Prepare yourself for the most epic mashup of two of America’s greatest food obsessions. This Smoked Pizza Burger is basically what happens when a cheeseburger and a pepperoni pizza decide to get married and have the most delicious baby ever conceived. We’re talking a perfectly seasoned beef patty that gets kissed with smoky flavor, topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and all your favorite pizza toppings, all nestled between toasted buns that have been brushed with garlic butter. It’s the kind of creation that makes you question why anyone ever bothered keeping burgers and pizza separate when they could be living their best life together. Fair warning: this is the kind of burger that ruins regular burgers forever and makes you the absolute legend of every barbecue.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s like eating pizza and a burger simultaneously (the ultimate multitasking meal)
- The smoky flavor adds incredible depth that regular burgers just can’t match
- Perfect for impressing people who think they’ve seen it all
- You can customize with any pizza toppings your heart desires
- Great for using up leftover pizza sauce and toppings
- The garlic butter buns take it from good to absolutely extraordinary
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough to make adults lose their minds
- Perfect conversation starter at any gathering
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Burger Patties:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is perfect for juiciness)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 24 slices pepperoni (or more if you’re living dangerously)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced into rings
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Buns:
- 6 brioche or kaiser rolls, split
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Smoking (if you have a smoker):
- Wood chips (hickory or apple work great)
- If no smoker, we’ll use liquid smoke and a grill/pan
Optional Extras:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Jalapeño slices for heat
- Italian sausage crumbles
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Arugula for freshness
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Make Those Perfect Patties
In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Don’t overmix — you want tender burgers, not hockey pucks.
Form into 6 patties, slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink as they cook).
Make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.
Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Prep Your Pizza Toppings
Slice onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms if using.
Have your pepperoni, cheese, and sauce ready to go.
If using vegetables, you can pre-cook them slightly on the grill for extra flavor.
Step 3: Make That Garlic Butter Magic
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
Set aside — this is going to make your buns absolutely incredible.
Step 4: Smoking Time (The Real Deal or Faking It)
If you have a smoker: Smoke patties at 225°F for about 1 hour until internal temp reaches 160°F.
If you don’t have a smoker: Add 1 tsp liquid smoke to your patty mixture, then grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
Pan method: Cook in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the pan.
The goal is a nice crust and smoky flavor throughout.
Step 5: Toast Those Garlic Buns
Brush the cut sides of your buns with the garlic butter mixture.
Toast on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown and crispy.
This step is crucial — it prevents soggy buns and adds amazing flavor.
Step 6: The Pizza Transformation
When burgers have about 2 minutes left to cook, it’s time for the pizza magic.
Top each patty with a generous spoonful of pizza sauce.
Add a handful of mozzarella cheese.
Layer on the pepperoni slices — don’t be shy.
Add any other toppings you’re using.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Melt That Cheese to Perfection
If on a grill, close the lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
If in a pan, cover with a lid to create an oven effect.
You want that cheese completely melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Assembly Like a Boss
Place the bottom bun on your plate, garlic butter side up.
Add the pizza-topped burger patty.
Top with any fresh ingredients like basil or arugula.
Crown with the top bun and prepare for amazement.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crispy fries or onion rings for the full comfort food experience.
A side of extra pizza sauce for dipping never hurt anyone.
Cold beer pairs perfectly with this level of indulgence.
Caesar salad on the side adds some freshness to balance the richness.
Switch It Up
Meat Lovers Style: Add Italian sausage crumbles and bacon to the mix.
Veggie Supreme: Load up with bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions.
White Pizza Version: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara and add spinach.
BBQ Pizza Burger: Use BBQ sauce mixed with pizza sauce and add red onion.
Margherita Style: Keep it simple with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, banana peppers, or spicy Italian sausage.
Make-Ahead Tips
Patties can be formed and seasoned up to a day ahead — just keep them covered in the fridge.
The garlic butter can be made days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Pre-cook any vegetables you’re using as toppings to save time during assembly.
Have all your toppings prepped and ready — assembly happens fast once you start.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I make this without a smoker? A: Absolutely! Use liquid smoke in the patty mixture and grill normally, or cook in a cast-iron pan for extra flavor.
Q: What if my cheese won’t melt properly? A: Cover with a lid or foil to create an oven effect, or pop under the broiler for a minute.
Q: Can I use different pizza toppings? A: Go wild! This is your pizza burger — use whatever toppings make you happy.
Q: How do I keep the buns from getting soggy? A: Toast them well with garlic butter, and don’t go overboard with the sauce.
Q: Can I make smaller versions? A: Sure! Make slider-sized patties and use dinner rolls for a party appetizer version.
Q: What’s the best cheese for this? A: Mozzarella is classic, but a blend of mozzarella and provolone is amazing too.
Print
Smoked Pizza Burger
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Prepare yourself for the most epic mashup of two of America’s greatest food obsessions. This Smoked Pizza Burger is basically what happens when a cheeseburger and a pepperoni pizza decide to get married and have the most delicious baby ever conceived. We’re talking a perfectly seasoned beef patty that gets kissed with smoky flavor, topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and all your favorite pizza toppings, all nestled between toasted buns that have been brushed with garlic butter. It’s the kind of creation that makes you question why anyone ever bothered keeping burgers and pizza separate when they could be living their best life together. Fair warning: this is the kind of burger that ruins regular burgers forever and makes you the absolute legend of every barbecue.
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is perfect for juiciness)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 24 slices pepperoni (or more if you’re living dangerously)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced into rings
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Buns:
- 6 brioche or kaiser rolls, split
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Smoking (if you have a smoker):
- Wood chips (hickory or apple work great)
- If no smoker, we’ll use liquid smoke and a grill/pan
Optional Extras:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Jalapeño slices for heat
- Italian sausage crumbles
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Arugula for freshness
Instructions
In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Don’t overmix — you want tender burgers, not hockey pucks.
Form into 6 patties, slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink as they cook).
Make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.
Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Slice onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms if using.
Have your pepperoni, cheese, and sauce ready to go.
If using vegetables, you can pre-cook them slightly on the grill for extra flavor.
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
Set aside — this is going to make your buns absolutely incredible.
If you have a smoker: Smoke patties at 225°F for about 1 hour until internal temp reaches 160°F.
If you don’t have a smoker: Add 1 tsp liquid smoke to your patty mixture, then grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
Pan method: Cook in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the pan.
The goal is a nice crust and smoky flavor throughout.
Brush the cut sides of your buns with the garlic butter mixture.
Toast on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown and crispy.
This step is crucial — it prevents soggy buns and adds amazing flavor.
When burgers have about 2 minutes left to cook, it’s time for the pizza magic.
Top each patty with a generous spoonful of pizza sauce.
Add a handful of mozzarella cheese.
Layer on the pepperoni slices — don’t be shy.
Add any other toppings you’re using.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
If on a grill, close the lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
If in a pan, cover with a lid to create an oven effect.
You want that cheese completely melted and bubbly.
Place the bottom bun on your plate, garlic butter side up.
Add the pizza-topped burger patty.
Top with any fresh ingredients like basil or arugula.
Crown with the top bun and prepare for amazement.
Notes
Serve with crispy fries or onion rings for the full comfort food experience.
A side of extra pizza sauce for dipping never hurt anyone.
Cold beer pairs perfectly with this level of indulgence.
Caesar salad on the side adds some freshness to balance the richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~680 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~38g