If you love the flavors of elote and crave a juicy, crispy burger, you’re going to fall in love with Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos. This recipe brings together all the best elements of creamy, spicy Mexican street corn and the richly satisfying textures of a smash burger, all wrapped up in a golden tortilla. Every bite gives you tender beef, smoky corn, tangy cheese, and bursts of fresh cilantro—a match made in taco heaven. Whether you’re looking to amp up taco night or wow your friends with the latest viral food mashup, these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos deliver a flavor experience like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos is how the ingredients each have a starring role. You’ll notice how simple the list is, but every component adds something special—be it juiciness, color, tang, or crunch. Here’s what you’ll need to create your new favorite taco-night dish:
- Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20): The magic starts here—with ground beef that’s juicy enough to smash but still gets those crispy edges.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Properly seasoning the meat makes all the difference in bringing out deep, savory flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of bite to balance the richness of the beef.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle background note that elevates every bite.
- Flour or corn tortillas (6 small): Use your favorite; either will crisp beautifully and hold all the saucy toppings.
- Corn kernels (1 cup; fresh, grilled, or canned): The starring ingredient for that sweet, smoky street corn element.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Makes the corn mixture luscious and creamy—don’t skip it!
- Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds extra tang and keeps things super smooth.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for a hit of gentle heat and classic elote flair.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle smokiness into the mix.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brings everything to life with a bright pop of citrus.
- Cotija or feta cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): Salty, crumbly cheese works wonders here—use what you find!
- Chopped cilantro (2 tablespoons): Fresh, herby brightness ties together all the flavors.
- Diced red onion (1/4 cup, optional): For a gentle crunch and a little zing—totally optional, but delicious.
- Oil or butter (for cooking): Ensures golden, crispy tortillas and juicy beef.
How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Street Corn Mixture
In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until everything is completely smooth and luscious. Next, fold in the corn kernels—use them straight from the can or grill them first for extra flavor—and half of your crumbled cotija cheese. This creamy street corn topping is what gives these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos their signature twist. Set the mixture aside while you get started on the beef.
Step 2: Season and Portion the Beef
Grab your ground beef and sprinkle it with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently, just until the seasonings are distributed evenly—don’t overmix, or the burgers will toughen up. Divide the seasoned beef into six loose, equal-sized balls. Forming loose balls instead of tight patties helps the meat crisp up better when you smash it onto the tortilla.
Step 3: Smash and Cook the Tacos
Heat a griddle or large cast iron skillet over medium-high until it’s nice and hot—add a little oil or butter to prevent sticking. Place a tortilla flat on the hot surface, then immediately set one ball of beef onto the center. Using a sturdy spatula (bonus points if you have a burger press!), firmly smash the beef down, spreading it across the tortilla almost to the edges. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, until the burger develops a rich, brown crust. Flip the whole taco, carefully, and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until the tortilla is golden and the beef is cooked through. Repeat until every tortilla becomes the base of a crispy, juicy smash burger.
Step 4: Add the Street Corn Topping and Finish
Now for the fun part: generously spoon the creamy street corn mixture over each hot smash burger taco while they’re still warm. Top with extra crumbled cotija or feta, plenty of chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of the optional red onion for crunch. You’ve just created the most irresistible Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos imaginable! Serve them immediately with lime wedges and your favorite hot sauce if you love a little extra heat.
How to Serve Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Garnishes
To really make your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos pop, pile on generous toppings! A final dusting of cotija or feta cheese adds salty, tangy flair, while extra cilantro gives a burst of fresh green. A little diced red onion brings bite and crunch, and don’t forget those juicy lime wedges on the side. If you want to turn up the heat, a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chopped jalapeño wakes up all the classic elote flavors!
Side Dishes
Pair your tacos with sides that match their bold, street-food vibe. A simple slaw with cabbage and lime makes a cool, crunchy contrast. Chips and guac are always a fiesta favorite, and grilled veggies or spicy beans round everything out beautifully. Of course, you can never go wrong with a refreshing aguas frescas or a tangy margarita to wash it all down!
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos the star at a DIY taco bar: set out the tortillas, the street corn topping, garnishes, and a few extra sauces so everyone can build their own. For parties, stack them taco-stand style on a tray lined with parchment and shower them with all the fixings. Or cut each taco into halves or quarters for stunning appetizers that disappear in seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the street corn topping separate from the cooked tacos for the best results. That way, the tortillas stay as crispy as possible and you can refresh everything when you reheat.
Freezing
While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked beef-and-tortilla bases if needed. Layer them between parchment and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. The street corn topping, however, does not freeze well due to the dairy content, so be sure to make that fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring your tacos back to life, reheat the beef-and-tortilla combo in a hot skillet with a tiny bit of oil or directly in a toaster oven until they’re warm and the tortillas crisp up again. Add the cold, creamy corn topping after reheating so you preserve that contrast of temperatures and textures—just like when they’re fresh!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While beef adds classic smash burger richness, ground turkey or chicken work well if you want a lighter option. Be careful—leaner meats cook even faster, so avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
What’s the best way to char the corn for extra flavor?
If you’re using fresh or thawed frozen corn, toss the kernels in a hot skillet with a touch of oil until they get golden brown spots. Grilling the corn directly on the cob, then slicing off the kernels, adds fantastic smokiness—just like classic street corn.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, add more chili powder to the corn topping, sprinkle chopped fresh jalapeños on the tacos, or drizzle your favorite hot sauce over everything before serving. You can also stir some chipotle in adobo into the corn mixture for a smoky kick!
Will the tortillas get soggy?
Not if you serve the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos right off the griddle! Cooking the tortillas until golden and crispy forms a barrier that holds up well under the saucy corn topping. For leftovers, crisp the tortillas again in a skillet before adding the corn.
Can I scale this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double or triple all the ingredients and work in batches on your griddle or skillet. Keep cooked tacos warm in a low oven (200°F) while you finish the rest, then top all at once with the street corn mixture and fresh garnishes.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about the wild, craveable fusion of flavors in Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos. Trust me—make them once and you’ll be dreaming about that juicy beef, creamy corn, and sizzling tortilla combo for weeks. So gather your crew, fire up the griddle, and get ready to watch these tacos disappear. I hope you have as much fun making (and devouring) Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos as I do!
Print
Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious fusion of flavors, combining the elements of a classic smash burger with the vibrant street corn toppings, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that’s bursting with Mexican-American flair.
Ingredients
For the Street Corn:
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or canned)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- Oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Street Corn: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the corn and half of the cotija cheese. Set aside.
- Cook the Smash Burgers: Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Divide into 6 equal portions and roll into loose balls. Heat a griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place a tortilla on the hot surface and immediately press a ball of beef onto the center, smashing it flat into the tortilla with a spatula. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked and tortilla is golden. Repeat with remaining tortillas and beef.
- Assemble the Tacos: Top each smash burger taco with a generous spoonful of the street corn mixture. Garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and diced red onion if using. Serve warm with lime wedges.
Notes
- For extra heat, drizzle with hot sauce or add chopped jalapeños.
- These tacos are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
