Name: Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground hamburger (80/20); 6 flour taco-sized tortillas; 5-6 ears of corn (husked and removed from the cob); 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 3/4 cup sour cream; 3/4 cup cilantro leaves; 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos; 2 tablespoons juice from pickled jalapenos; 1 heaping tablespoon dry ranch seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh; 1/3 cup sliced scallions; 1/4 cup cilantro (minced, large stems removed); 1 jalapeno (diced); 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spice up your dinner routine, look no further than these Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos! This recipe combines the best of both worlds with juicy smash burgers pressed into flour tortillas, topped with vibrant street corn and a zesty jalapeno ranch sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings—the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table with smiles and satisfied appetites.

What makes this recipe truly special is its combination of flavors and textures. The crispy-edged burgers meld beautifully with the creamy sauce and sweet corn, creating a delightful bite that will have you coming back for more. Plus, you can prep some elements ahead of time to make serving a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up an amazing meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly Delight: Everyone will love the combo of burgers and tacos—it’s an instant hit with kids and adults alike!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the street corn and creamy jalapeno sauce a day or two in advance for an even easier dinner on busy nights.
Bursting with Flavor: The blend of spicy jalapenos, sweet corn, and savory ranch dressing creates an explosion of taste that’s simply irresistible.
Versatile Meal Option: Whether it’s taco night or burger night, these tacos fit right in, making them perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos:

For the Smash Burgers

1.5 lbs ground hamburger (80/20)
6 flour taco-sized tortillas
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Jalapeno Ranch Sauce

3/4 cup cilantro leaves (large stems removed)
1/2 cup pickled jalapenos
2 tablespoons juice from pickled jalapenos
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
1 heaping tablespoon dry ranch seasoning (Hidden Valley or similar)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh
(Optional: 1/4 cup buttermilk)

For the Street Corn Topping

5-6 ears of corn (husked and removed from the cob)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lime (juiced and zested)
1/3 cup sliced scallions
1/3 cup grated cojita cheese
1/4 cup cilantro (minced, large stems removed)
1 jalapeno (diced)
(Optional: 1/2-1 tsp chili powder)
(Optional: 1/2-1 tsp Tajin)
1/4 tsp salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some tasty ideas:

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Vegan twist: Replace meat with black beans or chickpeas and use vegan mayo for a plant-based version.
Add extra heat: If you like it spicy, toss in some diced serrano peppers along with the jalapenos.
Cheesy goodness: Top your tacos with a sprinkle of your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative for added creaminess.

How to Make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by whipping up that creamy jalapeno ranch sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro leaves, pickled jalapenos, lime juice, garlic powder, ranch seasoning, salt, and optional buttermilk if desired. Mix well until everything is combined into a smooth dressing. This sauce not only adds creaminess but also packs a punch of flavor that complements every bite.

Step 2: Make the Street Corn Topping

Next up is the street corn! In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in your fresh corn kernels along with minced garlic and sauté until everything is slightly charred—about 5 minutes should do it. This step is crucial as it enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. Once done cooking, remove from heat and stir in lime zest and juice along with scallions, cojita cheese, cilantro, diced jalapeno, chili powder (if using), Tajin (if using), and salt. Set aside to let those flavors meld!

Step 3: Cook Your Smash Burgers

Time to cook those burgers! Divide your ground hamburger into six equal portions. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Shape each portion into a ball then place them on the pan—using a spatula or burger press to smash each ball down into thin patties. Season generously with salt and pepper while they cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until crispy before flipping them over for an additional few minutes.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Now comes the fun part—assembly! Grab your tortillas; warm them in another pan if desired. Place one burger patty in each tortilla followed by generous spoonfuls of street corn topping and drizzle over that creamy jalapeno ranch sauce. Don’t be shy here; make it as messy as you’d like—this is all about indulgence!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, serve up those Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos while they’re warm! Gather around with family or friends—this meal will surely become one of your new favorites! Enjoy every scrumptious bite together.

Pro Tips for Making Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

To make your Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos even more delicious and easier to prepare, check out these helpful tips!

Use high-fat ground beef: Choosing 80/20 ground beef ensures your burgers are juicy and flavorful, which is essential for the perfect smash burger experience.
Preheat your pan: A hot pan will give your burgers a nice sear, creating that delicious crust while keeping the inside tender. Don’t rush this step!
Don’t overwork the meat: When forming your patties, be gentle. Overworking can lead to tough burgers. Just shape them enough to hold together.
Prep toppings ahead of time: Making your street corn and creamy jalapeno ranch sauce a day or two in advance not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Experiment with tortillas: While flour tortillas work great, you can also try corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Each brings its own unique texture and flavor.

How to Serve Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos

Presenting your tacos with flair not only makes them look appealing but also enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas for serving:

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.
Lime wedges: Offering lime wedges on the side gives everyone the chance to squeeze on some zesty brightness.
Extra pickled jalapeños: For those who love a kick, provide extra pickled jalapeños for added heat and flavor.

Side Dishes

Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad combines sweet corn, lime, cojita cheese, and spices, making it a perfect companion that echoes the flavors in your tacos.
Chips and Guacamole: Crispy tortilla chips paired with creamy guacamole create a satisfying crunch and richness that balances well with the tacos.
Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, tomatoes, corn, and avocado that’s full of protein and fiber—great for rounding out your meal.
Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with tomatoes and spices provides a hearty addition that complements the tacos perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keep the street corn and jalapeno ranch sauce separate to maintain freshness.
Reassemble tacos just before serving to keep tortillas from getting soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap assembled tacos tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
For best results, freeze the street corn and sauce separately.

Reheating

Thaw frozen tacos overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat on a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping until warmed through.
Enjoy the street corn and jalapeno ranch sauce fresh after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option.

How do I make Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos spicier?

To add extra heat, increase the amount of diced jalapeno in the street corn mixture or drizzle some hot sauce over your tacos before serving.

How long does it take to prepare Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?

The total time is about 45 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal for any night of the week!

Can I use a different type of cheese for Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cotija cheese with feta or a dairy-free cheese option based on your preference.

What sides go well with Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos?

These tacos pair excellently with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos as much as I do! This recipe combines bold flavors and textures that are sure to impress at any gathering. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings or make it your own—your kitchen is your playground! Happy cooking!