Beef Street Corn Tacos

If you’re craving bold flavors and a fun twist on taco night, these Beef Street Corn Tacos are a must-try! Juicy seasoned beef is piled into warm tortillas, then topped with creamy, cheesy Mexican street corn (elote) for a flavor-packed bite that’s smoky, spicy, and absolutely irresistible.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or even entertaining friends, these tacos combine the best of Mexican street food into one delicious handheld meal.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold flavors – Savory beef paired with creamy, zesty street corn topping.
  • Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Customizable – Adjust spice, toppings, and tortillas to your liking.
  • Crowd-pleasing – A fun upgrade to traditional taco night.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Street Corn Topping (Elote Style):

  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

For Serving:

  • 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
  • Extra cotija cheese
  • Lime wedges
  • Jalapeño slices or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until well seasoned.

Step 2: Make the street corn topping

In a medium bowl, combine corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. Mix until creamy and well coated.

Step 3: Warm the tortillas

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until warm and slightly charred.

Step 4: Assemble the tacos

Spoon beef into tortillas, top with a generous scoop of street corn mixture, and sprinkle with extra cotija cheese.

Step 5: Garnish & serve

Finish with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, or jalapeño slices. Serve immediately.


Tips for Success

  • Char your corn – For extra smoky flavor, grill or roast the corn before mixing.
  • Make it spicier – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the street corn mix.
  • Double batch – The beef and corn topping can be prepped ahead for parties.
  • Cheese swap – Queso fresco or feta works if cotija isn’t available.

Variations

  • Chicken Street Corn Tacos – Swap beef for shredded chicken.
  • Vegetarian option – Use black beans instead of beef.
  • Loaded version – Add avocado slices or guacamole.
  • Bowl-style – Skip the tortillas and serve over rice for a taco bowl.

Storage

  • Beef filling – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Street corn topping – Best eaten fresh but will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Tacos – Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Final Thoughts

These Beef Street Corn Tacos take taco night to the next level with their bold, smoky beef and creamy, tangy elote topping. They’re quick, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your family or guests.

Serve them with a side of rice, chips and salsa, or a refreshing margarita for the ultimate fiesta at home! 🎉🌮

Print
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Beef Street Corn Tacos


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

For the filling:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or plant-based crumbles)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
• 6 small corn or flour tortillas

For the street corn topping:
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
• 1/2 tsp lime juice
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges


Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
  2. Add garlic, ground beef, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes, breaking up meat, until browned.
  3. Stir in corn and cook 2–3 minutes more. Remove from heat.
  4. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and garlic powder for the crema.
  5. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  6. Assemble tacos: Fill each tortilla with beef and corn mixture.
  7. Drizzle with creamy lime crema. Top with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
  8. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish!

🔥 Pro tip: Char the corn in a pan first for extra smoky flavor!

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 10 mins , Cook Time : 15 mins , Total Time : 25 mins , Servings : 6 tacos , Calories : 290 , Net Carbs: 18g , Fats: 15g , Protein: 22g

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