BBQ Beef Tacos with Garlic Honey Butter – A Savory Taco Delight
If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, juicy, and easy-to-make taco recipe, these BBQ Beef Tacos are just what you need! Made with tender, smoky beef, coated in a garlic honey butter BBQ sauce, and loaded with your favorite taco fixings, this dish brings a delicious twist to classic tacos. Whether you’re craving quick bites, a tasty lunch, or an easy dinner option, these BBQ tacos are guaranteed to satisfy!
What Are BBQ Beef Tacos?
These BBQ tacos combine slow-cooked or pan-seared beef with a sweet, smoky, and buttery BBQ sauce made from garlic, honey, and butter. The beef is then served in warm tortillas with toppings like fresh cilantro, pickled onions, cheese, and a drizzle of extra sauce. It’s a fusion of smoky barbecue flavors with the classic taco experience, making it a tasty burger alternative and a must-try for taco lovers!
Ingredients for BBQ Beef Tacos
To make these garlic honey BBQ beef tacos, you’ll need:
For the Beef:
- Ground Beef or Shredded Beef: 1 ½ pounds (chuck roast or skirt steak works well)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for searing)
- Garlic Cloves: 3 cloves, minced
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (for smoky flavor)
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
For the Garlic Honey Butter BBQ Sauce:
- Butter: 3 tablespoons (adds richness)
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (for a hint of sweetness)
- BBQ Sauce: ½ cup (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 teaspoon (adds tanginess)
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (for umami depth)
- Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (for a mild kick, optional)
For the Taco Fixings:
- Soft Flour or Corn Tortillas: 8 small
- Shredded Cheese: ½ cup (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- Pickled Red Onions: ½ cup (for a tangy crunch)
- Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: ½ cup (optional topping)
- Lime Wedges: For serving
Kitchen Equipment Needed
For these tasty BBQ tacos, you’ll need:
- Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan – for searing the beef
- Slow Cooker (Optional) – for tender, fall-apart shredded beef
- Mixing Bowl – for preparing the BBQ sauce
- Tongs or Spatula – for flipping and handling the beef
- Cutting Board & Knife – for chopping toppings
- Small Saucepan – for making the garlic honey butter BBQ sauce
How to Make BBQ Beef Tacos
Follow these simple steps to create flavorful, juicy BBQ tacos:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle the beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
- Sear the Beef: Add the beef to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. If using shredded beef, sear it lightly and then transfer it to a slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Honey Butter BBQ Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add Garlic & Honey: Stir in the minced garlic and honey, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix in BBQ Sauce & Spices: Add the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and chili powder. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Coat the Beef with Sauce
- Combine with the Beef: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef, stirring well to coat every piece. Let it simmer for 2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Shred (If Using Roast): If using slow-cooked beef, shred it with two forks and mix with the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until soft and slightly charred.
- Fill the Tacos: Add the BBQ beef, top with shredded cheese, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro.
- Drizzle with Extra Sauce: Finish with a spoonful of extra garlic honey butter BBQ sauce and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve & Enjoy: These tacos are best enjoyed fresh with a side of chips, salsa, or coleslaw!
Tips for the Best BBQ Tacos
- Use Fresh, Soft Tortillas: Lightly warming them makes them more flexible and flavorful.
- Adjust Sweetness & Spice: Add extra honey for more sweetness or cayenne for more heat.
- Slow Cook for More Tenderness: If using a chuck roast, cook on LOW in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours before shredding.
- Crisp the Beef for Extra Texture: After coating in sauce, return the beef to the pan for a slight crisp on the edges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beef: Cook just until tender to keep it juicy.
- Using Too Much Sauce: A light coat of sauce enhances flavor without making the tacos soggy.
- Skipping the Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime balances the rich BBQ flavors.
Taco Fixings and Serving Ideas
Pair these garlic honey BBQ beef tacos with:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: A perfect side with a smoky touch.
- Coleslaw or Mexican Street Corn Salad: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Homemade Guacamole: A creamy addition for extra richness.
- Black Beans or Refried Beans: A classic Mexican side dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked BBQ beef for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Variations and Flavor Enhancements
- Spicy BBQ Tacos: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy BBQ Beef Tacos: Melt cheese onto the beef while still warm.
- BBQ Chicken Tacos: Swap beef for shredded BBQ chicken.
- Butter Honey Glazed Beef: Add extra melted butter honey drizzle for an ultra-rich finish.
FAQ About BBQ Beef Tacos
- Can I use ground beef instead? Yes! Brown ground beef, drain excess fat, then mix with the sauce.
- What’s the best BBQ sauce to use? Choose a smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce for the best balance.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Cook the beef in advance and reheat before serving.
- Can I grill the beef instead? Absolutely! Grill the steak, then slice and toss in the sauce.
Conclusion
These BBQ Beef Tacos with Garlic Honey Butter are an irresistible combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that make for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re looking for quick bites, a tasty lunch, or an easy dinner recipe, these tacos will satisfy all your cravings!
Try this BBQ tacos recipe today and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite! Don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends, and subscribe for more tasty lunch ideas and taco fixings inspiration! 😊
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BBQ Beef Tacos with Garlic Honey Butter – A Savory Taco Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 tacos
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
These BBQ Beef Tacos are packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors! Made with tender beef, coated in a garlic honey butter BBQ sauce, and topped with fresh taco fixings, this easy recipe is perfect for taco night, quick lunches, or an irresistible dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
✅ 1 ½ pounds ground beef or shredded beef (chuck roast or skirt steak)
✅ 2 tablespoons olive oil
✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
✅ 1 teaspoon paprika
✅ 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Garlic Honey Butter BBQ Sauce:
✅ 3 tablespoons butter
✅ 2 tablespoons honey
✅ ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
✅ 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
✅ 1 tablespoon soy sauce
✅ ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Taco Fixings:
✅ 8 small flour or corn tortillas
✅ ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
✅ ½ cup pickled red onions
✅ ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
✅ ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
✅ Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder, then cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. If using shredded beef, sear lightly and transfer to a slow cooker.
2️⃣ Make the Garlic Honey Butter BBQ Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in garlic and honey, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and chili powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3️⃣ Coat the Beef: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well. Simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors. If using slow-cooked beef, shred it with forks before mixing with the sauce.
4️⃣ Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Fill with BBQ beef, then add shredded cheese, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro.
5️⃣ Drizzle & Serve: Spoon extra garlic honey butter BBQ sauce over the tacos, add a squeeze of lime, and serve warm!
Notes
- For Extra Tender Beef: Slow-cook chuck roast in a crockpot on LOW for 6-8 hours, then shred and coat with sauce.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne for more heat.
- Crisp the Beef: After coating in sauce, sear in a hot pan for a slightly crispy edge.
- Storage: Store leftover beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
