How many calories are in a hamburger patty no bun?

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

A 4-ounce hamburger patty made from 80/20 ground beef typically contains between 280 and 300 calories, but the exact number of calories in a hamburger patty no bun varies greatly. Factors like lean-to-fat ratio, patty size, and cooking method all influence the final nutritional count.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a bunless hamburger patty is determined by its size and fat content. Leaner meat and smaller patties result in fewer calories, with options ranging from approximately 150 to over 600 depending on the specifics and preparation.

Key Points

Lean-to-Fat Ratio: The fat content of the ground beef is the most significant factor affecting the patty's calorie count.
Patty Size: Larger patties, such as half-pound versions, can contain over 600 calories, while smaller 4-ounce patties are closer to 200-300 calories.
Cooking Method: Grilling allows fat to drain away, reducing total calories compared to pan-frying with added oil.
Healthier Alternatives: Using leaner ground beef, or swapping to chicken, turkey, or plant-based patties can lower the calorie count.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Homemade patties generally allow for better control over ingredients and calories, as restaurant patties can have hidden fats and larger portions.

Understanding Hamburger Patty Calories

The most significant factor determining how many calories are in a hamburger patty no bun is the lean-to-fat ratio of the ground beef. Beef with a higher fat content, such as 80% lean, will have more calories per ounce than leaner options like 90% lean. The cooking method also plays a crucial role. For example, grilling a patty allows more fat to drip away compared to pan-frying in added oil or butter, further reducing the final calorie count. Therefore, controlling these variables is essential for anyone monitoring their intake.

The Impact of Lean-to-Fat Ratios

The ratio of lean meat to fat is the primary caloric differentiator. Fat contains about nine calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrates contain about four calories per gram. This means that a patty with a higher fat percentage will inevitably have a higher calorie density.

80/20 Ground Beef (80% lean, 20% fat): This is a popular choice for its flavor and juiciness. A standard 4-ounce patty typically contains around 280–300 calories.
85/15 Ground Beef (85% lean, 15% fat): A moderately leaner option. A 4-ounce patty from 85/15 beef will contain approximately 240–260 calories.
90/10 Ground Beef (90% lean, 10% fat): The leanest common option, which results in a 4-ounce patty with around 200–220 calories.

Patty Size Directly Influences Calories

Beyond the fat content, the physical size of the patty is an obvious but often overlooked calorie factor. Larger patties mean more meat and, consequently, more calories and protein.

4-ounce patty: A common size, as detailed above, can range from 200 to 300 calories depending on the fat ratio.
6-ounce patty: This gourmet-sized patty would have proportionally higher calories, roughly 420 to 450 calories for an 80/20 blend.
8-ounce patty: A substantial half-pound patty, made with 80/20 beef, could contain 560 to 600 calories or more.

The Healthiest Hamburger Patty Options

To create a healthier bunless burger, consider these tips:

Choose the Leanest Meat: Opt for 90/10 or even 95/5 ground beef to immediately cut a significant number of calories and saturated fat.
Blend with Vegetables: Mix finely chopped mushrooms or onions with the ground beef. This adds moisture and flavor while reducing the overall calorie density.
Select Leaner Alternatives: Turkey or chicken patties are great options for reducing fat and calories. A plain ground turkey patty is often significantly lower in calories than an 80/20 beef patty.
Consider Plant-Based Patties: For a completely meat-free option, veggie burgers made from ingredients like quinoa and black beans are excellent choices.

Hamburger Patty Calorie Comparison


Patty Type (4 oz cooked)	Lean-to-Fat Ratio	Calories (Approximate)	Protein (Approx.)	Fat (Approx.)
Beef Patty	90/10	200-220	22g	12g
Beef Patty	85/15	240-260	20g	18g
Beef Patty	80/20	280-300	19g	22g
Beef Patty	75/25	320-340	18g	28g
Chicken Patty	Ground Chicken	150-180	25g	7g
Turkey Patty	Ground Turkey	160-200	23g	9g

Cooking Methods and Calorie Control

The way you cook your patty can also make a difference. Frying in oil adds extra fat and calories, while grilling or pan-broiling without extra oil is a healthier approach. As the fat melts during cooking, it can drain away, especially on a grill, lowering the final fat and calorie content. Using a non-stick pan also helps reduce the need for added cooking fats.

For more insight on building a healthier burger, read this helpful resource from a reputable source: Consumer Reports on Healthy Burgers.

Conclusion

Determining how many calories are in a hamburger patty no bun is not a single-number answer. It depends heavily on the choices you make regarding the meat's fat content, the patty's size, and how it is cooked. By consciously opting for leaner beef, managing portion sizes, and using healthier cooking methods, you can easily control the calorie intake of your bunless burger. This flexibility makes the bunless patty an excellent and customizable option for low-carb diets or those focused on reducing overall calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 4-ounce (113 gram) hamburger patty made with 90% lean and 10% fat ground beef typically contains around 200 to 220 calories.

An 8-ounce patty made from 80% lean ground beef is a large portion and contains approximately 560 to 600 calories.

Yes, a plain hamburger patty is naturally very low in carbohydrates, as it is composed almost entirely of meat, fat, and protein.

Yes, the cooking method can impact the final calorie count. Grilling allows excess fat to drip off, reducing the fat content, while pan-frying in oil or butter can add extra calories.

The difference depends on the fat content, but a ground turkey patty is generally leaner and lower in calories than a standard 80/20 beef patty of the same size.

To reduce calories, you can choose leaner ground meat (90/10 or higher), blend the meat with finely chopped mushrooms, and grill or pan-broil the patty without adding extra fat.

Besides calories, a hamburger patty is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12.