These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! With juicy, tender beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce, they’re perfect for taco night!
You won’t be able to stop at just one! I like to pile on my favorite toppings, like crunchy slaw and creamy avocado – it makes every bite even better! 🌮
Making these tacos is super easy. Just cook the beef in a pan, mix in that delicious garlic butter honey BBQ sauce, and serve it up in soft tortillas. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the tacos. You can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat if you prefer a lighter option!
Unsalted Butter: The butter brings a nice creaminess. If you’re lactose intolerant, olive oil or coconut oil works well, but the taste changes a bit.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to add flavor! If you’re avoiding sugar, a sugar-free BBQ sauce can be a great option, or you can use a homemade version.
Honey: This gives the beef a sweet touch. Maple syrup or agave can be a good substitute if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Chili Powder: This is optional for heat. Feel free to skip it or use cayenne pepper or a hot sauce according to your taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking beef is crucial for great tacos. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by browning the beef over medium heat—this will give it a nice color and flavor.
- If using ground beef, break it up with a spatula while it cooks. Aim for an even brown color with no pink spots.
- When it’s nearly done, add the sauce mixture and let it simmer briefly—this lets all the flavors blend without overcooking the beef.
Keeping an eye on the heat will help avoid dry or overcooked meat. Enjoy making these tasty tacos! 🌮
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small soft flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus a few minutes for assembling the tacos. It’s a quick and delicious meal option for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and melting the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the ground beef or beef strips to the skillet. Cook it until browned, breaking it up if you’re using ground beef, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Adding Flavor:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, chili powder (if you want a bit of heat), and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together so that the beef is well coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
3. Warming the Tortillas:
While your beef is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over low heat or by microwaving them for about 15-20 seconds until they are warm and flexible.
4. Assembling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to assemble your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and spoon some of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef onto it. Then, top it off with your choice of shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side, ready for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just cook it the same way and adjust seasonings as needed to enhance the flavor.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. Customize it to your spice level!
Can I Make the Beef Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
What Should I Do with Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store the beef filling separately from the tortillas and toppings in airtight containers. The beef can last for about 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently before enjoying again!
