These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos combine sweet, smoky, and savory flavors for a mouthwatering twist on traditional tacos. Juicy beef is coated in a rich honey BBQ sauce infused with garlic butter, then tucked into warm tortillas and topped with fresh toppings for the perfect bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory – The combination of honey, BBQ sauce, and garlic butter creates a rich and bold flavor.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable – Easily switch up the toppings and fillings to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser – A guaranteed hit for taco night, game day, or casual gatherings.
- Great for Meal Prep – The beef mixture can be made ahead and reheated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or thinly sliced steak
- Butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Honey
- BBQ sauce
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Lime wedges
Directions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or steak until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the BBQ Flavor: Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until lightly charred.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the beef mixture into the warm tortillas. Top with shredded cheese, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Different Protein – Swap beef for chicken, pork, or even shrimp.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve the beef mixture in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Extra Crunch – Add shredded cabbage or crispy tortilla strips for texture.
- Dairy-Free – Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Yes! Homemade BBQ sauce adds a fresh and unique touch to the recipe.
What’s the best beef cut for steak tacos?
Thinly sliced flank steak, skirt steak, or ribeye works best.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the beef on low for 4-6 hours with the sauce for extra tenderness.
What tortillas work best?
Corn tortillas offer a more traditional taste, while flour tortillas are softer and more flexible.
How do I keep tortillas from breaking?
Warm them before serving to make them pliable.
What are the best cheese options?
Cotija, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar work well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the beef mixture in advance and reheat before assembling.
What side dishes go well with these tacos?
Try Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh avocado salad.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free tortillas and BBQ sauce.
How do I make the tacos crispier?
Lightly pan-fry them with a little oil for a crispy shell.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are an irresistible fusion of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Perfect for quick dinners, gatherings, or taco nights, these tacos are easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer them mild or spicy, crunchy or soft, this dish will be a favorite at the table.
Print
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a delicious fusion of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Juicy beef is coated in a rich honey BBQ sauce infused with garlic butter, then served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings. Quick, easy, and perfect for taco night!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or steak until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add BBQ Flavor: Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until lightly charred.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the beef mixture into the warm tortillas. Top with shredded cheese, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and enjoy!
Notes
- Best Beef Cuts: If using steak, thinly sliced flank steak, skirt steak, or ribeye works best.
- Make It Spicier: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Taco Shell Tip: Warm tortillas before serving to keep them from breaking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and reheat before serving.
- Crispy Tacos: Lightly pan-fry the tacos in a bit of oil for a crunchy shell.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *