If you’re craving a bold and delightful fusion of flavors that feels like a fiesta in every bite, then the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the juicy, crispy edges of a perfectly smashed burger nestled on a soft flour tortilla, crowned with creamy, smoky street corn toppings bursting with tangy lime and crumbly cotija cheese. It’s vibrant, comforting, and so easy to whip up for any meal that you’ll find yourself making these tacos again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly climb to the top of your favorite tacos list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a starring role in building the unforgettable taste, texture, and color of the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe. From the juicy, well-seasoned ground beef to the bright lime and smoky chili spices in the street corn topping, every element combines to create something truly addictive.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20): The perfect fat ratio ensures juicy, flavorful patties with a crispy crust when smashed.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and bringing out all the savory flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the rich beef.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth to the burger seasoning without overpowering other flavors.
- 6 small flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, the ideal base for these crunchy, juicy smashed burger tacos.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Charred to perfection, it’s the heart of the creamy and smoky street corn topping.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and richness to balance the spice and tang.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy note that makes the topping irresistibly smooth.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Provides warmth and a mild smoky heat to the corn topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Intensifies the smoky flavor that makes this dish so memorable.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese: Earthy and salty, it’s the perfect finishing touch for street corn flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Offers fresh herbal notes that lighten up the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion: Provides a sharp, crunchy contrast that wakes up the senses.
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for the pan: Helps achieve that golden, crispy crust on both the burger and tortillas.
How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Char the Corn
Start by heating a dry skillet over medium-high heat and cook the frozen corn until it gets a gorgeous slight char, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This charring step unlocks that smoky, caramelized sweetness that makes this recipe unforgettable. Once done, transfer the corn to a bowl and let it cool while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Mix the Street Corn Topping
To your cooled corn, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, cotija cheese, and half of the chopped cilantro. Gently mix all these together until creamy and well combined. This topping adds layers of flavor and creaminess that contrast beautifully with the crispy burger and soft tortilla.
Step 3: Prepare and Season the Beef
Divide your ground beef into six equal portions and roll each into a loose ball. Season each ball generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t pack them too tightly, since the smashing technique will flatten and spread the beef evenly on the tortilla.
Step 4: Smash and Cook the Burgers on Tortillas
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Place a tortilla on the hot pan, then immediately place a beef ball on top. Using a heavy spatula or burger press, smash the beef down flat so it spreads across the surface of the tortilla. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are crisp and browned, then carefully flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the tortilla has a slight golden crunch.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Once cooked, remove each smash burger taco from the pan and top generously with the creamy street corn mixture. Sprinkle with extra cotija cheese, the remaining chopped cilantro, and a few pieces of chopped red onion for a fresh, zesty finish. Serve immediately with lime wedges to squeeze on top just before eating.
How to Serve Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe comes alive with garnishes that add freshness and texture. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens all the flavors, while extra cotija cheese adds saltiness and creaminess. Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of color and flavor, and don’t forget the diced red onion for a satisfying crunch and mild sharpness.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair wonderfully with Mexican-style sides like refried beans, cilantro lime rice, or a simple cabbage slaw for a refreshing crunch. If you want to keep things lighter, a crisp salad dressed with lime and chili flakes complements the richness perfectly. For a real feast, serve with a side of spicy pickled jalapeños or a chipotle mayo dip to amp up the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the standard taco setup? Try stacking a couple of smash burger tacos in a taco holder for a fun presentation or serve them open-faced on a wooden board with lime wedges and small bowls of toppings on the side. For gatherings, set up a DIY taco bar with extra street corn topping and salsa, letting everyone customize their own taco creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though these tacos are hard to resist finishing in one go), store the assembled tacos and taco components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the tortillas from getting soggy and preserves the freshness of the toppings. Use within 2 days for best taste and texture.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy these tacos fresh, you can freeze the cooked smashed burger patties on their own wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the tortillas or the street corn topping, as that will affect their texture. When ready to use, thaw patties overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For reheating stored burgers, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain their crisp edges without drying out. Reheat tortillas separately wrapped in foil to keep them pliable. Add the street corn topping fresh after reheating for the best flavor experience, as the creamy mixture is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for the street corn topping?
Absolutely! Fresh corn grilled or roasted will add an even more vibrant and sweet flavor to your street corn topping. Just make sure to char it nicely for that smoky element that’s key to the recipe’s flavor profile.
What’s the best type of ground beef to use for this recipe?
Ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works perfectly because the fat keeps the patties juicy and helps develop a nice crispy crust when smashed. Leaner beef might dry out and won’t have as much flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap out the small flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas or even corn tortillas, and you’ll still enjoy all the delicious layers of flavor without gluten.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level is mild and approachable, thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika in the street corn topping. If you like it hotter, you can easily add pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to bring in some heat.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe?
You could definitely swap the ground beef for plant-based burger patties or spiced black bean patties and still enjoy that irresistible street corn topping. The creamy, smoky mixture pairs wonderfully with vegetarian alternatives.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe enough for a fun, flavorful, and downright addictive meal. It’s that special kind of recipe that feels like a party on your plate but comes together so easily, you’ll want to make it week after week. Go ahead, try it out, and watch how these tacos become an instant favorite in your home. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos combine the bold flavors of juicy smashed beef patties cooked right on the tortilla with a creamy, smoky street corn topping. This Mexican-American fusion recipe delivers crispy, cheesy, and tangy tacos perfect for an irresistible main course that’s quick to prepare and full of vibrant textures and tastes.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Tacos
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for the pan
For the Street Corn Mixture
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
Instructions
- Char the Corn: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat and add the frozen corn. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred. Remove from heat and transfer the corn to a bowl to cool.
- Prepare the Street Corn Mixture: To the cooled corn, add mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, cotija cheese, and half of the chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors. Set aside.
- Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions and gently shape each into loose balls. Season each ball evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat the Skillet and Tortillas: Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla directly onto the hot surface to warm it slightly.
- Smash and Cook the Beef: Place a beef ball on top of the tortilla in the skillet. Immediately use a heavy spatula or burger press to smash the beef flat against the tortilla, forming a crispy-edged patty. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom is browned and crisp.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the smashed beef and tortilla together, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the tortilla is golden and the beef is cooked through. Remove the taco from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and beef balls.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of the prepared street corn mixture over each cooked taco. Sprinkle extra crumbled cotija cheese, chopped red onion, and remaining cilantro on top for garnish.
- Serve: Serve the tacos hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy immediately to keep the tortillas crispy and the flavors at their best.
Notes
- For an extra kick of heat, add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or sprinkle with diced jalapeños.
- These tacos are best served immediately to enjoy the crispy texture of the tortillas and the fresh flavors.
- If preferred, fresh corn can be grilled and used instead of frozen corn for the street corn mixture.
- Use a heavy spatula or burger press to achieve the signature crispy edges on the smashed beef patties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
