Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Savory, sweet, and just a little smoky—these tacos are a weeknight flavor bomb you’ll crave again and again!
If you love tacos with a bold personality, you’re going to go wild for these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos. We’re talking juicy beef cooked in garlic butter, glazed with a sweet and smoky BBQ-honey sauce, then stuffed into warm tortillas and drizzled with a creamy, tangy homemade taco sauce. Oh, and did I mention melty cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro to top it off?
Whether you’re whipping up Taco Tuesday or just want a fast, crave-worthy dinner, this 25-minute recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind!)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Taco Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
For Assembly:
- 6 soft taco tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro, optional for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat with a spatula if using ground beef. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce is thick, sticky, and coats the beef beautifully.
2. Whip Up the Taco Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, honey, BBQ sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth. This creamy sauce adds a tangy-sweet touch that balances the savory beef perfectly.
3. Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
Fill each tortilla with a generous scoop of the BBQ beef mixture. Drizzle with your homemade taco sauce, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and top with fresh cilantro if you like a pop of green.
4. Serve & Enjoy
Fold, bite, and enjoy the sticky-sweet, smoky, garlicky perfection in every taco. These are seriously addictive—don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chipotle powder or a dash of hot sauce to the beef or taco sauce.
- Make it a meal: Serve with corn salad, spiced rice, or grilled veggies on the side.
- Don’t eat beef? This recipe works great with ground chicken or turkey too!
Nutrition & Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: ~320 per taco
- Servings: 6 tacos
These tacos are a flavor fiesta that’ll keep everyone at the table happy—from picky eaters to spice lovers. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, and totally customizable too!
