Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos

Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos are an easy and delicious meal to make at home! Made with ground beef, barbecue spices, and cheese. It’s simple and ready in 30 minutes! 

We make a lot of tacos for dinner in our household.

Tacos are not only easy to make, but are so versatile! I like to make an extra batch of taco meat to use throughout the week in quesadillas, rice skillets, or soup. Some of my favorite taco recipes I’ve made in the past include: Slow Cooker Al Pastor Lamb Tacos, Sheet Pan Breakfast Tacos, Taco Stuffed Subs, and now these Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos. 

I adore these Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos because not only are they super simple to make, but have some serious flavor. These tacos taste like they’ve been simmering on the stove for hours. The best part? Ready in 30 minutes! 

I say we dive in and get started on making these insanely delicious Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos! 

Why Make Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos at Home

Customization: When you make tacos at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can choose the type of meat, seasoning, and toppings according to your preferences. 

Freshness:  By making tacos at home you have access to fresh and high-quality ingredients from your own pantry. You can ensure the freshness of vegetables, meat, and other components, resulting in a tastier and more satisfying meal.

Healthier Options: You have the option to use lean meats, whole-grain tortillas, and a variety of vegetables, making it a more nutritious meal. 

Cost-Effective: Making tacos at home can be more cost-effective than dining out, especially if you’re preparing them for a family or a group of people. Buying ingredients in bulk can save money compared to ordering individual servings at a restaurant

Ingredients to Make Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos

Only a few ingredients stand in your way of making these Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos. You will need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried thyme
• Ketchup
• Honey
• Dijon mustard 
• Favorite beer! 
• Flour Tortillas
• Shredded cheese

How to Make Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos

Making dinner at home is a great way to save money. These tacos are also a great way to feed a crowd quickly! With only a few simple steps, you will be able to devour these Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos without having to wait for a seat.

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. 
2. In a large skillet preheated to medium-high heat add the ground beef. Break it up using a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Add in the chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, dried thyme, kosher salt and pepper. Stir until everything is combined and cook for about one minute.
3. Next, add in the honey, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and beer. Stir to combine and reduce the skillet to medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes adding in more beer if the beef mixture looks too thick. Remove from heat. 
4. Place a tortilla on the baking sheet. Layer one side of the tortilla with ground beef and cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling gently pushing to adhere. Repeat the process with the desired taco amount. Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the tortilla and continue to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes or until nice and golden. 

Variations for Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos

Best part about making tacos are all the variations. Here are few ideas to customize your taco making experience: 

• Protein Choices: Instead of ground beef, try using shredded beef, pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Barbecue Sauce Flavors: Experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors such as hickory, mesquite, sweet and tangy, spicy, or even homemade barbecue sauce recipes.
• Taco Shell Options: Use different types of taco shells like traditional corn tortillas, flour tortillas, hard taco shells, or even make your own shells using ingredients like cheese or cauliflower.
• Cheese Varieties: Explore various cheese options such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or a blend of different cheeses.
• Toppings: Customize your toppings with options like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado slices.
• Spice it Up: Add heat with ingredients like hot sauce, chili flakes, or diced spicy peppers. You can also experiment with different spice blends for the beef.

Proper Storing 

Here are some guidelines on how to store Crispy BBQ Beef Tacos: 

• Refrigeration: If you have already assembled the tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef filing separately. When ready to eat, thaw the filling and assemble the tacos with fresh, crispy shells.
• Reheating: If you need to reheat the tacos, consider using an oven or toaster. Reheat at a low temperature to maintain some crispiness.