These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! You will love the juicy beef mixed with a sweet and savory BBQ sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas.
Making these tacos is a breeze. The garlic and honey bring a nice twist, and I can’t resist piling on the toppings. It’s hard to eat just one! 🥳
What I really enjoy is how quick they come together. Perfect for a fun weeknight dinner with friends or family. Everyone loves tacos, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe works great with ground beef, but you can also use thinly sliced beef strips. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider swapping it for ground turkey or chicken.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and flavor. If you’re vegan or avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave nectar is a fantastic substitute. Both will keep the sweetness alive!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to enhance flavors. You can also opt for a homemade sauce or try a different type, like spicy or tangy, depending on your taste preference.
Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas work well. If you’re gluten-free, consider using corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a fresh alternative.
How Do You Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic correctly is crucial because burnt garlic can taste bitter and spoil your dish. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Too high heat can burn the garlic.
- When adding the butter, let it melt and get bubbly but not browned.
- Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Keep an eye on it—you want it just golden, not dark.
Following these tips will help you achieve that lovely garlicky flavor without the bitterness!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 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
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the ground beef (or beef strips), seasoning it with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder if you like some heat. Cook, breaking the beef into smaller pieces (if ground), until it’s browned and fully cooked through—this will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Once the beef is cooked, push it to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
3. Combine and Flavor:
Next, stir the garlic butter right into the beef mixture. Pour in the honey and BBQ sauce, mixing everything together well. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly, coating the beef evenly.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef filling is cooking, warm your tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until they are soft and pliable. This step ensures that they are easy to fold and won’t break when you fill them.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Start assembling your tacos by dividing the beef mixture evenly among the warmed tortillas.
6. Add the Toppings:
Top your tacos with a good handful of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and cilantro to add freshness and crunch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze on top. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or black beans for a hearty filling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. The tortillas are best fresh, but you can also keep leftover tortillas in a sealed bag in the fridge for a few days.
Can I Freeze the Taco Filling?
Yes, the beef filling can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Are Some Good Toppings for These Tacos?
In addition to lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro, you can add avocado, cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, or even pickled red onions for extra flavor and texture!
