This fun recipe brings together juicy burgers and tasty street corn in a taco shell! Butter, spices, and cheese make it extra delightful and full of flavor.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip these up for a party or just a cozy night in. With a crispy exterior and creamy filling, these tacos are a hit every time! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 beef blend gives the juiciest burgers. If you prefer leaner meat, a 90/10 blend works too, but the burgers may be less juicy. For a healthier option, consider ground turkey or chicken.
Tortillas: Small taco-sized tortillas are perfect for this recipe, but you can swap them for flatbreads or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice.
Corn: Use fresh corn for the best flavor, but frozen corn is a great time-saver. If you’re avoiding corn, diced bell peppers can add a crunchy texture.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use any melting cheese you love, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Cotija or Feta: If you can’t find Cotija, feta works well for the salty flavor. You can also use grated Parmesan as a substitution, though the taste will vary slightly.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Smash Burger Patties?
Getting that crispy edge on your burger patties is all about the technique. Start with a hot skillet—this helps sear the outside quickly. Here are the key steps for success:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding meat.
- Form the patties lightly. Smash them down firmly but don’t overwork the meat—it should hold together without being compact.
- Let the patties cook for a solid 2-3 minutes before flipping. This helps the crust form!
- Top with cheese immediately after flipping for it to melt perfectly.
Taking these steps helps ensure your burgers are both crispy and juicy, making your tacos irresistible!
Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 small taco-sized tortillas or flatbreads
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
- Shredded lettuce, for garnish
- Pickle slices, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a short while, you’ll have a tasty meal that’s fun to eat and bursting with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn Salad:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cooked corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, chopped red onion, and cilantro. Stir everything until it’s well combined, and then set it aside to let the flavors meld together.
2. Form and Smash the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place each portion on the skillet and use a spatula to smash them down firmly, forming thin patties.
3. Cook the Patties:
Season each patty with salt and pepper to your taste. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges become crispy. Then flip the patties over, adding a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
4. Heat the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas in a separate dry skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds until they are pliable and ready to hold your delicious fillings.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Take each cheesy smash burger and place it on a warm tortilla. Spoon a generous amount of the freshly prepared corn salad on top of the burgers. Finish it off by adding some shredded lettuce and a sprinkle of crumbled Cotija cheese!
6. Garnish & Serve:
If you like, add a slice of pickle on the side for an extra crunch. Serve your tacos immediately while they’re warm, and enjoy this tasty fusion of flavors!
Enjoy your Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos! They are perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef! Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be leaner, so it may result in slightly less juicy patties. Adding a bit of olive oil or seasoning can help enhance the flavor and moisture.
Can I Make the Corn Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the corn salad a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle together over time.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store the components separately to maintain freshness. Keep the patties and corn salad in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet, and warm the tortillas just before serving again.
Can I Use Different Toppings?
Of course! Feel free to customize your tacos with toppings like diced avocados, jalapeños, salsa, or even a drizzle of hot sauce. The beauty of these tacos is in their versatility, so make them your own!
