These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are simply mouthwatering! Seriously, the mix of sweet and savory flavors with juicy beef wrapped in soft tortillas is a game changer.
I love how easy they are to make! Just cook up the beef, mix in that tasty garlic butter and honey BBQ sauce, then pile everything into the tacos. You’ll be the star of taco night! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin are great choices for tacos because they’re tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a budget option, ground beef works well too. For a lighter alternative, try shredded chicken or even mushrooms for a meat-free version.
Butter: Using butter adds richness to the flavor. If you prefer a healthier fat, you can substitute it with olive oil. Just a little goes a long way in sautéing the garlic!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be good substitutes. Just keep in mind the flavor profile may vary slightly.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce here. If you don’t like BBQ sauce, a homemade mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can work in a pinch. Adjust the sweetness and tang to your liking!
Tortillas: You can use either flour or corn tortillas based on your preference. If you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas are a great choice. Try lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option!
How Do I Cook the Beef Perfectly?
Getting the beef nice and tender is crucial for great tacos. The key is not to rush the cooking process. Start by preheating your skillet to medium heat and make sure the butter is melted before adding the garlic.
- Be sure the garlic is sautéed just until fragrant, about a minute. This avoids burning it, which can make it bitter.
- When adding the beef, make sure it’s in a single layer. This way, it cooks evenly and browns nicely. Stir occasionally, but don’t overcrowd.
- Season the beef while it’s cooking to get that flavor into every bite. Once browned, adding the honey and BBQ sauce gives it a delicious glaze.
Let it cook for a few extra minutes with the sauce to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy your tacos! They’re going to be amazing!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb beef (such as flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or a creamy sauce (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and another 10-15 minutes for cooking. So in total, you should be ready to enjoy your tacos in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells amazing and is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Cook the Beef:
Now it’s time to add the sliced beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir everything together and cook until the beef is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want it nice and juicy!
3. Add Flavorful Sauce:
Once the beef is browned, pour in the honey and BBQ sauce. Mix everything well so the beef is nicely coated with the sauce. Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken a little. It will become even more delicious!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a separate pan or simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they are nice and pliable.
5. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to put your tacos together! Take a warm tortilla and place a generous portion of the BBQ beef mixture inside. Make it as hearty as you like!
6. Add Your Toppings:
Top the beef with some shredded cheese and add sour cream if you want that creamy goodness. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos immediately and enjoy every bite! These are perfect for dinner or any gathering.
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin work great, you can also use skirt steak, ribeye, or even ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly: ground beef will take less time, while tougher cuts may need a bit more time to become tender.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the tortillas separate until you’re ready to serve, as they can get soggy. You can reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave before assembling your tacos.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the garlic butter honey beef and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days in advance. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet and warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in This Recipe?
If you prefer a different sweetness, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute. Keep in mind that they may slightly alter the flavor profile, but they will still provide the sweetness you need!
