These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! The juicy beef is cooked with buttery garlic and sweet honey BBQ sauce, making every bite full of flavor. 🌮
I love how easy these tacos are to make! Just cook the beef, fill the tortillas, and you’re all set for a fun meal. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any day! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin: This cut is tender and flavorful, perfect for tacos. If you want a leaner option, consider using flank steak or even ground beef. My favorite is skirt steak for extra flavor!
Garlic Butter: You can easily make your own by mixing unsalted butter with fresh minced garlic. If you’re short on time, pre-made garlic butter works great too. It’s a real time-saver!
BBQ Sauce: Any BBQ sauce will work, but I love using a tangy or sweet variety to balance with the honey. If you’re looking for healthier options, try a low-sugar BBQ sauce or homemade versions.
Honey: For a sugar-free alternative, agave syrup or maple syrup can be substituted. Honey gives a nice sweetness, so don’t skip it!
Tortillas: Both flour and corn tortillas are delicious. Use flour for a chewy bite, and corn for a more traditional touch. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
How Do I Achieve Tender and Flavorful Beef in My Tacos?
The key to juicy beef is not to overcrowd the pan while cooking. Here’s how to make it stand out:
- Use medium heat for the garlic butter – this lets the garlic flavor infuse without burning.
- Cook beef in small batches if your skillet is crowded. This helps achieve that nice browned crust.
- After seasoning, let the beef rest for about a minute before mixing it with sauces. This lets the flavors build.
- Adjust seasoning to taste at the end by adding more paprika or salt if needed.
Following these steps will help you get perfectly cooked beef for your tacos that’s bursting with flavor!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, diced into small cubes
- 3 tablespoons garlic butter (or 3 tablespoons unsalted butter + 4 cloves garlic, minced)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream or crema for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes to enjoy your tasty tacos from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a large skillet, melt the garlic butter over medium heat. If you’re using unsalted butter, melt it first, and then add the minced garlic. Cook this mixture until it’s fragrant, which should take about a minute or two. This is where the delicious flavor begins!
2. Cook the Beef:
Add the diced beef to the skillet. Season it with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides. You’ll know it’s ready when it has that nice brown color and smells wonderful!
3. Mix in the BBQ Sauce and Honey:
Once the beef is browned, reduce the heat to low and pour in the BBQ sauce and honey. Stir everything together to coat the beef. Let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes. This will help all the flavors combine beautifully!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is simmering, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a separate skillet or pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until they are soft and pliable. This makes them easier to fill and eat!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to assemble your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and place a generous portion of the beef mixture in the center. Top it off with some diced red onions and fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
6. Add Toppings and Serve:
If you’d like, drizzle some sour cream or crema over the top for extra creaminess. Serve your delicious Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos immediately and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute beef sirloin with other cuts like flank steak, ribeye, or even ground beef. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose. For ground beef, make sure to cook until browned and drained of excess fat.
What if I Don’t Have Garlic Butter?
No worries! If you don’t have pre-made garlic butter, simply use unsalted butter and add minced garlic as suggested in the recipe. You can also add a pinch of Italian herbs for extra flavor, or use olive oil as a lighter alternative.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture while it cooks. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce or top the tacos with hot sauce for an extra layer of heat.
How to Store Leftover Taco Filling?
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of BBQ sauce or water if it seems dry. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
