These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! Ground beef cooked in garlic butter and mixed with sweet BBQ sauce makes each bite full of flavor. Yum!
Every time I make these, the smell makes my stomach growl. I love piling on toppings like salsa and cheese. You can never have too much cheese, right? 😄
Making these tacos is so simple! Just cook the beef, mix in the sauces, and let everyone build their own. It’s a fun meal for family or friends, and they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its richness and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken. If you want to go plant-based, crumbled tempeh or lentils work nicely too!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor here. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder—just about 1 teaspoon should do the trick.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for cooking. If you’re dairy-free, olive oil can easily replace butter and still provide great flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Any kind of barbecue sauce you love will work well. I enjoy a spicy flavor but feel free to use a sweet or smoky version based on your preference!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas give a soft bite, but corn tortillas have a nice texture and flavor. Use whatever you prefer or have on hand!
How Can I Ensure My Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the beef properly is key! Here’s a simple guide:
- Start with medium heat. This allows the beef to brown nicely without burning.
- Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly.
- Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be precise—beef should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
- Don’t forget to drain excess fat for a better texture and flavor!
Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with deliciously flavored beef for your tacos! Enjoy the process and have fun customizing your tacos with loads of toppings!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Sour cream or avocado slices (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty taco recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn!
2. Cooking the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 6-8 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the tacos from being greasy.
3. Mixing in Sauces:
Stir in the barbecue sauce, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will let the flavors come together and the sauce thicken slightly.
4. Warming the Tortillas:
While the beef is finishing up, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side, in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or wrapped in foil in a preheated oven.
5. Assembling the Tacos:
To assemble, take a warm tortilla and spoon some of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef mixture onto it. Add your desired toppings like shredded cheese, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor!
6. Serving:
Serve your delicious tacos with lime wedges on the side. You can also offer optional garnishes like sour cream or avocado slices for guests to enjoy. Enjoy immediately while they’re warm!
These tacos are sure to be a hit—they’re tasty, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Enjoy a fun taco night with your friends or family!
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like lentils or crumbled tempeh can work well as substitutes for ground beef. Just adjust cooking times as necessary based on the type of meat you choose!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm it up on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers. Keep the tortillas separate to maintain their texture!
Can I Make the Beef Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Cook the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat it before serving and warm the tortillas just before assembly for the best taste and texture.
What Toppings Go Well with These Tacos?
Great question! In addition to cheese, diced red onion, and cilantro, you can also add toppings like avocado slices, jalapeños, salsa, or even a drizzle of sour cream or hot sauce for a little extra kick!
