These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are packed with flavor! Tender beef is cooked in a yummy garlic butter and honey BBQ sauce, making each bite sweet and savory.
Imagine biting into a warm taco filled with juicy beef that’s both sticky and tasty. I could eat these for dinner every night and not get bored. Who’s with me? 🌮😁
These tacos are super easy to make! Just cook the beef, mix in the sauce, and fill up your taco shells. Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is perfect for these tacos, but you can use thinly sliced beef strips if you prefer. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works too. Just check how much fat content is in your chosen meat for the best flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, but feel free to use olive oil or even coconut oil if you want to keep it dairy-free. Each oil will give a different taste, but they all work great!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Just use about 1 teaspoon to substitute. Keep in mind that fresh garlic has a more robust taste.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but if you need a substitute, maple syrup works well too. You can even use agave syrup for a similar taste. For a lower-sugar option, consider using a sugar-free BBQ sauce with minimal honey.
BBQ Sauce: Any BBQ sauce you love will do! If you want to control the sweetness, try making your own or using a vinegar-based BBQ sauce, which can be tangy and delicious.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor and Texture from My Beef?
Cooking your beef perfectly is important for these tacos. Here are some tips:
- Start by melting the butter and sautéing the garlic at medium heat. This helps release those delicious aromas.
- Add the beef once the garlic is fragrant. If using ground beef, break it apart for even cooking. If using strips, cook until they’re browned on all sides.
- To infuse flavor, add the honey and BBQ sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will thicken the sauce and help meld all the flavors together.
- Don’t rush it! Give the beef time to absorb the sauce, just keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning.
By paying attention to these steps, you’ll end up with flavorful and tender beef for your tacos. Enjoy!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a total of 25 minutes. Quick and perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef (or beef strips) to the skillet. If using ground beef, break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for around 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
3. Add Flavor with Sauce:
Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly, and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the filling is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can heat them in a dry skillet for a minute on each side or microwave them briefly until soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and fill it with a generous portion of the honey BBQ beef mixture. Customize each taco to your liking!
6. Add Toppings:
Top each taco with shredded lettuce, cheese, and fresh cilantro for an extra crunch and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before eating for a bright flavor boost!
Enjoy your deliciously sweet and savory Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Substitute the Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives a rich flavor, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
To add some heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or include diced jalapeños into the beef mixture. You can also top the tacos with sliced hot sauce or pickled peppers to kick it up a notch!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat before serving. Warm your tortillas fresh for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortillas are best stored separately. You can reheat the beef on the stove or microwave. Enjoy them again for a quick meal!
