Do Philly Cheesesteaks Have a Lot of Protein?

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard Philly cheesesteak can contain anywhere from 30 to over 50 grams of protein per serving, making it a notably high-protein meal. However, this protein punch comes alongside a significant amount of calories and fat, requiring a closer look at its overall health profile.

Quick Summary

A typical cheesesteak is rich in protein, primarily from shaved beef and cheese, but also high in fat and calories. The exact nutritional breakdown depends heavily on ingredients, portion size, and preparation method. Healthier alternatives can boost protein while reducing fat and carbs.

Key Points

High Protein Source: The primary components, shaved beef and cheese, make the traditional Philly cheesesteak a substantial source of protein, often providing 30 to over 50 grams per serving.
Nutritional Variation: The exact protein content varies significantly based on portion size, cut of beef, type of cheese, and specific preparation methods.
Trade-off with Calories and Fat: While high in protein, a standard cheesesteak is also very calorie-dense and contains a large amount of fat, especially saturated fat, and sodium.
Protein from Core Ingredients: The thinly sliced beef provides high-quality protein, and popular cheese choices like provolone also add to the total protein count.
Healthier Adaptations: Health-conscious eaters can increase the protein-to-fat ratio by using leaner meats (like chicken or sirloin), adding more vegetables, and using less cheese.
Alternative Formats: For a more macro-friendly meal, options like cheesesteak bowls (with rice or cauliflower rice) or homemade versions with portion control can reduce calories and carbs.

Unpacking the Cheesesteak's Protein Power

Philly cheesesteaks are famous for their savory flavor, but their high protein content is a significant nutritional feature. The primary sources of protein are the thinly sliced beef and the melted cheese, which combine to create a substantial and filling meal. However, not all cheesesteaks are created equal, and understanding the different factors that influence protein content is key to appreciating this dish.

The Main Protein Sources

Beef: The core ingredient of any authentic cheesesteak is thinly shaved ribeye or other lean cut of beef. Beef is a rich source of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth. The amount of beef used in the sandwich is the single biggest determinant of its final protein count.
Cheese: Whether you prefer Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese, cheese contributes a considerable amount of protein. For instance, provolone cheese is known for its high protein content, adding to the sandwich's overall nutritional value.
Other Ingredients: While less significant, additional fillings like mushrooms can add a small amount of plant-based protein.

Factors Influencing Protein Content

The protein level in a cheesesteak is not static. It can vary widely based on several factors, including:

Portion Size: A larger sandwich will naturally contain more meat and cheese, and therefore more protein. For example, a 12-inch cheesesteak will have significantly more protein than a 6-inch version.
Cut of Meat: Using a leaner cut of steak, such as sirloin or flank steak, can increase the protein-to-fat ratio. Traditional ribeye is often marbled with fat, which contributes to flavor but also higher fat content.
Toppings and Add-ons: While onions and peppers don't dramatically alter the protein count, choosing a less fatty cheese or reducing the amount of cheese and oil can affect the overall macro breakdown.
Preparation Method: The cooking method and ingredients used by different restaurants or homemade recipes lead to varying nutritional profiles. Some chains might use more meat or different cheese types than a traditional Philadelphia sandwich shop.

A Comparison of Cheesesteak Options

This table illustrates how the protein content can fluctuate based on the specific type or brand of cheesesteak.


Cheesesteak Type	Approx. Protein (g)	Approx. Calories	Notes
Classic Philly (large)	65-77+	1000-1150+	Typically includes a generous portion of beef and cheese.
Chain Restaurant (6-inch)	30-40+	350-500+	Offers a smaller, more controlled portion size.
Chicken Cheesesteak	50-60+	Varies widely	Swapping beef for chicken breast can significantly boost protein.
DIY Lean Version	40-50+	400-600	Using lean meat, less cheese, and a whole-wheat roll.
Vegan Cheesesteak	20-40+	Varies widely	Protein from tofu, seitan, or mushrooms with a vegan cheese sauce.

How to Enjoy a High-Protein Cheesesteak More Healthily

For those looking to maximize the protein benefits without the high fat and calorie load, here are some strategies:

Choose Leaner Meat: Opt for thinly sliced chicken breast or a lean cut of beef, like sirloin. The meat is the main source of protein, so a higher quality, leaner cut will yield better results.
Modify the Cheese: Swap processed cheese for a lower-fat option like provolone or reduced-fat mozzarella. Alternatively, simply use less cheese to cut down on fat and calories.
Load Up on Veggies: Request extra sautéed onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers. These ingredients add volume, fiber, and nutrients without adding significant calories, helping you feel fuller longer.
Embrace Alternatives: Explore recipes for 'cheesesteak bowls' that replace the bread with a base of rice, cauliflower rice, or even a baked potato. This significantly reduces the carb and calorie count while keeping the high-protein meat and cheese.
Switch Up the Bread: Use a whole-grain hoagie roll or a low-carb alternative to increase fiber and reduce refined carbohydrates.

Conclusion

In summary, do Philly cheesesteaks have a lot of protein? Yes, they are an excellent source of protein, primarily derived from the beef and cheese. However, they are also very high in calories and fat, which means they should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. By being mindful of portion sizes, opting for leaner meat, and experimenting with healthier modifications like adding more vegetables or choosing a different base, it is possible to create a more balanced and macro-friendly version of this classic American sandwich.

Visit this resource for more recipes and healthy substitutions for common dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Philly cheesesteak generally contains between 30 and 40 grams of protein, although larger versions or those with more meat can have over 50 grams.

The protein itself, from beef and cheese, is high quality. However, a traditional cheesesteak's high fat, saturated fat, and sodium content means it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To increase the protein, you can add more meat or opt for leaner cuts like chicken breast. For plant-based alternatives, adding more tofu, seitan, or other meat substitutes will boost the protein count.

To reduce fat, use a leaner cut of beef or opt for a chicken cheesesteak. You can also use a lower-fat cheese, use less of it, and cook with less oil.

In vegan versions, the protein comes from plant-based alternatives to beef, such as marinated and thinly sliced tofu, tempeh, or seitan, along with protein-rich vegan cheese sauce.

Adding vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms doesn't significantly change the overall protein content, but it does add fiber and nutrients, making the meal more balanced.

Yes, but with modifications. Choosing a smaller portion, leaner protein, or a 'cheesesteak bowl' format can help you enjoy the flavors while staying on track with fitness goals.