*This post may contain affiliate links, please read full disclosure here.
Vegetables don’t have to be boring. In fact, they can totally outshine the main dish when cooked right. This green beans and carrots recipe is buttery, garlicky, and has just the right kick of smoky paprika. Add in a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top, and suddenly your “just veggies” side dish is stealing the show.
What I love most about this Green Beans and Carrots Recipe? It looks colorful and fancy enough to serve at a dinner party, but it’s actually one of the easiest vegetable recipes you’ll ever make. It’s quick, healthy, and doesn’t require a ton of prep—exactly the kind of side dish we all need in our back pocket.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 20 minutes.
- A healthy veggie side dish that’s never bland.
- Garlicky, buttery, with smoky flavor in every bite.
- Works with almost any main dish (from roasted meats to grilled fish).
Recipe at a Glance
- Serves: 2 people
- Main stars: green beans + carrots
- Flavor profile: buttery, garlicky, lightly smoky
- Cook time: 15–20 minutes
- Why it works: blanching keeps the veggies tender-crisp, and sautéing layers in bold flavor
What You’ll Need for this Green Beans and Carrots Recipe
- 1 medium carrot, chopped into sticks
- ⅓ pound (150 g) green beans
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon spice blend (pimenta síria)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Black and white sesame seeds, for garnish
Tool tip: For quick veggie prep, a sharp chef’s knife or even a mandoline slicer will make carrot sticks uniform in seconds.

Prep & Cook

Step 01
Add the carrots and green beans to a pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes. Drain immediately.

Step 02
In a skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil.

Step 03
Toss in the green beans and carrots along with garlic, smoked paprika, spice blend, salt, and pepper.

Step 04
Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring gently so they don’t burn on the edges.

Step 05
Serve hot, garnished with black and white sesame seeds.
Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours
- Blanch first, sauté second: this two-step trick gives you tender but crisp veggies (the real key to great sautéed vegetables).
- Play with seasoning: try Italian herbs for a Mediterranean vibe or soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Texture lovers: swap sesame seeds for crushed nuts if you want extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Green beans and carrots recipe pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or salmon.
- Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a filling combo.
- Looking for inspiration? Try it before the Oven Roasted Tri-Tip with Bold Flavor and No Fuss or as a lighter contrast to our Filet Mignon with Red Wine and Pink Peppercorn Sauce.
Put Your Spin on It
- For this green beans and carrots recipe, swap carrots for zucchini sticks or bell peppers.
- Try sesame oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Toss in a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or dill right before serving.
Tasty Thoughts
This isn’t just another green beans side dish recipe—it’s the one that’ll make people ask for seconds. The buttery garlic, the smoky paprika, the crunch of sesame seeds—it’s the kind of plate that makes veggies taste indulgent without being heavy. Keep it in your weekly rotation, and suddenly eating healthy veggies feels like a win instead of a chore.

Common Questions
Do I have to blanch the veggies first for the green beans and carrots recipe?
Yes—unless you’re into chewy carrots and tough beans. Blanching keeps them tender-crisp and brightly colored.
Can I prep this in advance?
Yes, blanch the veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just sauté when you’re ready to serve.
What’s a good garnish if I don’t have sesame seeds?
Chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese works.
Nutrition Notes
Curious about calories or carbs for this green beans and carrots recipe? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.
Print
Sautéed Green Beans and Carrots Recipe – Only 5 Steps, Tasty Veggie Side
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This green beans and carrots recipe is quick, colorful, and full of flavor. Butter, garlic, and smoky paprika turn simple veggies into a side dish you’ll want on repeat. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s the perfect healthy veggie addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium carrot, chopped into sticks
- 1/3 pound (150 g) green beans
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon spice blend (pimenta síria)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Black and white sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Place carrots and green beans in a pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes. Drain.
- In a skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil.
- Add the green beans, carrots, garlic, smoked paprika, spice blend, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring gently to avoid burning.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Notes
Blanch first, sauté second: this two-step trick gives you tender but crisp veggies (the real key to great sautéed vegetables).
Play with seasoning: try Italian herbs for a Mediterranean vibe or soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
Texture lovers: swap sesame seeds for crushed nuts if you want extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Classic
Nutrition
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 16 gr
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 gr
- Fiber: 3 gr
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keep Cooking with Us
Love this recipe? Try these next:
- Simple Roasted Potatoes – Crispy, golden, and the perfect sidekick.
- Crazy Rice Recipe: A Cheesy, One-Pot Casserole Tasty Fun – Comfort food that never fails.
- Papaya’s Cream Dessert – Sweet, creamy, and no bake.
Happy Cooking!
🧡Mary and Fabi.
