If you are craving a mouthwatering fusion that brings together the best of juicy smash burgers and vibrant Mexican street corn flavors, you have to try this Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe. Every bite bursts with crispy, savory beef melded with creamy, tangy elote-inspired toppings, all wrapped in soft tortillas. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes that makes these tacos an instant favorite for any casual dinner or lively gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be one of those dishes you find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is simple but essential to nail the fresh, smoky, and creamy flavor profile. Each component plays a unique role—from the perfectly seasoned ground beef that forms the taco’s hearty base to the bright, cheesy street corn topping that takes every bite to the next level.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20): Choose this blend for the ideal balance of fat and flavor that creates juicy, crispy smash burgers.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and the street corn topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming spice that complements the smoky paprika.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a deep smoky aroma that is key to the burger’s character.
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas: Soft and flexible wraps that hold all the magic together; corn tortillas give a gluten-free option.
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying): Provides a crispy sear on the taco base when smashing the beef on the griddle.
- 1 cup frozen or grilled corn kernels: Sweet, slightly charred corn is the star of the elote-inspired topping.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness and balances the acidity in the street corn mix.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy softness that perfectly blends with the spices and cheese.
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled): Salty, crumbly Mexican cheese that crowns the topping with umami.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens and lifts all the flavors, giving that signature fresh zest.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder: A pinch of gentle heat that enhances the warmth of the dish without overpowering it.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh herbs add a burst of green color and herbal brightness to the mixture.
- 1/4 cup diced red onion: Adds crunch and an oniony bite for textural contrast.
- Optional toppings: jalapeño slices, hot sauce, extra lime wedges to customize your spice and tang levels.
How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Start by mixing the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse that smoky, savory flavor in every bite. Divide this mixture into eight loose balls—don’t overwork the meat to keep the texture tender.
Step 2: Smash and Cook the Burgers on Tortillas
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. Place a tortilla in the pan, then immediately put one beef ball on top. Press it down firmly with a spatula until it spreads thinly across the tortilla. This creates those delicious crispy edges that are the hallmark of a perfect smash burger taco. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then carefully flip to brown the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 3: Make the Street Corn Topping
While the tacos cook, mix together corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Stir well so every kernel is coated with that luscious, creamy blend that mimics the classic Mexican street corn flavor.
Step 4: Assemble Your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Once all your smash burger tacos are cooked, pile each one high with a generous scoop of the street corn topping. Sprinkle diced red onion on top for extra crunch and add any optional toppings like jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to jazz it up. Serve warm immediately, with lime wedges on the side for that refreshing citrus kick.
How to Serve Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these tacos is where you can get creative! Fresh cilantro leaves or extra crumbled cotija sprinkled on top enhance the presentation and flavor. Thin slices of jalapeño add a spicy dimension, and a squeeze of lime finished just before eating keeps the flavors bright and lively.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp cabbage slaw or a simple cucumber salad tossed in lime and chili powder. For a heartier meal, accompany with Mexican rice or black beans that complement the smoky and creamy taco flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these tacos as part of a taco bar with various toppings set out for guests to customize their plates. Alternatively, stack a few on a large platter with colorful garnishes and edible flowers for a festive look that makes the whole meal feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe, store the cooked smash burger tortillas separately from the street corn topping in airtight containers. The tacos stay fresh for up to two days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
Freezing is best done only with the cooked beef patties and tortillas individually wrapped, as the street corn topping has a creamy base that doesn’t freeze well. Reheat the patties later in a pan for best texture and freshness.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the smash burger tortillas gently on a skillet over medium heat until heated through and slightly crispy again. Add fresh street corn topping after reheating to maintain its creamy texture and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option, but keep in mind they’ll be less juicy and might cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
Is it better to use flour or corn tortillas?
Both work wonderfully, but corn tortillas offer a more authentic Mexican flair and are naturally gluten-free. Flour tortillas are softer and slightly larger, which some prefer for easier handling.
Can I make the street corn topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! The street corn mixture tastes great after chilling for a few hours, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to refrigerate it and stir before assembling the tacos.
How can I make the tacos spicier?
Easy! Add more chili powder to the street corn topping or include sliced jalapeños and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick that wakes up your taste buds.
What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
If cotija is hard to find, feta cheese is a great stand-in due to its crumbly texture and salty flavor. Just crumble it lightly in place of cotija for a similar taste profile.
Final Thoughts
These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe are the perfect marriage of comfort food and bold Mexican flavors. They are fun to make, bursting with texture and zest, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. So, roll up your sleeves, get that skillet hot, and dive into this flavorful taco experience—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos combine the juicy, crispy-smash burger technique with a creamy, tangy street corn topping, delivering a perfect fusion of Mexican and American flavors. These tacos feature seasoned ground beef smashed thin on tortillas with a delicious elote-inspired topping made from corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty lime dressing, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Burger Tacos
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
Street Corn Topping
- 1 cup frozen or grilled corn kernels
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Optional Toppings
- Jalapeño slices
- Hot sauce
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare and season beef: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently to incorporate the seasonings without overworking the meat, then divide the mixture into 8 loose balls.
- Cook smash burger tacos: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface. Place one tortilla onto the hot surface. Immediately place one beef ball on top of the tortilla and press it flat with a spatula, smashing it thin so it spreads evenly across the tortilla. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned, then flip the taco and cook the other side for 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Repeat cooking: Repeat the smashing and cooking process with the remaining tortillas and beef balls, ensuring all tacos are cooked evenly and have crispy edges.
- Make street corn topping: In a medium bowl, stir together the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
- Assemble tacos: Top each smash burger tortilla with a generous scoop of the street corn mixture. Sprinkle diced red onion on top and add any optional toppings such as jalapeño slices, hot sauce, or additional lime wedges. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Serve tacos fresh off the griddle for optimal crispiness and flavor.
- Char the corn kernels before mixing for an added smoky flavor.
- For an extra kick, sprinkle a dash of TajÃn seasoning on the street corn topping.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to your preference.
