Description
For the Beef:
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Tacos:
8 small flour or corn tortillas
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup coleslaw mix
¼ cup chopped cilantro
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions:
Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until
browned. Drain excess fat.
Make the Sauce: Stir in BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas and fill each with the beef mixture. Top with shredded cheese, coleslaw, red onion, and cilantro.
Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and enjoy immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 320 per taco Servings: 8 tacos
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect BBQ Beef Tacos every time.
- Prep Ingredients: Mince garlic, shred cheese, thinly slice red onion, chop cilantro, and cut lime into wedges. Measure all other ingredients.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Create the Glaze: Reduce heat to medium-low. To the beef, add BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Warm Tortillas: While the beef simmers, warm your tortillas. You can heat them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble Tacos: Place a warm tortilla on a plate. Spoon a generous portion of the BBQ beef mixture down the center. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a pinch of coleslaw mix, a few slices of red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Final Touch: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos just before eating.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your taco night with these complementary ideas. Serve alongside Mexican street corn (elote), a simple black bean salad, or crispy tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa. For a refreshing drink pairing, consider an ice-cold Mexican lager, a classic margarita, or a fruity agua fresca. To turn this into a fuller spread, add a side of cilantro-lime rice and refried beans.
How-to Summary
Quickly cook seasoned ground beef in a sweet and smoky BBQ-honey glaze. Serve the warm mixture in soft tortillas and top with crunchy coleslaw, sharp cheese, fresh onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a perfect balance of flavors and textures in under 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the BBQ beef ahead of time? Yes, the beef mixture can be cooked, cooled, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water before serving.
- What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives work well. For shredded meat, try using leftover pulled pork or shredded chicken.
- How can I make these tacos spicier? Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of chili powder or chipotle powder to the beef sauce. You can also top the tacos with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour? Absolutely. Corn tortillas are a traditional and delicious choice. For best results, warm them thoroughly so they don’t crack when folded.
- What’s a good substitute for the coleslaw mix? Shredded lettuce, a quick cabbage salad with a vinegar dressing, or even a spoonful of tangy pickled red onions work great for adding crunch and acidity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Fat: Failing to drain excess fat after browning the beef can make the final sauce greasy and prevent it from properly coating the meat.
- Overcooking the Sauce: Simmer the sauce just until thickened. Overcooking can cause the honey to burn and make the mixture overly sticky and dry.
- Serving Cold Tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to tear and lack the pliable, comforting texture essential for a great taco. Always warm them up.
- Skipping the Acid: The lime juice at the end is crucial. It cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, brightening all the flavors. Don’t omit it.
Conclusion
These BBQ Beef Tacos are the ultimate weeknight win, combining familiar comfort food with exciting, restaurant-quality flair in just 25 minutes. The sweet and smoky beef paired with cool, crunchy toppings creates a perfectly balanced bite. This versatile recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it a reliable favorite for any night of the week. Gather your ingredients and get ready for a taco night that will have everyone asking for seconds.
