How many calories are in a ribeye sandwich?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a restaurant-style ribeye steak sandwich with cheese and sauce can contain over 1,000 calories. How many calories are in a ribeye sandwich is not a simple number, as the total is heavily influenced by preparation, portion size, and added ingredients.

Quick Summary

The total calorie count for a ribeye sandwich varies significantly, with restaurant versions often exceeding 1,000 calories. The final total depends on factors like the cut of meat, portion size, type of bread, and high-fat additions like cheese and sauces.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: The number of calories in a ribeye sandwich can range from around 500 to well over 1,200 depending on the ingredients and portion size.
Toppings Add Up: High-fat additions like cheese, creamy sauces, and extra cooking oil contribute significantly to the total calorie count.
Steak Type Matters: Ribeye steak is one of the fattier cuts, so choosing a leaner steak like sirloin can reduce calories.
Control Your Portions: Restaurant sandwiches often have much larger portions of both meat and bread than a standard serving size, which drives up calories.
Choose Lighter Ingredients: Opting for a lower-calorie bun, trimming fat from the steak, and using mustard instead of mayo can dramatically cut calories.
Veggies for Bulk: Adding grilled vegetables like onions and peppers can increase satiety and flavor with minimal caloric impact.

The Surprising Range of Ribeye Sandwich Calories

Understanding the calorie content of a ribeye sandwich requires looking beyond just the steak. While the rich, marbled ribeye provides a significant number of calories on its own, it's the combination of bread, cheese, sauces, and cooking oils that can send the total soaring. A simple, 6-ounce ribeye patty on a bun might contain around 500-700 calories, but a fully-loaded restaurant version could easily exceed 1,200. For instance, a Fuddruckers® Ribeye Steak Sandwich is listed at 1,290 calories, showing the potential for a substantial meal. The average calorie content lies somewhere in the middle, depending entirely on the ingredients selected.

Component-by-Component Calorie Breakdown

To precisely calculate the calories in a homemade ribeye sandwich, you must account for each individual part. This allows for customized, healthier options by simply swapping ingredients.

Ribeye Steak (per 100g, cooked):

Approx. 290 calories: This figure is for a cooked ribeye and can vary based on the specific cut and how much fat is trimmed. A 6-ounce (170g) portion would be around 490 calories.
Fat content: The marbling that gives ribeye its flavor also contributes to its higher fat content compared to leaner cuts like sirloin.

Bread (per slice):

White Bread: 75-100 calories per slice.
Whole Wheat: Often similar to white, though some 'light' versions are available.
Hoagie Roll: As the size increases, so does the calorie count, with large rolls adding 150-300+ calories.

Cheese (per slice/ounce):

American/Cheddar: Approximately 100-115 calories per slice.
Provolone: About 100 calories per slice.
Cheese Sauce (100g): Up to 197 calories, with variations based on recipe.

Sauces and Spreads (per tablespoon):

Mayonnaise: ~90-100 calories.
BBQ Sauce: ~20-30 calories.
Oil (for cooking): A tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil adds around 120 calories.

Toppings:

Grilled Onions/Peppers: Minimal calories, offering flavor with less impact.
Lettuce/Tomato: Negligible calories.

How Restaurant Sandwiches Drive Up Calories

Restaurant sandwiches often come with a higher calorie count than a home-prepared version for several reasons. Portion sizes are frequently much larger than the standard 3-ounce beef serving recommended by the USDA. They also tend to be more generous with high-calorie additions, including extra cheese, rich sauces, and an excess of cooking oil. Some places use larger, high-calorie buns, and the addition of a side of fries can significantly increase the total calories of the meal. For instance, a Steak-Out 6oz ribeye sandwich with cheese, sauce, and bun is listed at 1010 calories, illustrating how quickly the numbers climb.

Tips for a Healthier Ribeye Sandwich

For those who love the flavor of a ribeye sandwich but want to keep their calorie count in check, there are several modifications that can be made.

Trim the Fat: Opt for a leaner cut of steak or trim excess visible fat from the ribeye before cooking.
Reduce the Cheese: Instead of multiple slices, use a single slice of flavorful cheese or a smaller amount of a strong cheese to get the taste without all the fat.
Choose the Right Bread: Select a smaller, lower-calorie bun or use whole wheat options that offer more fiber. Some manufacturers offer light, high-fiber versions of bread.
Swap the Sauce: Replace high-fat mayonnaise with a low-calorie alternative like mustard, or a light sauce with a vinegar base.
Load Up on Veggies: Pile on extra non-starchy vegetables like grilled onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for bulk and flavor without adding many calories.

Comparison Table: Sandwich Calories


Sandwich Variation	Estimated Calories	Key Characteristics
Simple Homemade	500-700 kcal	6oz lean ribeye, light bun, minimal sauce, no cheese.
Loaded Restaurant	1,000-1,300+ kcal	6-8oz fatty ribeye, large hoagie roll, melted cheese, mayo, oil.
Lean Sirloin Sandwich	400-600 kcal	6oz sirloin, small bun, mustard, plenty of vegetables.

Conclusion

While a ribeye sandwich can be a high-calorie meal, its final nutritional impact is not fixed. The wide variation in calorie counts from one sandwich to another highlights the importance of ingredient choices and portion control. By understanding the contribution of each component—from the steak's marbling to the bread and toppings—you can easily make adjustments to create a healthier version. Whether you're at a restaurant or cooking at home, opting for leaner cuts, minimizing cheese and creamy sauces, and filling up on vegetables are effective strategies for enjoying the rich flavor of a ribeye sandwich without excessive calories. For additional nutritional guidance on popular ingredients, you can reference reliable sources like the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make a healthier version, use a smaller, whole-wheat bun, trim visible fat from the ribeye, use a modest amount of low-fat cheese or skip it, and pile on grilled vegetables and a low-calorie condiment like mustard instead of mayonnaise.

Yes, compared to leaner cuts like sirloin, ribeye steak is one of the higher-calorie options due to its rich marbling and higher fat content. A 3.5-ounce serving contains around 291 calories.

A standard slice of cheese, such as American or provolone, typically adds 100-115 calories. Using multiple slices or a rich cheese sauce will increase this amount significantly.

The calorie difference can be vast. A simple homemade sandwich may be around 500-700 calories, while a fully-loaded restaurant version can be over 1,000 calories due to larger portions and more toppings.

Yes, the bread choice significantly impacts the calorie total. A small, thin slice of whole wheat bread is lower in calories than a large, thick hoagie roll or a burger bun.

Based on nutrition facts, a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) cooked ribeye steak contains about 291 calories. An 8-ounce serving would be approximately 661 calories.

Yes, using oil to cook the steak can add a significant amount of calories. A single tablespoon of oil adds around 120 calories, which is a common amount used in cooking.