How many calories are in a cooked patty? A detailed guide to nutritional values

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a cooked 3-ounce patty made from 80% lean ground beef contains approximately 230 calories, but this can vary significantly based on multiple factors. Understanding how many calories are in a cooked patty is crucial for managing your dietary intake and making informed food choices.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for cooked patties differ based on meat type, lean-to-fat ratio, size, and cooking method. Leaner options and grilling generally reduce overall caloric intake, while fattier meat and pan-frying increase it.

Key Points

Lean-to-Fat Ratio is Key: The fat percentage of a beef patty directly determines its caloric value, with leaner options having significantly fewer calories.
Cooking Method Matters: Grilling or broiling allows fat to drip away, reducing calories, while pan-frying can add calories from retained fat and cooking oils.
Protein Source Varies Calories: Turkey patties typically offer fewer calories and less saturated fat than fattier ground beef, providing a leaner protein choice.
Read Plant-Based Labels: The nutritional content of plant-based patties can differ widely by brand, and some may have higher fat and sodium from added ingredients.
Portion Control Is Important: The final calorie count is also determined by the patty's size, with a 6-ounce patty having considerably more calories than a 4-ounce one of the same fat content.
Toppings Add Up: Don't forget that buns, cheese, and sauces significantly increase the total calories of a burger, so choose your toppings wisely.

The calorie content of a cooked patty is not a single, fixed number. It's a variable that depends on several key factors, including the type of protein used, the lean-to-fat ratio, the size of the patty, and how it is prepared. For someone tracking their calories, knowing these differences is essential for making smart and healthy food choices.

Beef Patties: A Breakdown by Fat Content

For beef patties, the lean-to-fat ratio is the single biggest determinant of its caloric value. A higher fat content leads to a higher calorie count, even after some fat renders out during cooking.

80/20 Beef Patty

An 80/20 ground beef patty is made from 80% lean meat and 20% fat. Due to its higher fat content, it is richer in calories than leaner alternatives. For a standard 4-ounce patty, the calorie count can be between 280 and 300 calories. A 3-ounce serving is typically around 230 calories. The final calorie count will depend on whether you drain the excess fat after cooking, as pan-frying can leave some fat behind, while grilling allows it to drip away.

90/10 Beef Patty

Opting for a 90/10 ground beef patty, which is 90% lean and 10% fat, significantly lowers the calories. For a standard 4-ounce patty, this leaner option results in approximately 200 to 220 calories. A 3-ounce serving is reported to have around 184 calories. Choosing a leaner cut is a simple way to reduce calorie and saturated fat intake while still enjoying beef.

Caloric Variations in Other Patty Types

Beyond beef, there are many other types of patties, each with a different nutritional profile.

Turkey Patties

Turkey patties are a popular lower-calorie alternative to beef. A 4-ounce cooked turkey burger patty (made from a combination of dark and light meat) has approximately 193 calories and 11 grams of fat, according to the Food Network. Ground turkey is an excellent source of protein and can be a good choice for those looking to reduce their intake of saturated fat.

Plant-Based Patties

Plant-based patties vary widely in their ingredients and nutritional content. They are designed to mimic the taste and texture of meat but are often made from soy, peas, beans, or wheat. A 4-ounce plant-based burger patty from a leading brand like Beyond Meat typically contains around 250 calories. Other brands can have similar or different calorie counts, so it's essential to check the specific nutrition label. Many of these products contain added oils and fillers that can increase their calorie and fat content.

How Cooking Method Affects Calories

Your cooking method can also significantly impact the final calorie count of a patty. How you handle the fat that is released during cooking determines how many calories you end up consuming.

Grilling or Broiling: When you grill or broil a patty, the excess fat drips away, and you don't consume it. This can lead to a lower calorie count compared to pan-frying.
Pan-Frying: Cooking a patty in a pan, especially without draining, allows the patty to cook in its own rendered fat. The meat reabsorbs some of this fat, and eating the remaining juices adds to the calorie total. Frying in extra oil or butter further increases the calorie count.
Other Methods: Using an air fryer or baking can also be lower-calorie options, similar to grilling, as the fat can be drained and is not reabsorbed.

Comparison of Cooked Patty Calories


Patty Type (4 oz cooked)	Approx. Calories	Protein	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Source
Beef (80/20)	280-300 kcal	~20g	~22g	~9g	,
Beef (90/10)	200-220 kcal	~22g	~10g	~4g	,
Turkey (mixed)	193 kcal	~22g	~11g	~3g
Plant-Based (Beyond)	250 kcal	~20g	~17g	~4g

Note: Calorie values can vary by brand, specific ingredients, and exact size. Always check the product's nutrition label for the most accurate information.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The calories in a cooked patty are not uniform and are heavily influenced by the initial protein source, its fat content, and the preparation method. For those seeking lower-calorie options, choosing a leaner ground beef (90/10 or higher) or a turkey patty is a great starting point. The cooking method is also a significant factor; grilling and broiling can help reduce fat and calories, while pan-frying can increase them. Plant-based patties provide another alternative, but their nutritional values can vary widely between brands, so always read the label. By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions that align with your health and dietary goals without sacrificing flavor. For more detailed nutritional information on various food items, including different cuts of beef, you can consult the official USDA FoodData Central database.

It's important to remember that the patty is just one component of a larger meal. The bun, cheese, sauces, and other toppings can dramatically increase the total calorie count. For a healthier meal, pair your chosen patty with a whole-grain bun and plenty of fresh vegetables. Even a simple change like opting for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun can significantly reduce the overall calorie load.

Knowing the facts about how many calories are in a cooked patty is the first step toward eating mindfully. Whether you're a beef purist, a fan of poultry, or prefer a plant-based option, there are healthy ways to enjoy a delicious burger.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fat content is a major factor. A higher fat percentage, such as in an 80/20 blend, results in a higher calorie count compared to a leaner option like 90/10. Fat contains more than twice the calories per gram as protein.

Generally, yes. A cooked turkey patty often has fewer calories than a standard ground beef patty, especially a fattier one like an 80/20 blend. The exact number depends on the turkey's meat composition (light vs. dark meat).

Grilling can help reduce the calories in a beef patty because excess fat drips away during the cooking process. This is in contrast to pan-frying, where the fat remains in the pan and can be reabsorbed by the meat,.

Not necessarily. The calories in plant-based patties can vary significantly by brand and ingredients. While some may be lower, others can have similar calorie counts to a beef patty due to added oils and binders,.

Fast-food burger patties can vary greatly in size and composition. The patty alone contributes to the total calorie count, but toppings, buns, and sauces make the overall meal calorie-dense. A plain, single patty from a fast-food chain often has several hundred calories on its own.

Yes, patty size has a direct impact on calories. For example, a 6-ounce patty will have significantly more calories than a 4-ounce patty of the same fat content because it contains more meat overall.

For a 4-ounce cooked patty, the difference is noticeable. An 80/20 patty contains approximately 280-300 calories, while a 90/10 patty has about 200-220 calories.