Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a perfect fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Tender beef is cooked in a rich honey BBQ sauce with a hint of garlic butter, making every bite irresistibly juicy and flavorful. These tacos are a great twist on classic BBQ beef, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Flavorful – The combination of garlic butter, honey, and BBQ sauce creates a bold, mouthwatering taste.
- Tender & Juicy Beef – Slow-cooked or pressure-cooked beef results in melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with minimal hands-on cooking time.
- Versatile – Works well in tacos, burritos, or even over rice.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef chuck roast
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Honey
- BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, diced onions, pickled jalapeños, shredded cheese, lime wedges
Directions
- Prepare the Beef – Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder.
- Sear the Beef – In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
- Slow Cook – Transfer the beef to a slow cooker. Add minced garlic, honey, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Beef – Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return it to the sauce and let it soak up all the flavors.
- Warm the Tortillas – Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until slightly charred.
- Assemble the Tacos – Fill each tortilla with the honey BBQ beef and top with coleslaw, diced onions, or pickled jalapeños.
- Serve and Enjoy – Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Version – Add a dash of hot sauce or extra smoked paprika for more heat.
- Sweet & Smoky – Use a smoky BBQ sauce and add a bit more honey for a deeper flavor.
- Low-Carb Option – Skip the tortillas and serve the beef in lettuce wraps.
- Cheesy Twist – Melt cheese onto the tortillas before adding the beef.
- Different Meats – Try this recipe with pork shoulder or chicken for a new take on BBQ tacos.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of BBQ sauce or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
How sweet are these tacos?
The honey adds a slight sweetness, but the garlic butter and BBQ sauce balance it with savory and smoky flavors.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before shredding.
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Use your favorite brand or make a homemade version for extra customization.
What toppings go well with these tacos?
Coleslaw, pickled jalapeños, diced onions, shredded cheese, and lime juice all pair well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The beef tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can cook the beef on the stovetop in a covered pot over low heat for about 3-4 hours.
How do I keep my tortillas from breaking?
Warm them up before using, either in a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and serve with corn tortillas.
What side dishes pair well with these tacos?
Mexican rice, black beans, sweet potato fries, or a fresh corn salad are great options.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Whether you cook them in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them for your next taco night and enjoy an irresistible meal that’s both easy and delicious!
Print
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) / 1 hour (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner, Tacos
- Method: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican, BBQ Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a perfect fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Slow-cooked beef is infused with a rich honey BBQ sauce, buttery garlic, and warm spices, creating melt-in-your-mouth tacos. This easy recipe is perfect for taco nights, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Top with coleslaw, pickled jalapeños, or shredded cheese for a flavorful twist on classic BBQ beef tacos!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, diced onions, pickled jalapeños, shredded cheese, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Trim excess fat from the chuck roast and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder.
- Sear the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
- Slow Cook: Transfer the beef to a slow cooker. Add minced garlic, honey, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return it to the sauce and mix well.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame for a slight char.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each tortilla with shredded honey BBQ beef and top with coleslaw, diced onions, or pickled jalapeños.
- Serve & Enjoy: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and serve warm.
Notes
- Spicier Version: Add hot sauce or extra smoked paprika.
- Sweet & Smoky: Use a smoky BBQ sauce and add extra honey.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Different Meats: Substitute with pork shoulder or chicken.
- Cheesy Twist: Melt cheese onto the tortillas before adding the beef.
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