These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! Juicy beef cooked with garlic, butter, and a touch of honey makes every bite super flavorful. Perfect for taco night!
Who doesn’t love a good taco? I like to pile mine high with toppings, and trust me, the garlic butter makes it irresistible. Grab some napkins—this will get messy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use ground beef for a classic taco filling or opt for thinly sliced beef strips for a different texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian take, try using lentils or black beans!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. One teaspoon of garlic powder equals about one clove of fresh garlic. I love using fresh for that extra kick!
BBQ Sauce: Feel free to pick your favorite BBQ sauce—each type offers a unique flavor. If you don’t have any, a mix of tomato paste, vinegar, and a bit of sugar can be a quick substitute. I like combining sweet and tangy sauces for balance.
Honey: Honey provides sweetness, but you can replace it with maple syrup or agave syrup if you prefer. You can adjust the sweetness level based on your taste. If you like it spicier, try a honey chipotle for extra flavor!
Taco Shells: Soft taco shells are my fave, but corn tortillas are equally great! If you’re looking for a crunchy option, choose hard taco shells. Gluten-free tortillas are also available if needed.
How to Ensure Your Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the beef properly can make the dish special. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough before adding the meat. This helps to sear and lock in the flavors.
- Melt butter, then sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant – about 1 minute.
- Add beef and break it apart. Cook until it’s browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. No pink should remain.
- Mix in seasonings and let them cook briefly with the beef for extra flavor.
Make sure to drain excess fat if using fattier beef. This helps keep your tacos from being greasy and allows the honey BBQ sauce to shine!
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 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 small soft taco shells or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sour cream or Mexican crema, for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or taco night with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, which takes about 1 minute. This step is crucial because it will infuse your beef with wonderful garlic flavor!
2. Browning the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon (if using ground beef) until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Remember to season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Adding Flavor:
Stir in the smoked paprika, and if you’d like a kick, add the chili powder. Mix everything well to let the spices coat the meat.
4. Saucing It Up:
In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with honey until well combined. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef and stir well to coat the meat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens, creating a tasty glaze over the beef.
5. Warming Up the Taco Shells:
While the beef is finishing up, warm the taco shells according to the package instructions. You can do this in the oven or microwave—however, you prefer!
6. Assembling the Tacos:
Now, it’s time to assemble your tacos! Spoon the flavorful beef mixture into each warm taco shell. Don’t be shy—load them up!
7. Adding Toppings:
Top each taco with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, as much as you like!
8. Finishing Touches:
To finish your tacos off, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top and add a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, if you’re using it.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos immediately while they’re hot, and enjoy this delicious meal with your family or friends!
This recipe makes about 8 tacos and is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Enjoy every bite! 🌮😊
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is commonly used, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. If you prefer a beefy bite, thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin works great too!
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you’re out of honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup. Both options will add a delightful sweetness to the sauce. For a lower-sugar option, consider using a sugar-free sweetener!
How Can I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the beef mixture and taco shells separate if possible to prevent the shells from getting soggy. Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave before serving again!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time! Cook it as instructed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef, warm the taco shells, and assemble your tacos!
