How Many Calories Are In a Cheeseburger Patty No Bun?

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single cheeseburger patty without a bun typically contains between 260 and 400 calories, depending on the ingredients and size. For those monitoring their intake, understanding how many calories are in a cheeseburger patty no bun is crucial for managing dietary goals, especially for low-carb or keto lifestyles.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a cheeseburger patty without a bun depends on factors like the beef's fat content, the patty's size, and the type of cheese used. It is a calorie-dense, low-carb food.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: A cheeseburger patty with no bun can range widely in calories (260-400+), primarily depending on its size and ingredients.
Fat Content Is Key: The lean-to-fat ratio of the ground beef is the biggest determining factor for calories, as fat contains more calories per gram than protein.
Cheese Adds Significant Calories: A single slice of American cheese can add 60-100 calories, and using more or a different type of cheese will increase the total.
Cooking Method Matters: Grilling is a healthier cooking option as it allows excess fat to drain away, reducing the overall calorie count.
Keto and Low-Carb Friendly: With no bun, a cheeseburger patty is a high-protein, high-fat, and very low-carb meal, suitable for keto and other low-carb diets.

The Core Components: Beef and Cheese

To determine the calorie count of a cheeseburger patty with no bun, you must first break down its two primary ingredients: the beef patty and the cheese slice. The bun is often the most significant source of carbohydrates, and removing it drastically changes the nutritional profile, leaving a meal that is high in protein and fat.

The Beef Patty: Size and Fat Content

Not all beef patties are created equal. The number of calories is heavily influenced by both the size (weight) and the lean-to-fat ratio of the ground beef used. Higher fat content provides more calories per gram, as fat contains nine calories per gram compared to protein's four.

Here’s a general breakdown of how the lean-to-fat ratio affects calories for a standard 4-ounce (approx. 113g) patty:

80/20 Ground Beef: This ratio (80% lean, 20% fat) produces a juicy patty with a higher calorie count, typically around 280–300 calories for a 4-ounce serving. This is a common choice for many restaurants.
85/15 Ground Beef: A slightly leaner option, this results in a patty with approximately 240–260 calories for the same 4-ounce size.
90/10 Ground Beef: The leanest of the common options, a 4-ounce patty from 90/10 ground beef has roughly 200–220 calories.

The Cheese: A Variable Factor

The calorie count also depends on the type and quantity of cheese. A single slice of standard American cheese, for example, typically adds 60-100 calories. Other cheeses will have different calorie contributions. It's important to be mindful of this, as adding extra cheese can significantly increase the total count.

Calorie Breakdown Comparison

This table illustrates how different combinations of patty fat content and cheese can change the overall calorie count for a 4-ounce (113g) patty.


Combination	Beef Patty Calories (4oz)	Cheese Calories (1 slice)	Total Calories (approx.)
80/20 Patty + American Cheese	280-300	60-100	340-400
85/15 Patty + American Cheese	240-260	60-100	300-360
90/10 Patty + American Cheese	200-220	60-100	260-320
80/20 Patty + Cheddar Cheese	280-300	110	390-410
90/10 Patty + Swiss Cheese	200-220	100	300-320

The Role of Cooking Method and Toppings

The cooking method also plays a role in the final calorie count. Grilling or broiling the patty allows some of the fat to render and drip away, reducing the total calories. In contrast, pan-frying in extra oil or butter can add unnecessary fat and calories. For example, a grilled patty will often have a lower final calorie count than one cooked in a skillet with added cooking fat.

Toppings to Consider

While the bun is eliminated, other toppings can still contribute calories and affect the nutritional profile. Some common additions include:

Condiments: Mayonnaise and creamy sauces are calorie-dense. A tablespoon of mayo can add around 90-100 calories, while mustard has virtually none.
Vegetables: Lettuce, tomato, and onion add minimal calories while providing micronutrients and texture.
Extra ingredients: Adding bacon, another slice of cheese, or other toppings will obviously increase the calorie count significantly.

Other Nutritional Information

Beyond calories, a cheeseburger patty without a bun is a fantastic source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety. It also contains several important vitamins and minerals, including:

Iron
Zinc
Vitamin B12
Selenium

For a more detailed breakdown of general nutrition, you can consult a reputable food database such as the USDA FoodData Central.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a cheeseburger patty with no bun is not a single, fixed number but a range that depends heavily on the size of the patty, the lean-to-fat ratio of the beef, and the type of cheese. A standard 4-ounce cheeseburger patty will typically be between 260 and 400 calories. To get the most accurate count, it's best to check the specific beef blend and cheese type being used. Choosing leaner meat and grilling can help keep the calories on the lower end, making it an excellent option for low-carb and keto diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calories vary, but a 4oz (1/4 pound) patty made from 80/20 ground beef with a slice of American cheese is typically around 340-400 calories.

Using leaner beef, such as 90/10 ground beef, will result in a lower calorie count. For a 4oz patty, this could be around 260-320 calories with a slice of American cheese, compared to the 340-400 for a fattier 80/20 mix.

Yes, a cheeseburger patty with no bun is a perfect choice for a keto or low-carb diet. It's high in fat and protein and contains minimal carbohydrates, which are usually from the cheese or other non-bread toppings.

Yes, grilling or broiling a beef patty can reduce the calorie count. The heat causes some of the fat to melt and drip away, which lowers the total fat and calorie content of the cooked patty.

A standard slice of American cheese typically adds 60-100 calories to the patty. Other types of cheese may vary slightly, so check specific nutritional information if precise counting is required.

To keep calories low, opt for zero or low-calorie condiments like mustard. Avoid calorie-dense sauces like mayonnaise and barbeque sauce.

For a double cheeseburger patty with no bun, you can roughly double the calorie count of a single patty, plus the cheese. A double-patty version could be 520 to 800+ calories, depending on the beef and cheese used.