Description
These Garlic Butter BBQ Beef Tacos offer a flavorful twist on a classic taco recipe by combining savory ground beef cooked in garlic butter with smoky BBQ sauce and spices. Served with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and optional sour cream and cilantro, these tacos are quick to prepare and perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taco Components
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Warm Tortillas: While the beef is simmering, warm up the tortillas using your preferred method such as stovetop, microwave, or oven.
- Keep Tortillas Warm: Once warmed, keep the tortillas covered with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable.
- Assemble Tacos: Take a warm tortilla and place a generous scoop of the BBQ beef mixture in the center. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Add sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately while they’re warm, with extra BBQ sauce on the side and lime wedges for added flavor.
- Store Leftovers: If you have any leftover beef mixture, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Beef: To reheat the beef mixture, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in a microwave-safe dish until hot.
- Store Tortillas: The tortillas can be stored separately in a sealed bag or container, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef provides the best flavor and juiciness.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your spice preference.
- For gluten-free tacos, opt for corn tortillas and verify BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
- Leftover beef can be repurposed for nachos or burrito bowls.
- Warm tortillas help prevent cracking and improve texture for folding.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
