Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos

This garlic butter honey BBQ taco recipe combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors for a unique twist on traditional tacos. The honey and BBQ sauce create a delicious glaze for the beef, while the special taco sauce adds a creamy, flavorful finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I created these tacos during a backyard cookout when I wanted something different from traditional grilled fare. My guests were fighting over the last one, and now this recipe has become my signature dish whenever friends visit.

Ingredients

• Ground beef or beef strips: Fresh is best, but you can use frozen in a pinch. The fat content adds flavor, so 80/20 works perfectly
• Unsalted butter: Creates the base for the garlic butter sauce. Use unsalted to control the sodium
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor. Look for firm bulbs without sprouting
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create the glaze. Local honey offers great flavor
• BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand. I recommend one with a balance of sweet and smoky notes
• Smoked paprika: Adds depth and authentic smoky flavor. Spanish smoked paprika has the best quality
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the taco sauce. Full fat works best for richness
• Soft taco tortillas: Flour tortillas work great, but corn tortillas add authenticity. Warm them before serving
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged. Sharp cheddar adds more flavor
• Fresh cilantro: Adds brightness and color. Look for vibrant green bunches without wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Garlic Butter Base:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This creates an aromatic foundation for your meat.

Brown the Beef:

Add your ground beef or beef strips to the garlic butter. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon if using ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary, but leaving some adds flavor.

Create the Sweet BBQ Glaze:

Pour in the honey and BBQ sauce, then sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to thoroughly coat the meat. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Prepare the Special Taco Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, BBQ sauce, and smoked paprika. Whisk until completely smooth and no streaks remain. This can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days for even better flavor development.

Warm the Tortillas:

Heat your tortillas either directly over a gas flame for 10 seconds per side, in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrapped in damp paper towels in the microwave for 20 seconds. Keep them warm by wrapping in a clean kitchen towel.

Assemble Your Tacos:

Place a warm tortilla on a plate, add a generous spoonful of the beef mixture down the center. Drizzle with the special taco sauce, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while everything is still warm.

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The honey in this recipe is my secret weapon. I discovered this combination when I accidentally spilled some honey into my BBQ sauce one summer. My son declared it the best mistake I ever made in the kitchen, and these tacos were born.

Perfect Pairings

These tacos pair beautifully with simple sides that complement their sweet and savory profile. A crisp cabbage slaw with lime dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich meat filling. Mexican rice with a hint of cilantro and lime provides a hearty base that soaks up any drippings from the tacos. For a complete fiesta, serve with classic refried beans topped with a sprinkle of queso fresco.

Storage and Reheating

The beef mixture keeps exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the taco sauce separate in its own container where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. When reheating the beef, add a tablespoon of water before warming in a skillet or microwave to maintain moisture. Always warm tortillas fresh just before serving for the best texture.

Tasty Variations

This recipe welcomes creative adaptations to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of chipotle powder to the beef mixture. Vegetarians can substitute the beef with black beans or crumbled tempeh for a plant based alternative that still carries the sweet and smoky flavors. For an elevated weekend version, replace the ground beef with slow cooked brisket or pulled pork for an extraordinary depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, chicken works great for this recipe. Use either ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken breasts or thighs, cooked until tender.

→ What type of BBQ sauce works best?

It depends on your preference. A smoky BBQ sauce adds depth, while a sweeter sauce enhances the honey flavor.

→ Can I make the tacos vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use plant-based protein (like soy crumbles) or even roasted vegetables such as sweet potato or jackfruit as a substitute for beef.

→ What other garnishes can I add?

You can add toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado slices, chopped onions, or pickled jalapeños for additional texture and flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the beef and taco sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef on the stovetop or in the microwave and warm your tortillas before assembly.