Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. These tacos are packed with tender beef cooked in a rich garlic butter honey BBQ sauce, making them a perfect option for taco nights, gatherings, or a quick yet indulgent meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory Balance – The combination of honey, BBQ sauce, and garlic butter creates an irresistible taste.
- Juicy and Tender Beef – Slow-cooked or skillet-seared beef results in flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Quick and Easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a great weeknight meal.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings to make these tacos your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for family dinners, game days, or parties.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef (sirloin, flank steak, or ground beef)
- Garlic butter
- Honey
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- Tortillas (flour or corn)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Diced onions (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional for heat)
Directions
- Prepare the beef – Slice or dice the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the beef – In a skillet over medium heat, melt the garlic butter and add the beef. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add sauce – Stir in the honey and BBQ sauce, coating the beef evenly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is tender.
- Warm the tortillas – Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to soften.
- Assemble the tacos – Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture, then top with shredded cheese, cilantro, onions, and jalapeños if desired.
- Serve and enjoy – Serve immediately with a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of garlic butter and skip the cheese.
- Spicier Version: Add extra chili powder or a splash of hot sauce.
- Lighter Option: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Pulled Beef Style: Slow-cook beef for a shredded, tender texture.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Use jackfruit or mushrooms in place of beef.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked beef in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken works well with the same garlic butter honey BBQ sauce.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether smoky, sweet, or spicy.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes! Cook beef on low for 6-8 hours with the sauce for ultra-tender meat.
What toppings go best with these tacos?
Cheese, cilantro, onions, jalapeños, avocado, or a squeeze of lime all pair well.
How do I make these tacos healthier?
Use lean beef, serve in lettuce wraps, and reduce the honey.
Can I prepare the beef ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the beef in advance and store it in the fridge for quick taco assembly.
What side dishes go well with these tacos?
Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or a simple slaw make great sides.
Can I grill the beef instead?
Yes! Grill marinated beef strips for a smoky, charred flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Let the sauce simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with water).
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a delicious twist on traditional tacos, offering the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing dish, these tacos deliver big on taste and are easy to customize. Try them today and enjoy a new taco night favorite!
PrintGarlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are packed with bold flavors! Juicy, seasoned beef is cooked to perfection and coated in a sweet, smoky, and buttery BBQ sauce. Topped with fresh toppings and wrapped in warm tortillas, these tacos are an easy, delicious dinner option.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced steak)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving:
- 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or ranch dressing (for drizzling, optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or steak), breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and chili powder. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and garlic powder. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until warm and smooth.
- Coat the beef: Pour the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce over the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the tacos: Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture, then top with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with sour cream or ranch if desired.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for shredded beef or grilled steak for a different texture.
- Use homemade BBQ sauce for a richer flavor.
- Add crispy fried onions or jalapeños for extra crunch.
- For a low-carb version, serve the beef in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
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