Print

Flavorful Grilled Elote Burgers Recipe with Cotija and Chili Mayo

grilled elote burgers - featured image
Print Recipe

A smoky, spicy, and creamy grilled elote burger featuring juicy beef patties topped with grilled corn, crumbly cotija cheese, and a zesty chili mayo. Perfect for summer cookouts and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 ears fresh corn, husked (or about 1 ½ cups frozen corn, thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges (for squeezing over the top)
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • Optional: sliced avocado, lettuce, or pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chili mayo by mixing ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each) and shape into round patties about ¾ inch thick. Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty.
  4. Husk the corn ears and brush with melted butter. If using frozen corn, pat dry and prepare for grilling.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Lightly oil the grates.
  6. Grill the corn, turning every 2 minutes until charred and tender, about 10 minutes. Remove and cut kernels off the cob.
  7. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness (internal temp 160°F). Avoid pressing down on patties.
  8. Toast the burger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp.
  9. Assemble burgers by spreading chili mayo on both bun halves, placing the patty on the bottom bun, topping with grilled corn kernels, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Finish with the top bun.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or large lettuce leaves. For dairy-free, substitute cotija with crumbled firm tofu or vegan cheese. Make chili mayo a day ahead for deeper flavor. Avoid overmixing beef to keep patties tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperature. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Frozen corn can be used if fresh is unavailable; dry well before grilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled elote burger, cotija cheese, chili mayo, summer cookout, grilled corn burger, smoky burger, spicy mayo, easy burger recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/flavorful-grilled-elote-burgers-recipe-with-cotija-and-chili-mayo-easy-step-by-step/