These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a fun twist on taco night! With juicy beef, sweet honey, and a hint of garlic butter, they’re packed with flavor in every bite.
Who can say no to tacos? I love loading mine with all the toppings—extra cheese, please! It’s like a party in my mouth, and the best part is they’re super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for a nice texture. You can swap it for turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even plant-based ground beef for a vegetarian take.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, or spicy! If you don’t have BBQ sauce, a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can work in a pinch.
Honey: If you need a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can replace honey. They provide a similar sweetness without the honey flavor.
Tortillas: While flour tortillas are soft and flexible, corn tortillas add a nice crunch. Use whichever you prefer—just warm them before filling!
How Do I Perfectly Cook and Season the Beef?
Cooking the beef well is crucial for a tasty filling. Start by melting butter and sautéing garlic for flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat to prevent burning the garlic; it should be fragrant but not brown.
- Crumble the beef while cooking. It should be browned evenly. Aim for around 6-8 minutes until it’s no longer pink.
- Add spices and sauces after the beef is fully cooked. This keeps the flavors vibrant!
Remember to stir the mix well to coat the beef with that honey BBQ goodness. Don’t rush; give it a couple of minutes in the sauce to absorb those flavors!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Optional Toppings:
- sliced jalapeños
- sour cream
- avocado slices
- salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and delightful dinner option. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Garlic:
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
2. Cooking the Beef:
Add the ground beef (or sliced beef strips) to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it turns brown and is cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin while it cooks for added flavor.
3. Adding BBQ Sauce:
Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the BBQ sauce and honey. Mix well to coat all the meat evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This will enhance the flavor and give it a nice glaze!
4. Finishing Touch:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter. This step adds a lovely richness to the filling.
5. Preparing the Tortillas:
While the beef mixture is finishing, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry pan over low heat or in the microwave until they are soft and pliable—just a minute or so should do it!
6. Assembling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to assemble your tacos! Start by spooning a generous amount of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef onto each tortilla.
7. Adding Toppings:
Top your tacos with shredded cheese, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Feel free to add any of the optional toppings you like, such as sliced jalapeños, sour cream, avocado, or salsa for an extra kick!
8. Serving:
Serve your tacos immediately, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy these delicious Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos with friends or family!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. The cooking method remains the same, but ensure you cook it until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best experience, keep the tortillas separate to prevent them from getting soggy. Reheat the filling on the stove or in the microwave before assembling your tacos again.
Can I Make the Beef Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can make the beef filling ahead of time! Prepare the filling, let it cool, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce, a mixture of ketchup and a dash of Worcestershire sauce can serve as a decent substitute. You can also use teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile, just adjust the honey accordingly to balance the sweetness.
