These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty twist on a classic favorite! Juicy beef is cooked in a sweet and garlicky sauce, making every bite super delicious.
Who can resist the combo of garlic, butter, and honey? It turns a simple taco night into something special. I often double the recipe because they disappear fast! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its flavor and texture, but you can substitute it with thinly sliced steak or even ground turkey for a lighter option.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier fat, try using olive oil instead, which will also enhance the garlic flavor!
Honey: Honey gives a nice sweetness to balance with the BBQ sauce. If you’re vegan or avoiding sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup work well as alternatives.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce you enjoy! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not make your own? Just mix ketchup with a bit of Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika.
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are my go-to, but you can use corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option.
Cheese: I prefer cheddar for its sharpness, but feel free to use any melting cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra kick!
How Do I Make Sure My Tacos Are Packed with Flavor?
The key to delicious tacos lies in cooking the meat well and letting the flavors combine. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by melting the butter and adding minced garlic over medium heat. Cooking garlic just until fragrant, not browned, prevents bitterness.
- When browning the beef, make sure it’s broken up into small pieces for even cooking. Season the meat early with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
- After cooking the meat, add honey and BBQ sauce. Stir well and let it cook for a few extra minutes—this helps to marry the flavors and adds a lovely gloss to the meat.
Warming those tortillas is crucial to avoid tears. Whether in a skillet or microwave, make them pliable so they wrap easily around your filling. Enjoy your tacos!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced steak)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to your taste)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 25 minutes total, including around 10 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and simple way to enjoy delicious tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
In a skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
2. Cook the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or sliced steak) to the skillet. Season it with salt and pepper. If you’re using ground beef, cook it for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked. If you opted for steak, sear each slice for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s cooked to your liking.
3. Add Honey and BBQ Sauce:
Once your meat is cooked, stir in the honey and BBQ sauce, mixing everything together well. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to really bring out those flavors. It should smell amazing!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meat is cooking, make your spicy mayonnaise. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sriracha. Stir well, and feel free to add more sriracha if you want it spicier!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Heat your flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are warm and pliable. This will make them easier to fold and fill.
6. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place a good amount of the beef mixture on each tortilla, drizzle some of your spicy mayonnaise sauce over the top, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
7. Add the Finishing Touch:
Finish off your tacos by garnishing them with chopped green onions. This adds a nice crunch and freshness!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos immediately. They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just be mindful that they may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can mix the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving to freshen it up.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like heat, you can increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or even add sliced jalapeños to the taco filling. You could also use a spicier BBQ sauce for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers: the beef mixture and the tortillas. The meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the tortillas should be kept at room temperature. Reheat the meat on the stove and warm the tortillas slightly before assembling again.
