These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! Juicy beef mixed with sweet honey and rich garlic butter gives each bite a burst of flavor. Wrap it up in a soft taco for a perfect meal!
Who can resist tacos? I love piling on my favorite toppings like cheese and fresh veggies. It’s hard to eat just one—good thing they’re easy to make, so there’s always more to taco ’bout!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of your tacos! You can opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If using strips, flank steak or sirloin works well too.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a lovely kick. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can be a quick substitute; about 1/2 tsp should do.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness that balances the BBQ sauce. Maple syrup can replace honey if you need a vegan alternative.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand, but if you want to go homemade, you can mix ketchup with a splash of vinegar and a bit of sugar.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and flexible, but corn tortillas add a nice flavor. Use whatever you prefer or have on hand!
How Can I Ensure the Beef is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking the beef correctly is crucial! Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—usually about 1 minute. Then, add your ground beef or strips.
- Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully browned and no longer pink inside, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season before mixing in the sauce; this ensures the flavors set in well!
- Finally, stir in the butter, honey, and BBQ sauce for a rich coating. Let it thicken for a couple of minutes for maximum flavor!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking the beef and assembling the tacos, making it a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. This is the moment where your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef (or beef strips) to the skillet. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to season it with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper during the cooking to give it lots of flavor!
3. Mix in the Sauce:
Now, it’s time to make it tasty! Stir in the butter, honey, and BBQ sauce. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and really wraps around the beef.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over low heat or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re pliable and soft.
5. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now, scoop that delicious garlic butter honey BBQ beef onto each tortilla. Make as many as you like—just remember to save some beef for seconds!
6. Add Toppings:
Don’t forget about the toppings! Sprinkle on some shredded cheese, add sliced jalapeños for heat, toss on fresh cilantro, or any of your favorite toppings to make them your own.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos warm, and squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top for that extra zing! Enjoy the rich flavors and the joy of taco night!
Happy eating!
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 substituted for the beef to create a leaner version. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be a bit milder, so adjust the seasonings to your taste!
What Type of BBQ Sauce Works Best?
The best BBQ sauce is one you enjoy! A sweet and tangy sauce complements the honey well, but feel free to experiment with smoky or spicy varieties for an extra kick.
How Should I Store Leftover Taco Filling?
Store any leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving in fresh tortillas.
Can I Prepare the Beef Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the beef filling a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to assemble your tacos. This makes for a quick meal on busy nights!
