These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are packed with flavor! Tender beef is cooked in a yummy garlic butter sauce with a sweet touch of honey and BBQ.
You’ll love how every bite feels like a fiesta! I always add some fresh toppings and enjoy them with friends—it’s the perfect meal for taco night! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works great. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead. It’s lighter and still delicious!
Garlic Butter: If you don’t have garlic butter, mixing regular butter with minced garlic is a perfect substitution. You can even add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but for a lower sugar option, agave syrup works well too. Maple syrup is another tasty substitute, giving a different flavor profile.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand, or make your own! You can try making it healthier with a homemade version using tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
Tortillas: Both flour and corn tortillas are excellent. If gluten-free is your goal, look for gluten-free tortillas made from corn or other alternatives.
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking beef to the right doneness can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll have juicy tacos every time.
- Start by heating the garlic butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This prevents sticking and gives flavor.
- Add your beef, making sure it’s in a single layer for even cooking. Season as it cooks.
- Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly.
- Lower the heat and add honey and BBQ sauce. This helps to keep the beef moist and infuses it with flavor. Cook for just 2-3 minutes more.
Be sure not to overcook the beef after adding the sauces, as it can make it tough. Just warm it through and it will stay tender!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb beef (such as flank steak or sirloin), diced
- 3 tbsp garlic butter (or 2 tbsp butter + 2 cloves garlic, minced)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce (for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking. In total, you’ll just need 30 minutes to create these mouthwatering tacos that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
Start by heating the garlic butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until it melts and starts to bubble. Then, add the diced beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned.
2. Adding the Flavor:
Once the beef is browned, lower the heat and stir in the honey and BBQ sauce. Let this cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step is all about making the flavors come together and getting everything nice and saucy!
3. Preparing the Tortillas:
While the beef mixture is cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or in the microwave until they’re soft and pliable. This makes them much easier to fill and fold without breaking.
4. Assembling Your Tacos:
Now, it’s time to assemble those delicious tacos! Place a generous portion of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef onto each warm tortilla. Then, drizzle some warm nacho cheese sauce over the top of the beef. Yum!
5. Finishing Touches:
To add a pop of color and freshness, garnish your tacos with chopped green onions. This little step makes a big difference!
6. Serving Time:
Serve your tasty garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos immediately while they’re warm. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are great choices, you can also use cuts like ribeye or skirt steak for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the thickness and tenderness of the meat.
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you’re out of BBQ sauce or prefer a different flavor, try using a spicy tomato sauce or teriyaki sauce for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level might change, so you may want to adjust the amount of honey accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the tortillas separately to keep them from getting soggy. Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave, and warm the tortillas before assembling again.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the beef with diced tempeh, mushrooms, or even jackfruit. Just sauté the substitute until tender and follow the recipe as directed. You might want to add a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavor!
