These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a flavor-packed twist on your traditional taco. The savory garlic butter and sweet honey BBQ sauce bring out the richness of the beef, while the fresh toppings add crunch and balance to every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or taco night with friends and family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory – A delicious combination of garlic butter and honey BBQ sauce for a unique flavor.
- Tender Beef – The beef is cooked to perfection, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (or flank steak, thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour tortillas (or corn, if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sour cream or guacamole, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or sliced flank steak) and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the honey BBQ sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While the beef is cooking, heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until warm and slightly toasted. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble the tacos, place a generous scoop of the BBQ beef mixture onto each warm tortilla. Drizzle the garlic butter honey sauce over the beef.
Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness. Serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side if desired.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the tacos immediately while warm and enjoy the sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Mexican street corn or chips and salsa for a complete meal.
- Add a side of cilantro rice or refried beans to round out the dish.
- Serve with margaritas or iced tea for a refreshing drink pairing.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy Option – Add some jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option – Substitute the beef with black beans or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version of these tacos.
- Slow Cooker Option – For an even more tender beef, cook the beef with the garlic and BBQ sauce in a slow cooker for 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high.
- Grilled Beef – For an extra smoky flavor, grill the beef (or steak) before slicing and tossing with the BBQ sauce.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. The tender beef coated in rich garlic butter sauce will have your taste buds dancing with every bite. Perfect for taco nights or any casual dinner gathering. Enjoy these flavorful tacos and treat your family to a delicious meal!