5 minutes, stir, then heat for another 3 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.