Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are my go-to when I want to shake up taco night with something sweet, savory, and totally irresistible. These tacos are packed with tender, saucy ground beef cooked in a garlicky butter blend, glazed with tangy honey BBQ sauce, and tucked into warm tortillas with all the fixings. Every bite is loaded with bold flavor and buttery goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these tacos strike the perfect balance between smoky, sweet, and savory. The garlic butter gives the beef rich depth, while the honey BBQ sauce adds a sticky, craveable finish. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights or fun weekend dinners. Plus, they’re always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef
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Garlic, minced
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Butter
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Honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Onion, chopped (optional)
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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Chili powder or smoked paprika (optional for extra kick)
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Flour or corn tortillas
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Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
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Shredded lettuce
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Diced tomatoes
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Sour cream or ranch (optional for topping)
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Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Directions
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I heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion until soft (if using).
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I add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once cooked through, I drain excess fat.
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I stir in minced garlic and butter, letting it melt and infuse into the beef.
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Once the garlic is fragrant, I pour in the honey BBQ sauce and stir to coat the beef. I let it simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.
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I warm the tortillas and spoon the saucy beef into each one.
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I top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of sour cream or ranch. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a nice finish if I have it.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8–10 tacos and takes about 25 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
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I use ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken when I want a lighter version.
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For spice, I stir in chipotle in adobo or a splash of hot sauce with the BBQ.
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I’ve made taco bowls with rice or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
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I sometimes top them with crispy onions or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
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Coleslaw is a great topping for extra tang and texture.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until hot. I keep the tortillas and toppings separate until I’m ready to serve again. This filling also freezes well—perfect for batch cooking and taco emergencies.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of BBQ sauce?
Absolutely. I like using smoky, spicy, or even mustard-based BBQ sauces depending on my mood. Honey BBQ just adds that sweet, sticky magic.
What’s the best tortilla for this recipe?
I usually use flour tortillas for their softness, but corn tortillas work great too—especially if I toast them a little first.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare the beef in advance and just reheat it when I’m ready to serve. I assemble the tacos fresh to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
Do I need to use butter?
Yes—just a little butter adds richness and brings out the garlic flavor. It really makes a difference in the final taste.
Are these tacos kid-friendly?
Definitely. The BBQ sauce gives them a sweet edge that kids love. I keep it mild and let everyone add their own toppings.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are everything I want in a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. They’re sweet, savory, slightly smoky, and packed with bold flavor that turns a simple taco into something unforgettable. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or a weekend feast, this recipe always earns a spot on my table.
Print
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a sweet, savory twist on taco night, featuring juicy ground beef simmered in garlic butter and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Quick to make and loaded with flavor, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ small onion, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp chili powder or smoked paprika (optional)
- 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Sour cream or ranch (optional for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion (if using) and sauté until soft.
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Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in minced garlic and butter. Let the butter melt and garlic become fragrant.
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Pour in honey BBQ sauce and optional chili powder. Stir to coat and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Warm tortillas and fill each with the BBQ beef mixture.
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Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream or ranch, and cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner taco.
- Add chipotle in adobo or hot sauce for spice.
- Turn this into a taco bowl with rice or lettuce.
- Crispy onions or crushed tortilla chips add great texture.
- Coleslaw makes a great tangy topping.
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