These garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos are a tasty hit! The beef is tender, coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and topped with fresh toppings all in a soft tortilla.
The combination of garlic butter and honey really makes these tacos shine. You might find yourself making them every week! I love piling on the toppings for a fun bite each time! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses ground beef for quick cooking, but you can also use thinly sliced beef strips. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here to control the salt level, but you can substitute olive oil or even coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free option.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce will shine in this recipe. For a homemade option, mix ketchup with apple cider vinegar, honey, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. There are also vegan BBQ sauces available if you need a plant-based choice.
Honey: If you’re looking for a vegan substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can work nicely instead of honey.
How Do You Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Cooking garlic requires attention because it can turn bitter quickly if overcooked. Follow these steps to get perfectly sautéed garlic:
- Use medium heat to prevent burning; too high heat can scorch garlic.
- Keep the garlic moving in the pan. Stir it around every few seconds for even cooking.
- Cook just until it’s fragrant and golden—this usually takes about 1 minute.
By following this method, your garlic will add a delicious depth to the beef without any bitter notes!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for cooking. So in about 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s nice and fragrant. Make sure to stir to prevent it from burning!
2. Cooking the Beef:
Add the ground beef or sliced beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking up the beef if using ground meat, until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Adding Spices:
Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. This adds a great depth of flavor to your beef!
4. Mixing in the BBQ Sauce:
Pour in the BBQ sauce and honey, stirring well to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors blend beautifully.
5. Preparing Tortillas:
While the beef is simmering, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet on low heat or in the microwave for about 20 seconds so they are soft and pliable.
6. Assembling the Tacos:
To assemble, take each warm tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef onto it.
7. Adding Fresh Toppings:
Top your beef with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese for a delicious crunch and freshness!
8. Final Touch:
If you like, serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze some fresh lime juice over their tacos for a zesty kick.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos! They’re perfect for any taco night!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the classic choice, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even thinly sliced steak or pork. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the meat you choose to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the beef filling separate from the tortillas and toppings to maintain freshness. You can reheat the beef in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Sure! If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also switch to a spicy BBQ sauce to kick up the flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a vegan option, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both will provide a similar sweetness without the use of honey.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need additional tips! Enjoy your cooking!
