Get ready for a tasty treat with these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos! They feature juicy beef cooked in a mix of garlic butter and sweet BBQ sauce, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas.
I love piling on all the toppings—think fresh cilantro, zesty lime, or crunchy veggies. Eating these tacos feels like a fun party in my mouth! 🌮🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak and sirloin are great choices for this recipe. Flank steak is a bit more flavorful, while sirloin is super tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider chicken or even plant-based beef for a meatless version!
Honey: Honey adds a lovely sweetness. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar works well. For a sugar-free option, try using a sugar substitute that measures similarly to honey.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce! If you want a spicier kick, opt for a spicy BBQ sauce or add some hot sauce. For a homemade touch, mix ketchup with a dash of vinegar and spices.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic here, but feel free to switch it up! Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a nice twist. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese or skip it altogether.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, while corn tortillas add a nice corn flavor. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas or other gluten-free options to enjoy the tacos!
How Do I Cook the Beef Perfectly?
Getting the beef just right can make your tacos amazing! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet and melt the butter before adding the garlic. This sets the stage for great flavor.
- When you add the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps it brown nicely.
- Cook the beef until it’s browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- After adding the honey and BBQ sauce, let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This allows the sauce to stick and flavor the beef.
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4-6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream or crema
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to make and enjoy these tasty tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Garlic:
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Cooking the Beef:
Add the beef cubes to the skillet and season them with salt, pepper, chili powder, and paprika. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on all sides. This will give it a lot of delicious flavor!
3. Making the Sauce:
Now, pour in the honey and BBQ sauce, stirring to make sure all the beef is well-coated. Let this mixture cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and meld all the flavors together.
4. Warming the Tortillas:
While the beef is finishing up, warm the tortillas by placing them in a separate pan over low heat or microwaving them for about 30 seconds until they’re pliable and ready to fill.
5. Assembling the Tacos:
Once everything is ready, it’s time to build your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and place a generous portion of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef in the center.
6. Adding Toppings:
Drizzle some sour cream or crema over the beef, then sprinkle on some shredded cheddar cheese to make it extra tasty!
7. Garnishing:
Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish, and your tacos are ready to be served!
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy these mouthwatering tacos with your favorite sides, like chips or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works great, you could also use ground beef, ribeye, or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as ground beef cooks faster than cubed steak.
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
For a spicier kick, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef while it’s cooking. You could also use a spicy BBQ sauce instead of a regular one for extra heat!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet or microwave until heated through, and then serve in fresh tortillas for the best texture!
Can I Prepare the Beef Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it in a skillet before assembling your tacos. This can save you time on busy days!
