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Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos

Emma
They’re quick to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a casual weekend gathering with friends and family. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American-Mexican Fusion
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Skillet or Frying Pan
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Small Bowl
  • Tongs
  • Shredded Cheese Grater

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef or beef strips (you can substitute with chicken or tofu for a different twist)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey – the sweetness that balances the BBQ sauce beautifully
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce – I love using a smoky variety for that extra depth of flavor
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika – this adds a lovely smoky touch
  • Salt and pepper, to taste – adjust as you go to match your flavor preferences

For the Taco Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise – this creamy base complements the smoky BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey – to echo the sweetness from the beef filling
  • 1 tbsp BBQ sauce – for that extra BBQ flair
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – this intensifies the smoky flavor and adds a hint of spice

For Assembly:

  • 6 soft taco tortillas – I recommend flour tortillas for the best texture, but corn works great too!
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – or your favorite cheese blend
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional, but highly recommended for freshness)

Instructions
 

Cooking the Beef

  • Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Stir it around and sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. This is where the magic begins—garlic and butter create such an irresistible aroma!
  • Add your ground beef (or beef strips) to the skillet. Use your spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally, ensuring the beef browns evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. If you’re using lean beef, you might not need to drain much fat at all.
  • Now, it’s time to bring in the sweet and smoky elements. Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, and smoked paprika. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef nicely. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You should now have a delicious, caramelized beef filling that’s both savory and slightly sweet with a subtle smoky kick.

Assembling the Tacos

  • Warm your soft taco tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable and easier to fold. You can even lightly toast them for a bit of extra crunch if you like.
  • Start by spooning the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Be generous! You want that juicy, saucy beef to shine. Next, drizzle the taco sauce over the beef, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) over the beef and sauce. The cheese will melt perfectly into the warm beef, creating a delicious, cheesy bite.
  • If you like a fresh, herbal note, garnish with a little fresh cilantro. The cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that really brings the whole taco together.
Keyword Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos