How Many Calories Are in a Pizza Steak Sandwich?

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

The average pizza steak sandwich contains a wide range of calories, typically varying from 650 to over 1,100 calories, depending on the restaurant and ingredients. This popular American sandwich combines thinly sliced steak, pizza sauce, and melted cheese on a long roll, creating a hearty and indulgent meal.

Quick Summary

A pizza steak sandwich's calorie content ranges significantly, influenced by ingredients like the cut of steak, type and amount of cheese, sauce, and bread. Portion size, cooking method, and added toppings also heavily impact the nutritional profile, making each sandwich unique in its calorie load. Opting for leaner cuts, whole wheat bread, and portion control can reduce calories.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: A pizza steak sandwich's calorie content varies widely, from roughly 650 to over 1,100 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion size.
Ingredient Impact: The type and amount of steak, cheese, and bread are the primary factors influencing the sandwich's calorie total.
Cooking Method Matters: Opting for grilling over frying and using less oil can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content.
Brand Differences: The calorie count differs significantly across various restaurants due to unique recipes and portion sizes.
Calorie Reduction Strategies: Choosing leaner meat, whole wheat bread, reduced-fat cheese, and adding more vegetables are effective ways to make a healthier version.

The Core Components and Their Calorie Impact

A pizza steak sandwich is a flavorful combination, but its calorie density depends heavily on its individual components. Understanding how each ingredient contributes to the total can help in making informed dietary choices.

Steak

Cut of Beef: The type of steak is a major calorie determinant. Ribeye, commonly used for cheesesteaks, is fattier and contains more calories than leaner cuts like sirloin or flank steak. For instance, a sandwich with ribeye might have a higher fat content, contributing more to the total calorie count than one with sirloin.
Cooking Method: How the steak is cooked also matters. Grilling or pan-searing with minimal oil is healthier than frying or using excessive butter, which adds significant calories from fat.

Cheese

Type of Cheese: The type of cheese used makes a big difference. Provolone is a common choice, but using a larger quantity or a fattier cheese can increase the calorie total. Some sandwiches use cheese whiz, which, depending on the brand and amount, could impact the calorie content differently than provolone or mozzarella.
Amount: The more cheese added, the higher the calorie count. Simply reducing the amount of cheese can be a simple way to decrease calories without sacrificing flavor entirely.

Sauce and Toppings

Pizza Sauce: Pizza sauce adds a relatively low number of calories compared to other ingredients, but some sauces contain added sugar, which contributes to the overall carbohydrate and calorie total.
Extra Toppings: Adding extras like fried onions, mushrooms, or peppers will modestly increase the calorie count, but mayonnaise, excessive oil, or extra cheese sauce can add hundreds of calories.

Bread

Type of Roll: The roll itself is a key source of carbohydrates. Traditional Amoroso rolls are common, but the exact size and type (e.g., a 12-inch hoagie versus a 6-inch sub) influence the calorie count. A whole wheat roll can offer more fiber, but may not necessarily contain fewer calories.

Comparison of Pizza Steak Sandwich Calories by Brand

The calorie content of a pizza steak sandwich can vary greatly among restaurants and brands due to differences in ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. The following table provides a general comparison based on available nutritional data.


Restaurant	Serving Size	Estimated Calories	Macronutrient Profile	Notes
The Cheese Steak Shop	Large	1,170+ kcal	56% Fat, 22% Protein, 22% Carbs	Very large portion size; high fat content.
Domino's Pizza	Small	720 kcal	46% Fat, 30% Protein, 25% Carbs	Consistent, but still a higher-calorie option.
Philly's Best	10" Roll	880 kcal	44% Fat, 26% Protein, 30% Carbs	Includes a specific size, but ingredients may vary.
Pizza Inn	Grilled	670 kcal	43% Fat, 36% Protein, 21% Carbs	Lower end of the calorie spectrum, possibly smaller portion.

How to Reduce Calories in a Pizza Steak Sandwich

Making a pizza steak sandwich at home is an excellent way to control the ingredients and reduce the calorie count. Here are some tips for a healthier version:

Use Leaner Meat: Choose a leaner cut of steak, such as sirloin or flank steak, and trim any visible fat before cooking. This immediately reduces the saturated fat and calorie content.
Opt for Whole Wheat Bread: Switch from a white hoagie roll to a whole wheat roll. This not only adds fiber but can also provide a more sustained feeling of fullness.
Portion Control: Consider a smaller roll or using just half a larger one. This is one of the most effective ways to slash calories from carbohydrates.
Lighten the Cheese: Use reduced-fat provolone or a smaller amount of full-fat cheese. You can also mix a small amount of a flavorful, strong cheese with a lower-fat option.
Pile on the Veggies: Increase the ratio of vegetables to meat. Add extra grilled peppers, onions, and mushrooms, which are low in calories and high in nutrients.
Skip High-Calorie Extras: Avoid adding mayonnaise or extra cheese sauce. The pizza sauce alone provides enough moisture and flavor.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a pizza steak sandwich is not a fixed number and can fluctuate significantly based on preparation, ingredients, and portion size. While a single restaurant serving can easily exceed 800 calories, understanding the contributions of each component empowers you to make healthier choices. By using leaner cuts of meat, healthier bread options, and controlling portion sizes, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of a pizza steak sandwich with a much lighter calorie load. For more information on food nutrition, you can consult reliable sources like the USDA's food database.

Can a pizza steak sandwich be considered a healthy meal?

No, in its traditional form, a pizza steak sandwich is typically a high-calorie, high-fat meal. However, it can be made healthier by modifying ingredients and portion sizes, such as using leaner meat, less cheese, and whole wheat bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

The typical calorie range for a pizza steak sandwich is broad, often falling between 650 and 1,170 calories, with commercial versions sometimes exceeding this range based on ingredients and size.

The type of steak significantly impacts the calorie count. Fattier cuts like ribeye contain more calories and saturated fat, while leaner options such as sirloin or flank steak offer a lower calorie alternative.

Yes, using a reduced-fat cheese option, like a part-skim mozzarella, or simply using less cheese overall, can effectively reduce the calorie and fat content of the sandwich.

The bread is a major source of carbohydrates and calories. A large, white hoagie roll will contribute more calories than a smaller, whole wheat roll. Choosing a whole wheat option can also increase fiber intake.

No, vegetables like peppers and onions are relatively low in calories. Adding more of these to your pizza steak sandwich is a great way to bulk up the meal with nutrients and flavor without substantially increasing the calorie count.

To make a healthier homemade version, use a lean cut of steak, whole wheat bread, reduced-fat cheese, and load up on vegetables. Avoiding extra high-calorie additions like mayonnaise or extra oil is also beneficial.

Calorie counts vary between brands due to differences in portion size, the cut of meat used, the amount and type of cheese, and specific cooking methods. Larger servings or fattier ingredients will always result in a higher calorie total.