Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are the perfect fusion of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla. Tender beef is seared and simmered in a rich garlic butter glaze, then coated in sticky honey BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering filling that’s bold and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting taco night or craving something flavorful and easy, these tacos deliver comfort and flavor in every bite!

Ingredients

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

1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced steak)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
salt and black pepper to taste
taco-sized tortillas (flour or corn, warmed)

For Toppings (optional):
shredded lettuce
coleslaw mix
sliced jalapeños
chopped red onion
shredded cheese
ranch or chipotle sauce

Directions

  1. Cook the Beef:
    • In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Make Garlic Butter:
    • Push the beef to one side of the pan and melt butter in the open space. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the Sauce:
    • Stir the garlic butter into the beef, then add honey BBQ sauce and honey (if using). Toss to coat evenly and simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Warm the Tortillas:
    • Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
  5. Assemble the Tacos:
    • Spoon the beef mixture into tortillas. Top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, slaw, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or chipotle sauce.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 (about 8 tacos).
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Use Shredded Beef: Slow cook or pressure cook chuck roast for a more tender, pulled texture.
  • Spicy Twist: Add hot sauce or diced chipotle peppers to the BBQ sauce for extra heat.
  • Taco Bowl: Serve over rice or greens as a bowl instead of in tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. Assemble tacos fresh for best texture.

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos

FAQs

Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?
Yes! Ground or shredded chicken or pork works great with this sauce combo.

Is store-bought BBQ sauce okay?
Absolutely. Use your favorite brand or flavor—sweet, smoky, or spicy.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the beef can be cooked and stored in the fridge. Reheat and assemble tacos when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a deliciously different twist on traditional tacos, combining buttery richness, sweet heat, and bold BBQ flavor in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, these tacos are simple to make and impossible to resist!

Print
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Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos

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  • Author: cozykitcheneats
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Fusion
  • Diet: Halal

Description

These garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos combine sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite. Tender ground beef is cooked in a flavorful sauce and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, cheese, cilantro, sour cream

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  2. Drain excess grease, then add minced garlic and butter. Cook for 1–2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and butter is melted.
  3. Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
  4. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
  5. Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla and top with desired toppings.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce for the best flavor balance.
  • Can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
  • Leftover beef mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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