Boiled Method. Place beets (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces) in a large pot of boiling salted water. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until beets are tender when pierced with a knife, 15 to 20 minutes; drain.reheat oven to 450 degrees. Place beets (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges) on a large piece of foil on a baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper.