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Smoked Pizza Burger

Featured in: Satisfying Hearty Mains

Ground beef patties get smoked low and slow, then topped with pizza ingredients like marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni. A honey drizzle finishes this creative burger mashup perfectly.

Tags: #beef #cheese

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Clare Greco
Updated on Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:09:56 GMT
Smoked Pizza Burger
Smoked Pizza Burger | recipesbyclare.com
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Smoked Pizza Burgers bring marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, and a light honey finish to beef patties cooked over wood smoke. The two-zone grill builds smoke flavor gently before the pizza toppings melt and the buns toast.

The recipe card serves 4 in 75 minutes, with 30 minutes of preparation and 45 minutes of cooking. Its quantities include 2 pounds beef formed into ⅓-pound patties, which mathematically makes 6 patties, alongside 4 to 5 buns and 12 to 14 pepperoni; preserve those original quantities and assemble the number needed.

Smoked Pizza Burger Ingredients

Ground beef, mesquite peppercorn lager rub, oil, marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, honey, and five burger buns
Ground beef, mesquite peppercorn lager rub, oil, marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, honey, and five burger buns | Recipes by Clare
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Use 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef, mesquite peppercorn lager rub seasoning, and oil for coating the patties. Pizza toppings are 2 cups marinara sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 12 to 14 pepperoni slices, and honey for drizzling.

For assembly, have 4 to 5 burger buns. The recipe directs ⅓-pound patties and lists 4 servings, so the beef amount yields more patties than the serving count. Do not silently change either fact; cook the formed patties and top or store extras appropriately.

If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie.

How to Make Smoked Pizza Burgers

Four stages showing six indented patties, patties smoking indirectly, pizza toppings melting, and four burgers on toasted buns
Four stages showing six indented patties, patties smoking indirectly, pizza toppings melting, and four burgers on toasted buns | Recipes by Clare
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  1. Shape the 2 pounds beef into ⅓-pound patties. Press a small center indent, brush with oil, and season generously with the rub.
  2. Refrigerate the seasoned patties for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Prepare a two-zone grill at about 275°F and add wood chips or chunks to one side.
  4. Smoke patties on the cooler side for 30 to 40 minutes, to about 135°F internally.
  5. Add marinara, mozzarella, and 3 to 4 pepperoni slices per topped burger. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until melted.
  6. Continue to at least 145°F for medium-rare or 165°F for well-done. Drizzle with honey and rest 5 minutes.
  7. Toast buns cut-side down, then assemble with marinara and the pizza-topped patties.

For storage details after serving, the USDA leftovers and food safety guidance.

Form One-Third-Pound Patties

Oil, Season, and Chill

Create Two Heat Zones

Smoke Thirty to Forty Minutes

Add the Pizza Toppings

Verify the Final Temperature

Toast Four to Five Buns

Smoked pizza burger topped with marinara mozzarella pepperoni and honey
Smoked pizza burger topped with marinara mozzarella pepperoni and honey | recipesbyclare.com
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Assemble and Serve Hot

Storage and Reheating

Conclusion

Form 2 pounds 80/20 beef into ⅓-pound patties, indent, oil, season, and chill at least 30 minutes. Smoke indirectly around 275°F for 30 to 40 minutes to about 135°F. Add marinara, mozzarella, and 3 to 4 pepperoni slices to each topped burger for 3 to 4 minutes. Finish to at least 145°F or 165°F well-done, drizzle honey, rest 5 minutes, and serve on toasted buns.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How many patties does two pounds make at one-third pound each?

It makes 6 patties, although the source recipe separately lists 4 servings and 4 to 5 buns.

→ How long should the patties chill?

Refrigerate the formed and seasoned patties for at least 30 minutes.

→ What temperature should the grill be?

Use a two-zone indirect setup at about 275°F.

→ How long should the burgers rest?

Rest them for 5 minutes after the final temperature check and honey drizzle.

4.50 from 156 votes

Smoked Pizza Burger

Preparation Time:
30 Minutes
Cook Time:
45 Minutes
Total Cooking Time:
75 Minutes
Number of Servings:
4
Smoked Pizza Burger
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Smoked beef burgers topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and a drizzle of honey for the ultimate flavor combo.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Burger Patties

  • Pizza Toppings

  • Assembly

How to Make It

1.

1. Form and Season Patties: Shape the ground beef into ⅓-pound patties, making sure to press a small indent in the center of each one to prevent puffing during cooking. Brush with oil and season generously with the mesquite peppercorn lager rub.

2.

2. Chill the Patties: Place the seasoned patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape and let the flavors set in.

3.

3. Set Up the Grill: Prepare your grill for two-zone indirect cooking at medium-low heat, around 275°F. Add wood chips or chunks to one side for that smoky flavor that makes these burgers special.

4.

4. Smoke the Burgers: Place the patties on the cooler, indirect side of the grill and smoke for 30-40 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of about 135°F.

5.

5. Add Pizza Toppings: Top each burger with a spoonful of marinara sauce, a generous handful of mozzarella cheese, and 3-4 pepperoni slices. Continue cooking for 3-4 more minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.

6.

6. Finish Cooking: Cook until the burgers reach at least 145°F for medium-rare or 165°F for well-done. Drizzle honey over the melted cheese, then remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

7.

7. Toast the Buns: While the burgers rest, place the buns cut-side down on the grill and toast until golden brown and slightly crispy.

8.

8. Build and Serve: Spread marinara sauce on the bottom bun, add the pizza-topped burger patty, add more sauce if desired, and crown with the top bun. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.

Extra Information

  1. These burgers combine the best of pizza and burgers into one incredible handheld meal.
  2. The smoking process adds a deep, rich flavor that sets these apart from regular grilled burgers.
  3. Making an indent in the center of each patty prevents them from puffing up into a dome shape while cooking.
  4. The honey drizzle adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory pizza flavors perfectly.

Essential Tools

  • Grill with two-zone capability
  • Wood chips or chunks for smoking
  • Meat thermometer
  • Grill brush for cleaning
  • Tongs for flipping

Allergy Warnings

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella cheese)
  • Contains gluten (burger buns)
  • May contain soy (depending on seasoning blend)

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 899
  • Total Fat: 59 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 59 g