These garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos are a fun and tasty treat! The beef is cooked to perfection with sweet and savory flavors that you’ll love.
Who knew garlic and honey could pair so well? I could eat these tacos every day and not get tired of them. They’re perfect for taco night with friends or a cozy dinner!
What I adore about these tacos is how easy they are to make. I whip up the beef, throw it in a taco shell, and top it with my favorite goodies. Simple and scrumptious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use ground beef for quick cooking, but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Thinly sliced beef strips also work great if you prefer a bit more texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that rich flavor. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder can be used as a substitute—use about 1/2 teaspoon for every clove.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for the best taste. If you want a homemade version, mix ketchup, a splash of vinegar, and a bit of brown sugar. For a spicy kick, opt for a smoky BBQ sauce.
Honey: Honey is key for sweetness, but agave syrup or maple syrup is a good swap if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.
Taco Shells: Soft tortillas are traditional, but you could use crunchy taco shells or lettuce leaves for a low-carb version. Corn tortillas add a nice flavor and texture too!
How Can I Get the Beef Just Right?
Cooking the beef properly can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some steps to ensure success:
- Use medium heat: This allows the garlic to sauté without burning and gives the beef time to brown.
- Break up the beef: If using ground beef, break it up into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
- Add the sauce towards the end: This prevents the beef from steaming instead of grilling and ensures the flavors meld perfectly.
Take your time! Allow about 3-5 minutes for the sauce to thicken and coat the beef well, enhancing the overall taste.
How to Make 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 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred brand or homemade)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small soft taco shells or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Sour cream or crema (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have delicious tacos ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Base:
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This step gives the tacos a yummy garlic flavor!
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef or beef strips to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat if using ground beef. You want it to be nicely browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid sticking!
3. Create the Flavorful Sauce:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, chili powder (if you like some heat!), and season with salt and pepper. Allow this mixture to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, so it thickens a bit and the flavors combine beautifully.
4. Warm the Taco Shells:
While the beef is cooking, take the taco shells or tortillas and warm them up. You can do this in a dry pan or pop them in the oven following package instructions. Warm shells make everything taste better!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now for the fun part! Spoon the garlic butter honey BBQ beef into each taco shell. Feel free to load them up with as much beef as you’d like!
6. Add Toppings:
Top them off with your favorite toppings! Sprinkle some shredded cheese, add diced onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream or crema if you’re feeling fancy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over. The fresh lime juice adds a nice zesty flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is delicious, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded pork. Thinly sliced steak works wonderfully as well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the meat you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes! To add some heat, consider using the optional chili powder in the recipe. You can also top the tacos with sliced jalapeños or a spicy salsa for extra kick. Adjust the level of spice to your preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through. It’s best to keep the shells separate until ready to eat for optimal texture!
Can I Prep This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the tacos. Also, prep your toppings ahead of time to make assembly a breeze!
