These tacos are a tasty blend of garlic, buttery goodness, and sweet honey BBQ sauce, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering!
Trust me, the combination of flavors in these tacos is hard to resist. I love piling on the toppings—just don’t blame me if they get messy! 😂
Making these tacos is super easy! Just cook the beef, mix in the sauce, and load up your tortillas. They always put a smile on my face after a long day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: For flavor, sirloin or flank steak works well. If you’re on a budget or want to go leaner, consider using ground beef or chicken instead. These options still taste great!
Butter: I love using regular butter for its rich flavor, but you could swap it for olive oil if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just remember, it won’t give the same buttery taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too; use about 1 teaspoon as a substitute for every clove.
Honey: Honey is key for sweetness and balance in the sauce. If vegan, maple syrup or agave nectar makes a good alternative. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce! If you’re out, homemade BBQ sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices can do the trick. Try experimenting with different flavors to find your preference.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Beef for Tacos?
Cooking beef for tacos can be simple, but there’s a way to ensure it turns out juicy and packed with flavor. Start by melting the butter and adding garlic to build a strong base.
- Use medium heat for cooking; too high might burn the garlic.
- Cook the beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet steams the meat instead of browning it.
- Season adequately while cooking—this way, the flavors will penetrate the meat.
Cook until the beef reaches a nice browned color—about 5-7 minutes should do it. This makes sure your tacos are bursting with flavor!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Tacos:
- 6-8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or creamy ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Plus, you can serve the tacos right after assembling them, making it a quick and tasty meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it to smell amazing, but be careful not to burn it!
2. Cook the Beef:
Add the thinly sliced beef into the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll want the beef to be nice and browned, so make sure to keep an eye on it and stir often.
3. Add the Sauces:
Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, which will allow the sauce to thicken and coat the beef nicely. You’ll love the smell!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While your beef is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a separate skillet or microwave them for a few seconds until they’re soft and pliable. This will make it easier to fold your tacos.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now the fun part! Take each tortilla and place a generous amount of the cooked garlic butter honey BBQ beef onto it. Don’t be shy; pile it on!
6. Add Toppings:
Drizzle your favorite sour cream or creamy ranch dressing over the beef, then sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese and chopped chives for that extra zing.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Everything is ready! Serve your delicious tacos immediately so they’re warm and enjoy every bite of your homemade Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! If you don’t have sirloin or flank steak, skirt steak, or even chicken can work perfectly in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose: chicken should be cooked until its internal temperature reaches 165°F, while other cuts of beef might require shorter cooking times.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef. You could also swap out the cheese for a pepper jack cheese to enhance the spicy flavor!
Can I Make the Beef Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter honey BBQ beef a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through before assembling your tacos. This makes for an easy and quick meal option!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
It’s best to store the beef filling separately from assembled tacos to keep the tortillas from getting soggy. Place the leftover beef in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Tortillas can be stored in a sealed bag. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet and the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Enjoy your fresh tacos again!
