Pastrami Burger – The Ultimate Smoky, Melty Beef Burger

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This juicy Pastrami Burger is a flavor-packed twist on a classic. Stacked high with smoky pastrami, melted Swiss, and tangy mustard sauce — it’s the ultimate deli-meets-burger combo! Perfect for cookouts or weekend cravings.

Why You’ll Love It

Double the flavor — smoky pastrami meets juicy beef.
Ready in under 20 minutes.
Melty cheese and tangy sauce take it over the top.
Works on grill, skillet, or air fryer.
A fun upgrade from the same old cheeseburger.

Ingredients / What You’ll Need

1/3 lb (150 g) ground beef patty — 80/20 blend for juiciness.
2–3 oz (60–85 g) sliced pastrami — warmed.
1 slice Swiss or provolone cheese.
1 burger bun — brioche or sesame works great.
1 tbsp mustard-mayo mix (half Dijon, half mayo).
1 tsp butter or oil for grilling.
Optional: caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce, or sauerkraut.

How to Make It

Assembling a pastrami burger with grilled beef patty, Swiss cheese, and pastrami slices.

Form & season: Shape beef into a patty and season with salt and pepper.
Cook: Grill or sear 3–4 minutes per side, until desired doneness.
Melt cheese: Add cheese during the last minute, cover to melt.
Warm pastrami: In a small pan, heat pastrami slices for 1–2 minutes.
Toast bun: Butter and toast until golden.
Assemble: Spread mustard-mayo on bun, layer burger, pastrami, and toppings.
Serve hot: Stack tall and dive in!

Pro Tips

Mix a little BBQ sauce into the mustard-mayo for a smoky kick.
Don’t press the burger — it loses its juices.
Use pastrami warmed, not cold — it adds depth.
Add a fried egg for an indulgent brunch burger.
Toast the bun — it’s non-negotiable.

Pastrami burger cooking in a skillet with melted cheese bubbling.

Variations & Substitutions

Turkey Burger: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Vegan Option: Try plant-based patty and vegan pastrami.
Spicy Kick: Add pepper jack cheese and jalapeños.
Reuben Burger: Add sauerkraut and thousand island dressing.
Low-Carb: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of buns.

Storage & Reheat

Fridge: Store leftover patties and pastrami separately up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in skillet or air fryer — avoid microwaving buns!

What to Serve With It

Crispy oven fries or sweet potato fries
Coleslaw with tangy dressing
Pickle spears
Creamy mac and cheese
Ice-cold root beer or craft lager

Pastrami burger with fries and pickles under warm night lighting

Can I grill the pastrami too?

Yes! A quick sear on the grill adds smoky char.

What’s the best cheese for this burger?

Swiss, provolone, or sharp cheddar are all great choices.

Can I use turkey pastrami?

Absolutely — it’s leaner but still flavorful.

What sauce goes best?

A Dijon-mayo mix or thousand island dressing works perfectly.

Can I make it in an air fryer?

Yes — cook patty at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

This Pastrami Burger delivers everything you love about deli sandwiches and burgers in one bite. Juicy, smoky, and dripping with melted cheese — it’s comfort food with a New York twist. Once you try it, your regular burger nights might never be the same again.