These Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos bring fun and flavor together! Juicy burgers are smashed into crispy taco shells and topped with roasted corn, giving you a tasty twist!
I love how easy these are to make, especially when you’re craving something different. Just toss everything together, and you’re ready for a delicious feast! 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for a juicy burger, but you can use ground turkey or plant-based alternatives if you want something lighter. Just remember that cooking times may vary!
Corn: Fresh corn gives a wonderful charred flavor. Frozen corn works just as well; just ensure it’s heated through. If corn is out of season, canned corn is a good alternative, but drain it well before using.
Cotija Cheese: This cheese adds a nice salty crunch. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a great substitute. If you’re after a creamier taste, try queso fresco instead.
Tortillas: Small flour or corn tortillas are great for this recipe. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, corn tortillas are a great choice. Just be sure to warm them to prevent breaking!
Sauce: The homemade sauce combines mayo with ketchup and spices for flavor. For a healthier alternative, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash Burger?
Getting that crispy, delicious smash burger is all about technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot! This helps achieve a nice sear. Preheat it for a few minutes on medium-high heat.
- Once you place the beef ball on the skillet, press it down firmly with a spatula. The key is not to move it around—let it cook!
- Don’t flip too soon! Wait about 2-3 minutes for the edges to get brown and crispy before flipping.
- Top with cheese right after you flip it to ensure it melts nicely!
These steps will help create a delicious burger that’s bursting with flavor, perfectly fitting for your tacos!
Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas (taco size)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as alternative)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
- 3-4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4-5 dill pickle slices
For The Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and make the sauce, and then about 20 minutes to cook the corn and burgers and assemble everything. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Corn:
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the oil or butter. Add in the corn kernels and diced red onion, along with a pinch of salt. Cook while stirring occasionally until the corn becomes lightly charred and fragrant, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once finished, remove from heat and mix in the chopped cilantro. Set this tasty mixture aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This will add a deliciously creamy touch to your tacos. Set the sauce aside.
3. Prepare the Burgers:
Divide your ground beef into 6 equal portions and lightly form them into balls. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Place one ball of beef on the skillet and immediately press it down firmly with a spatula to “smash” it flat. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges become crispy and brown, then flip it over.
4. Add Cheese:
Right after flipping each patty, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted beautifully. Repeat this step for all the burger patties you prepared.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave until they are nice and pliable. This makes them easier to fold without tearing.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Spread a spoonful of your homemade sauce on each tortilla. Place a burger patty on top, follow with a generous scoop of the roasted corn mixture, crumbled Cotija cheese, shredded lettuce, and finish it off with a dill pickle slice.
7. Serve:
Fold the tacos and serve them warm. They pair wonderfully with some crunchy chips or your favorite side dish. Enjoy these juicy, cheesy, tangy tacos that combine the best of smash burgers and vibrant street corn flavors!
FAQ for Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well. Just be aware that it might be less juicy than beef, so consider adding some extra seasoning or a splash of olive oil to keep it moist.
What If I Don’t Have Cotija Cheese?
No problem! Feta cheese is a suitable substitute that provides similar flavor and creaminess. Queso fresco is another great option if you’re able to find it!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The taco shells can be kept for up to 3 days, while the burger patties and corn mixture are best consumed within 2 days. Reheat everything gently before serving again.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using it to freshen it up!
