Description
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos combine rich, savory ground beef cooked in a flavorful garlic butter and sweet honey BBQ sauce, served in warm taco shells and topped with fresh, crisp vegetables and cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, they make a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any taco night.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or paprika (optional)
Taco Ingredients
- 8 taco shells (soft or hard)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or preferred)
- 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, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer with Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce if using. Stir well to coat the beef evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili powder or paprika to taste.
- Warm the Taco Shells: While the beef simmers, warm the taco shells according to package instructions in the oven or microwave. Alternatively, toast them briefly in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until warmed and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the garlic butter honey BBQ beef mixture into each warm taco shell. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and shredded cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, enhancing the flavor with a bright citrus note.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Soy sauce is optional but adds a savory depth; skip for a gluten-free diet or substitute with tamari.
- Customize toppings to your liking, such as adding avocado slices, sour cream, or jalapeños.
- For extra heat, add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use soft or hard taco shells according to your preference.
- Leftover beef mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
