My mouth waters just thinking about those crispy taco shells filled with juicy, flavorful beef, fresh corn, melty cheese, and all the fixings. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to dive right in, no utensils necessary. I can still remember the first time I tried Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos – it was a game-changer.
I was hosting a backyard barbecue for some friends, and I wanted to serve up something a little different than the typical burgers and hot dogs. I stumbled upon this recipe and knew I had to give it a try. As soon as that first batch of Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos hit the table, they were gone in seconds. Everyone was raving about the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet.
From that moment on, Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos became a staple in my recipe rotation. They’re quick and easy to whip up, but the flavors are out of this world. I love how the juicy beef patty pairs with the charred corn kernels, and the crunchy taco shell is the perfect vessel to hold all that deliciousness. Plus, the fresh onion, cilantro, and lime give it that extra pop of flavor.
Why This Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
What makes this Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos recipe so special? It all comes down to the technique. By smashing the beef patty while it cooks, you create a delightfully crispy, caramelized crust that seals in all the juices. The corn gets a nice char as well, adding a delightful depth of flavor. And the blend of spices – chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper – takes these tacos to the next level.
But the real magic happens when you stuff all of that goodness into a crispy taco shell and top it with melty cheddar cheese, diced onion, and fresh cilantro. The textures and flavors just work so perfectly together, creating a truly unforgettable handheld meal.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos so crave-worthy:
- 1 pound ground beef – The foundation of the dish, the beef provides the savory, meaty goodness. Be sure to use a high-quality, freshly ground beef for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels – Sweet, juicy corn adds a delightful pop of natural sweetness that balances the richness of the beef. The char adds an incredible depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – This helps the beef and corn get that perfect sear and caramelization.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon cumin – These spices give the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos their signature smoky, slightly spicy kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasonings that let the other flavors shine.
- 8 taco shells – Crispy taco shells are the essential vessel for this handheld delight.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melty, gooey cheese is the perfect complement to the savory beef and sweet corn.
- 1/2 cup diced onion – Fresh onion adds a lovely crunch and pungent flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro – Bright, herbal cilantro ties all the flavors together.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges – A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the entire dish.
Step-by-Step Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Instructions
Preparing Your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
With a quick 10-minute prep time and just 15 minutes of cooking, you can have these incredible Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos on the table in no time. All you’ll need is a large skillet or griddle, a spatula, and a few simple ingredients.
1- Start by heating the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef and use a spatula to firmly press it into a thin, even layer. This will help create that signature smashed burger texture.
2- After a couple minutes, when the beef has developed a nice sear on the bottom, use your spatula to gently flip and press the patty down again. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through.
3- Add the fresh corn kernels to the skillet and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred and tender.
4- In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the beef and corn mixture. Stir to combine, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
5- Remove the skillet from the heat and divide the street corn smash burger mixture evenly among the 8 taco shells. Top each taco with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, and chopped cilantro.
6- Serve the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos immediately, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Get ready for an explosion of flavor in every bite!
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, make sure to smash the beef patty firmly with your spatula as it cooks. This creates those delicious crispy edges.
- Use freshly shucked corn kernels for maximum sweetness and texture. Frozen corn will work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
- Don’t be afraid to let the beef and corn get a nice char – this is where a lot of the flavor comes from.
- Adjust the chili powder and cumin to your personal spice preference. Start with the amounts listed, then add more if you want an extra kick.
- Serve the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos with plenty of lime wedges. The bright, acidic juice really helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Make sure to have extra taco shells, cheese, onion, and cilantro on hand. Your guests will be going back for seconds (and thirds!)
Serving and Storing Your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Perfect Pairings for Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleasing handheld meal. They’re perfect for backyard barbecues, game day gatherings, or any casual get-together. Serve them alongside some crispy air-fryer french fries or a fresh, zesty cabbage slaw for a complete and satisfying feast.
For drinks, an ice-cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita would be the perfect accompaniment. The bright, citrusy flavors of the lime and cilantro in the tacos will complement the cocktail beautifully.
And don’t forget the napkins – these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos can get a little messy, but that’s half the fun!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos is that they come together so quickly, you can easily make them ahead of time.
For storing leftovers, first let the beef and corn mixture cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
You can also freeze the cooked beef and corn mixture for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
As for the taco shells, you’ll want to keep those stored at room temperature in an airtight container or ziplock bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply fill the shells with the reheated beef and corn mixture, then top with the cheese, onion, and cilantro.
With a little planning ahead, you can easily make a double or triple batch of these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos and have delicious, homemade meals ready to go throughout the week.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Creative Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Variations
Once you master the classic Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos, the flavor possibilities are endless! Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos: Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the beef and corn mixture for an extra kick of heat.
- Southwest Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos: Swap the chili powder for chipotle chili powder and add a dollop of sour cream and sliced avocado.
- Hawaiian Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos: Replace the corn with grilled pineapple chunks and top with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
- Autumn Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos: Use roasted butternut squash or sweet potato in place of the corn for a cozy, seasonal twist.
Making Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos, simply swap the taco shells for crunchy lettuce leaves or corn tortillas. You can also use a gluten-free taco seasoning blend in place of the chili powder and cumin.
To make them vegan, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground “meat.” Use shredded dairy-free cheese and skip the cilantro if you’re not a fan. The fresh corn and zesty lime will still make these tacos incredibly flavorful.
And for a low-carb take, serve the street corn smash burger mixture in a bowl over a bed of shredded lettuce or cauliflower rice instead of in taco shells.
No matter which dietary restrictions you’re working with, these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos can be easily adapted to fit your needs while still delivering big, bold flavor in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
A: While fresh corn will give you the best flavor and texture, frozen corn kernels will work in a pinch. Just be sure to pat them dry before adding to the skillet so they get a nice char.
Q: How long does it take to make these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?
A: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have these delicious tacos on the table in a total of 25 minutes.
Q: Can I make the beef and corn mixture ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The cooked beef and corn mixture will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 2 months. Just reheat it in a skillet before assembling the tacos.
Q: How many tacos does this recipe make?
A: This recipe is designed to serve 8 tacos, using 1 pound of ground beef. You can easily scale the recipe up or down to feed a crowd.
Q: What if my taco shells get soggy?
A: To prevent soggy taco shells, make sure to let the beef and corn mixture cool slightly before assembling the tacos. You can also toast the empty shells in the oven for a few minutes before filling them.
Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 8 tacos
Description
Prepare to be wowed by the mouthwatering fusion of juicy smash burgers, sweet and charred street corn, and warm taco shells in this irresistible recipe for Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos. A quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tacos are a delightful handheld delight that will have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 taco shells
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until charred and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season the cooked beef with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. To assemble the tacos, place a portion of the seasoned beef in each taco shell. Top with the charred street corn, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, and chopped cilantro.
5. Serve the Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos immediately, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Notes
For a spicier version, you can add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Chicken, Beef & Pork
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Conclusion
These Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos are truly a handheld work of art. The perfectly seasoned beef, charred corn, and melty cheese create a flavor explosion in every bite. And with a quick 25-minute total time, you can have this crowd-pleasing meal on the table in no time.
What are you waiting for? Give these incredible Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos a try and prepare to have your taste buds dazzled. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it with me – I’d love to see your creation! Let me know in the comments what you think of this recipe.
