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

Scale

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

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.

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