These Easy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! Imagine soft tortillas bursting with juicy beef, flavored with a sweet and savory BBQ sauce. Yum!
I love making these tacos for dinner because they’re quick and super delicious. Serve them with your favorite toppings and watch them disappear. Who can resist? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef (around 80/20) for a nice balance of flavor and fat. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter option.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe since it allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a great flavor. If unavailable, garlic powder can substitute, but use less (about 1/4 tsp) since it’s more concentrated.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce will work here! Feel free to use a low-sugar version if that’s your preference. Homemade BBQ sauce can be a fun alternative too!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps balance the flavors. For a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes.
How Do I Warm Tortillas Without Making Them Tough?
Warming tortillas correctly is key for soft, flexible tacos. Here’s how to do it:
- Dry Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and pliable.
- Microwave Method: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel, then microwave for 30-45 seconds. This keeps them soft and moist!
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
Using these methods will prevent your tortillas from cracking and help you make perfect tacos!
Easy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at about 20 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it smells amazing and fragrant. Just be careful not to burn it!
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spatula until it turns brown and is fully cooked through. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure it’s no longer pink!
3. Drain Excess Fat:
Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will keep your tacos from being too greasy.
4. Flavor It Up:
Now, stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix everything well so that the beef is evenly coated with all those delicious flavors. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld everything together.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is finishing up, warm your tortillas! You can do this in a dry skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable. This step makes a huge difference!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Time to put it all together! Take a tortilla and spoon some of the BBQ beef mixture onto it. Don’t be shy, load it up!
7. Add Your Toppings:
Finish off your tacos with all your favorite toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Get creative!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing on top. Enjoy your tasty, homemade garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Meat for These Tacos?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like lentils or a meat substitute. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the meat you choose.
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce! Whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy, any variety will work. If you want to try a healthier option, look for low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce for better control over ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Keep tortillas separate until you’re ready to assemble your tacos again!
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Yes! If you like heat, consider adding cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or using a spicier BBQ sauce. You can also add fresh diced jalapeños or hot sauce as toppings for an extra kick!
