These Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos bring together juicy burger patties and sweet, buttery corn in a fun way! Topped with cheese and fresh toppings, they’re super tasty.
I’ve got to say, the mix of flavors makes this dish a real crowd pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy tacos without the usual filling—who doesn’t love switching things up? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using 80/20 ground beef because it has enough fat for flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken. Just know that cooking times may change a bit!
Fresh Street Corn: Grilled corn adds a sweet smokiness that’s hard to beat! If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works too. Just sautĂ© it quickly to give it a nice kick of flavor before adding to your mix.
Tortillas: Small flour or corn tortillas are best for these tacos. If you prefer something crunchy, you could even use taco shells. Or, try lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Cheese: Cheddar and Mexican blend cheese are fantastic choices! If you’re vegan, substitute with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. Nutritional yeast is a great flavor boost if you want a cheesy taste without dairy!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Smash Burger Patties?
Creating a great smash burger patty is simple and satisfying! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with meat at room temperature for even cooking.
- Form small balls of ground beef—2 ounces each works well.
- Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little oil or butter.
- Place the beef ball onto the hot surface and use a spatula to smash it down firmly. Aim for a thin patty for that nice crispy edge!
- Cook 2-3 minutes without moving it for perfect browning, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this cools it down and prevents that lovely sear!
Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers and Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 cup fresh street corn (grilled or roasted corn kernels)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
For the Corn Topping:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Other Ingredients:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil or butter for cooking
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, avocado, hot sauce, sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 15 minutes to cook and assemble everything. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Street Corn Topping:
Start by mixing your grilled or roasted corn kernels in a bowl with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and a little salt. Give it a good stir, and set that aside to let the flavors blend together.
2. Forming and Cooking the Burger Patties:
Take your ground beef and divide it into 8 small balls, each about 2 ounces. Season each ball with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat with a splash of oil or a small pat of butter. Place each beef ball in the skillet and use a spatula to smash it down firmly, forming thin patties. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
3. Warming the Tortillas:
While your burgers are cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or microwave them for about 15-20 seconds until they are soft and pliable. This will make them easy to fold!
4. Assembling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place one burger patty on each warmed tortilla. Spoon on some of that delicious street corn mixture on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheese, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
5. Serving:
Once everything is assembled, you can add any extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, hot sauce, or sour cream if you like. Fold the tacos up and dig in right away for a burst of flavor!
Enjoy your tasty Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos as a fun twist on taco night! They’re sure to be a hit! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works just fine for this recipe. Just thaw it before mixing it with the mayonnaise and seasonings. You can sauté it quickly in a skillet for added flavor if you like!
What Kind of Ground Meat Can I Substitute?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat you choose!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the patties on a skillet, and briefly warm the tortillas in the microwave or a pan to avoid them drying out.
Can I Make the Corn Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the street corn mixture up to a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a quick stir before using it to freshen up the flavors.
