Description
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos combine tender ground beef cooked in a savory garlic butter and honey BBQ sauce, served in warm taco shells with fresh toppings. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that balances sweet and smoky flavors with a hint of garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or paprika
Taco Assembly
- 8 taco shells (soft or hard)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon while cooking. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining butter, BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce if using. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili powder or paprika to taste.
- Warm Taco Shells: While the beef simmers, warm your taco shells according to package instructions either in the oven or microwave. Alternatively, toast shells lightly on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side to crisp.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the garlic butter honey BBQ beef evenly into each taco shell.
- Add Toppings: Top the beef with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro leaves for extra freshness and texture.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos to add a zesty finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust honey and BBQ sauce amounts to suit sweetness preference.
- For extra heat, add hot sauce or jalapeño slices as toppings.
- Soft corn or flour tortillas work as well as hard shells if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the beef.
- Add avocado or sour cream for creamier taco variations.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
