Description

So you know how sometimes two amazing things come together and create something even more incredible? Like when peanut butter met chocolate, or when someone decided to put bacon on everything? Well, meet the latest mashup that’s about to blow your mind: Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos. We’re talking about perfectly seasoned smash burger patties nestled in warm corn tortillas and topped with all the glory of Mexican street corn – charred corn kernels, creamy cilantro-lime sauce, and enough flavor to make you question why you ever ate regular tacos. It’s street food meets backyard BBQ meets “holy crap, this is genius.” Fair warning: once you make these, regular tacos are going to feel like they’re missing something important.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Smash Burger Patties:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend – don’t go lean here)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Street Corn Topping:

2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned – whatever works)
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or queso fresco)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice

For the Creamy Cilantro-Lime Sauce:

1/2 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For Assembly:

8 small corn tortillas (street taco size)
1/4 red onion, finely diced
Extra cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges
Hot sauce (because why not?)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Sauce Game

Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and let it hang out in the fridge. The flavors get better as they meld together.

This can be made up to 2 days ahead – actually tastes better after sitting overnight.

Step 2: Get That Corn Situation Right

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add corn kernels and let them char a bit – don’t stir too much, we want those golden-brown spots.

Add garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in lime juice and cotija cheese. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 3: Smash Burger Magic

Divide beef into 8 loose balls (about 2 oz each). Season with all the spices.

Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add oil.

Place beef balls on hot surface and immediately smash flat with a spatula – like, really smash them. You want them thin and crispy.

Cook 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy, flip, cook another 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Tortilla Time

Warm tortillas on the griddle or in a dry pan until slightly charred and pliable.

Keep them warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.

Step 5: Assembly Line

Place one smash patty on each tortilla.

Top with a generous spoonful of the street corn mixture.

Drizzle with that gorgeous cilantro-lime sauce.

Sprinkle with diced red onion and extra cilantro.

Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

Perfect for Taco Tuesday (or any day ending in ‘y’).

Great for outdoor parties – set up a taco bar and let people build their own.

Serve with Mexican street corn salad and ice-cold beer or margaritas.

Don’t forget the napkins – these are messy in the best possible way.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~485 kcal
Fat: ~32g
Carbohydrates: ~28g
Protein: ~28g