Go Back

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos

Shake up your taco night with these ridiculously easy and flavor-packed Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos. Featuring savory beef coated in a magical garlic butter, sweet honey, and smoky BBQ sauce mixture, plus a dreamy creamy taco sauce, these disappear faster than you can make them!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 lb ground beef or beef strips Whatever is easier for you!
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter Unsalted gives us control over the final saltiness.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, Fresh is best here for maximum aroma and flavor!
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite! A smoky or slightly sweet variety works wonderfully here.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste, Start with a little, you can always add more.
  • Pepper to taste, Freshly ground is always a good idea!
For the Taco Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise This is our creamy base!
  • 2 tbsp honey Repeating the sweetness from the beef mixture ties the flavors together.
  • 1 tbsp BBQ sauce Adds that smoky, tangy punch to the sauce.
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For Assembly
  • 6 soft taco tortillas Corn or flour, your preference! Warm them up for flexibility.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Because what's a taco without melty cheese? A cheddar blend works great too.
  • Chopped fresh cilantro optional, Adds a bright burst of freshness.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Grab a large skillet over medium heat. Melt unsalted butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but do not burn.
  2. Step 2: Add beef to the skillet. If using ground beef, break it up; if using strips, brown on all sides. Cook until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to combine and sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Step 4: While the beef simmers, make the taco sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, BBQ sauce, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  5. Step 5: Warm your taco tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, drizzle with taco sauce, and pile on the shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Experiment with different proteins like ground chicken or turkey. Spice it up with cayenne, hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños. Try different cheeses or add veggies like diced onion, bell pepper, lettuce, tomatoes, or corn salsa. Ensure you don't burn the garlic and drain fat from ground beef. Always warm your tortillas and taste and adjust seasonings before assembling. Both the beef mixture and taco sauce can be made 3-4 days ahead and stored separately in the fridge. Reheat beef gently before assembling.