Name: Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or beef strips; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup honey; 1/3 cup BBQ sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp BBQ sauce; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 6 soft taco tortillas; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh cilantro (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to dial-up your next taco night, these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos deliver a sweet, smoky, buttery burst unlike anything you’ve tried before! Picture tender, garlicky beef smothered in a sticky honey BBQ glaze, finished with a creamy, tangy sauce and a handful of cheddar—all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Every bite is rich, balanced, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a group or just want to turn a weeknight meal into a celebration, Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos are the way to go.

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with simple yet bold ingredients. Each one is truly essential, lending a unique flavor, texture, or vibrant color that turns these tacos into something downright magical.

Ground beef or beef strips (1 lb): The meaty centerpiece—choose your favorite cut for juicy, flavorful filling.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and creates the dreamy garlic butter base.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with that irresistible aroma and punch.
Honey (1/4 cup for beef + 2 tbsp for sauce): Brings a glossy sweetness that marries BBQ and butter into a sticky glaze.
BBQ sauce (1/3 cup for beef + 1 tbsp for sauce): Smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet—pick your favorite store-bought or homemade variety.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp for beef + 1/2 tsp for sauce): Layers in subtle warmth and a gorgeous red hue.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Season to perfection—don’t skimp here for maximum flavor balance.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creates the ultra-creamy, tangy sauce that finishes each taco.
Soft taco tortillas (6): Use your favorite flour or corn tortillas; the perfect handheld backdrop.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts over the warm filling for an gooey, sharp kick.
Fresh cilantro (optional): For a fresh, herbal finish that brightens each bite.

How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Begin by setting a skillet over medium heat and melting your unsalted butter. When the butter gets bubbly and bright, toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant—this builds an aromatic foundation that gives these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos their signature flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, add your ground beef or beef strips to the garlicky butter. Break up the meat with a spatula so it cooks evenly, and let it brown until no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat; this keeps your filling from getting greasy and ensures the sauce doesn’t get diluted.

Step 3: Simmer with Honey and BBQ Sauce

Now’s the moment where everything comes together. Pour in the honey and BBQ sauce, sprinkle with smoked paprika, then season with salt and pepper. Stir it all up and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken into a sticky glaze that coats every morsel—this is what makes Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos so crave-worthy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Honey BBQ Taco Sauce

While the beef simmers, whisk up the sauce in a small bowl. Combine mayonnaise, a bit more honey, BBQ sauce, and another dash of smoked paprika. This creamy sauce is sweet, smoky, and tangy all at once—a finishing touch you don’t want to skip.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas until they’re soft and pliable. Spoon in a generous helping of the beef mixture, drizzle with the honey BBQ sauce you just made, and sprinkle with plenty of shredded cheddar cheese. If you love a little freshness, top with cilantro.

Step 6: Dig In!

Serve your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos immediately. The combination of warm, saucy beef, melty cheddar, and creamy sauce is best enjoyed hot off the skillet—so call everyone to the table and get ready for some serious taco happiness.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos

Garnishes

Garnishing takes these tacos over the top! Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness, or add sliced green onions, diced red onion, or a little lime zest for an extra pop. If you like heat, a few jalapeño rings never hurt either.

Side Dishes

Pair Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos with cool, creamy coleslaw, zesty Mexican street corn (elote), or a crisp green salad. Tortilla chips and guacamole are always perfect alongside, adding a little crunch to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a DIY taco bar with all the fillings and toppings so everyone can customize their plates. For parties, make mini tacos using street taco shells or serve the beef in lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option. Even piling the filling onto nachos is a guaranteed hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos filling or sauce, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The beef and sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze just the beef filling (without cheese or sauce) in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed to keep things moist and saucy before assembling fresh Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos.

FAQs

Can I use chicken or another protein instead of beef?

Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs, ground turkey, or even tofu all work beautifully with the honey BBQ flavors. Just make sure to cook your protein fully before adding the sauce ingredients.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

This recipe shines with your personal favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, spicy, or sweet. If you like it spicy, try a chipotle BBQ sauce; for something classic, stick to an original or hickory variety.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely. Use plant-based butter and mayo for the sauce and skip or substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese option. The result is still deliciously rich and satisfying!

How can I make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos spicier?

Add hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or finely diced jalapeño directly to the beef mixture while simmering. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce to crank up the heat.

What’s the best way to keep tortillas warm for a party?

Wrap a stack of tortillas in foil and keep them in a low oven (around 200°F) or use a tortilla warmer. That way, every Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Taco you serve is warm and ready for stuffing!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos are truly a labor of love with a big reward at the end. Each bite is a party of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that never fail to bring smiles around the table. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a special occasion, give this recipe a try—I promise, it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 tacos 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Tacos are a delicious twist on traditional tacos, combining sweet and savory flavors in every bite. The juicy beef, coated in a sticky honey BBQ sauce, is complemented perfectly by the creamy taco sauce and gooey melted cheese.

Instructions

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, BBQ sauce, and smoked paprika to create the taco sauce.
Warm tortillas. Add beef mixture, drizzle taco sauce, sprinkle cheese, and garnish with cilantro.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize these tacos by adding your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or jalapeños.
Feel free to use chicken or tofu as a substitute for beef for a different twist.
Double the recipe to feed a larger crowd or for delicious leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Fry
Cuisine: Mexican