Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos offer a bold and unique flavor profile that blends the richness of garlic butter with the sweetness of honey and the smokiness of BBQ sauce. The creamy taco sauce complements the beef perfectly, making every bite an irresistible experience. These tacos are easy to prepare, customizable, and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef:

1 lb ground beef or beef strips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Taco Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For Assembly:

6 soft taco tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef or beef strips to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the ground beef as necessary. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef evenly.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, BBQ sauce, and smoked paprika for the taco sauce. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Warm the taco tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla.
Drizzle the taco sauce generously over the beef.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Fold the tacos and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 tacos
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground beef or tofu as a substitute for the beef.
Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Add-ins: Include sautéed onions, bell peppers, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
Healthier Option: Use whole wheat tortillas or swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the taco sauce for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover beef mixture and taco sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef, offering a similar texture and flavor.

2. How can I make these tacos spicier?

You can add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or taco sauce to increase the heat.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the beef mixture and taco sauce ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the tacos just before serving.

4. Can I freeze the beef mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

5. What other cheese can I use besides cheddar?

You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, Mexican blend cheese, or even queso fresco for a different flavor profile.

6. Can I make the taco sauce without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option or sour cream for a creamier taste.

7. How can I make the tacos more filling?

Add extra toppings like avocado, black beans, or rice to make the tacos more hearty and filling.

8. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, flour tortillas can be used in place of corn tortillas for a softer texture.

9. How do I warm the tortillas?

You can warm the tortillas by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or microwaving them in a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store the beef mixture and taco sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the tacos.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying dish that blends the rich taste of beef with the sweetness of honey BBQ sauce and the creaminess of taco sauce. Easy to prepare and customizable, they are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy these delicious tacos with your favorite sides for a complete meal!

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 tacos

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Description

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos offer a bold blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Ground beef or beef strips are cooked in garlic butter, honey, and BBQ sauce, then paired with a creamy taco sauce and wrapped in soft tortillas. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, these tacos are a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any casual gathering or weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef or beef strips to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the ground beef as necessary. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef evenly.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, BBQ sauce, and smoked paprika for the taco sauce. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Warm the taco tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla.
Drizzle the taco sauce generously over the beef.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Fold the tacos and serve immediately.

Notes

Customize the tacos with sautéed onions, bell peppers, or avocado for added texture and flavor.

For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture or taco sauce.

Make them healthier by swapping mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or using whole wheat tortillas.

Store leftover beef and taco sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat as needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex