
This hearty garlic butter honey BBQ beef taco recipe brings together sweet and savory flavors that transform ordinary taco night into something extraordinary. The tender beef sautéed in fragrant garlic butter and coated in a rich honey BBQ sauce creates a deliciously unique filling that will become your new favorite.
I first made these tacos during a summer cookout when I was looking for something different than traditional grilled fare. My family was immediately hooked and now requests them at least twice a month regardless of season.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: provides a hearty base make sure to choose 80/20 for best flavor without excessive greasiness
- Unsalted butter: creates richness while allowing you to control the salt level
- Fresh garlic cloves: deliver aromatic flavor always mince just before cooking for maximum impact
- Honey: adds natural sweetness look for local varieties for interesting flavor notes
- BBQ sauce: brings smoky depth select your favorite style from sweet to spicy
- Smoked paprika: enhances the barbecue flavor without additional heat
- Mayonnaise: creates the creamy base for the special taco sauce
- Soft taco tortillas: hold everything together flour tortillas work best for these juicy fillings
- Shredded cheddar cheese: adds meltiness sharp cheddar provides the best flavor contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the Butter:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely until it begins to bubble but not brown. This creates the perfect foundation for the fragrant garlic.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Add your freshly minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning which would create bitter flavors. The garlic should become aromatic and just slightly golden.
- Brown the Beef:
- Add your ground beef to the garlic butter. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook thoroughly until no pink remains about 5-7 minutes. If using beef strips cook until they develop a nice caramelization on the edges. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Create the Sauce Mixture:
- Pour in the honey and BBQ sauce once the beef is browned. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece of meat evenly with the sweet and savory sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld and intensify.
- Prepare the Taco Sauce:
- While the beef simmers whisk together mayonnaise honey BBQ sauce and smoked paprika in a small bowl until completely smooth. This sauce adds a creamy contrasting element that balances the rich meat mixture perfectly.
- Assemble Your Tacos:
- Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side or microwave between damp paper towels. Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Drizzle with the prepared taco sauce and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Add fresh cilantro if desired.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment the honey hits the hot pan with the beef and butter. That sizzle and immediate caramelization creates the most incredible aroma in my kitchen. My daughter always comes running when she hears that sound because she knows these tacos are on the menu.
Make It Ahead
The beef mixture can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight dinner assembly incredibly quick just reheat the meat mixture on the stove or in the microwave until hot. The taco sauce also keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week and develops even more flavor as it sits.
Perfect Pairings
These sweet and savory tacos pair beautifully with sides that offer contrasting flavors and textures. Try serving them with a tangy coleslaw dressed simply with lime juice and a touch of honey or a crisp green salad with avocado. For a more substantial meal cilantro lime rice or black beans make excellent companions. To drink consider a crisp lager beer or for a nonalcoholic option a sparkling water with lime complements the rich flavors.
Ingredient Swaps
This versatile recipe adapts well to what you have available. Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully as a lighter alternative to beef. Vegetarians can substitute crumbled tempeh or a plant based ground meat alternative. If you prefer a spicier profile add a tablespoon of chipotle in adobo to the sauce mixture. No BBQ sauce on hand? A combination of ketchup Worcestershire sauce and a touch of liquid smoke creates a reasonable substitute.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different meats for these tacos?
Absolutely! While ground beef creates a delicious base, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a different texture and flavor profile, try using shredded beef or pork. The garlic butter and honey BBQ sauce combination works wonderfully with all these proteins.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness level of these tacos?
The sweetness in these tacos comes primarily from the honey in both the meat mixture and the taco sauce. To reduce sweetness, simply decrease the amount of honey used. For a more savory profile, increase the BBQ sauce proportion while reducing the honey. You can also add a dash of lime juice to balance the sweetness with acidity.
- → What are the best tortillas to use for these tacos?
Soft flour tortillas are recommended for these tacos as they complement the saucy beef filling well and are easy to fold. However, you can also use corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor or hard taco shells if you prefer a crunchy texture. Just be sure to warm soft tortillas before serving to make them more pliable.
- → Can I make components of these tacos ahead of time?
Yes! The beef mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The taco sauce can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. When ready to serve, simply reheat the beef mixture in a skillet until warmed through, and assemble your tacos with the pre-made components.
- → What sides pair well with these tacos?
These tacos pair beautifully with Mexican-style rice, refried or black beans, or a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette. For a complete taco night spread, serve alongside tortilla chips with guacamole, fresh salsa, or queso dip. Grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder also makes an excellent complementary side dish.
- → How can I make these tacos spicier?
To add heat to these tacos, you have several options. Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef while cooking. You could also add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the taco sauce. Another option is to serve the tacos with sliced fresh jalapeños or a spicy salsa on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat level to their preference.