These Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos combine juicy burgers with tasty street corn flavors. Topped with cheese, fresh lime, and a sprinkle of cilantro, they are full of fun!
You’ll love how quick and delicious these tacos are. They take the classic burger to a whole new level. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a burger wrapped in a taco? Yum! 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too, just know they might be a bit drier. You can also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a great melting quality. If you’re looking for a change, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack add fun flavor. For dairy-free options, consider vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is amazing, but if you can’t find it in season, canned or frozen corn are perfect substitutes. Just make sure to drain and thaw them before using.
Cotija Cheese: This adds a delightful salty kick. Feta cheese is a great substitute if you can’t find it. For a dairy-free option, you can try crumbled tofu seasoned with a pinch of salt.
How to Perfectly Smash Burger Patties?
Smashing your burger patties is key to developing a great crust and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium-high heat on your skillet; this is essential for a good sear.
- Use a loose ball of meat and place it in the hot skillet. Act quickly!
- Using a spatula, press down firmly to flatten the meat into a patty (about 1/2 inch thick).
- Don’t flip until the edges are crispy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- After flipping, immediately add cheese to allow it to melt while the burger cooks through (1-2 minutes).
This technique creates tasty edges and juicy centers, making your burgers irresistible!
Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- For the Tacos:
- 8 small taco tortillas or soft flatbreads
- Shredded lettuce (about 1 cup)
- Dill pickle slices (for garnish)
- Optional: hot sauce or taco sauce
- For the Street Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 ear or canned/frozen)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the burger and preparing the street corn salsa, and then about 5 minutes assembling the tacos and warming the tortillas. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Street Corn Salsa:
In a small bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, and red onion. Mix everything well, then set it aside to let the flavors blend together while you work on the burgers.
2. Prepare the Burger Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a loose ball. Don’t worry about making them perfect; the key is that they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
3. Cook the Smash Burgers:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a beef ball onto the skillet. Use a spatula or something heavy to smash it down into a thin patty. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are nice and crispy, then flip the patty over.
4. Add Cheese:
Immediately after flipping, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burger is fully cooked through.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers are cooking, warm the taco tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until they are soft and pliable. This will make them easy to fold and wrap around the fillings.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place a cheeseburger patty on each tortilla. Top them with a handful of shredded lettuce, a generous spoonful of street corn salsa, a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese, and a slice of dill pickle.
7. Add Sauce:
For extra flavor, drizzle with additional mayonnaise or add some hot sauce or taco sauce if you like a bit of heat.
8. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy these delicious Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos right away while they are warm and fresh! Perfect for dinner, lunch, or anytime you crave a tasty twist on classic burgers!
This fun and flavorful recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that it can be drier than beef, so consider adding a little olive oil or using a higher fat blend for juiciness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burger patties and street corn salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave, and warm the tortillas just before serving.
Can I Make the Street Corn Salsa Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the street corn salsa a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavors will intensify and make your tacos even tastier!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Other great toppings for these tacos include diced tomatoes, avocado slices, jalapeños, or sour cream. You can customize them to suit your taste!
