How Many Calories Are In One Steak Burger? The Definitive Guide

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

A 4-ounce homemade steak burger patty made from 85/15 ground beef contains approximately 320 calories, but the total for one steak burger can easily double or triple depending on the toppings and preparation method.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a steak burger varies significantly based on factors like meat quality, portion size, and added ingredients. A plain patty can have around 300 calories, while a fully dressed restaurant version may exceed 1000 calories depending on preparation.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The number of calories in a steak burger can range from around 300 for a plain patty to over 1000 for a fully loaded, gourmet version.
Fat Content is Key: The lean-to-fat ratio of the ground beef used in the patty significantly impacts the total calorie count.
Toppings Add Up: Calorie-dense toppings like cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise can drastically increase a burger's total calories.
Size Matters: Larger patties, often found in restaurants, have more calories than smaller, standard-sized ones.
Preparation Method Counts: Grilling is generally a lower-calorie cooking method than frying in oil or butter.
Choose Premium Cuts: Steak burgers use high-quality meat like sirloin or ribeye, which can be leaner and more flavorful than standard ground beef.

A steak burger is not just any ordinary burger; it's a patty made from a premium cut of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, which often gives it a richer flavor and a different nutritional profile compared to a standard hamburger. While the quality of the meat is a key differentiator, the final calorie count for one steak burger is highly dependent on how it's prepared and what accompanies it. For health-conscious consumers, understanding these variables is essential for an accurate estimation.

Understanding the Factors That Influence Steak Burger Calories

The wide range in calorie counts can be attributed to several key variables that are often overlooked. Paying attention to these details is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake.

Fat Content of the Beef

The lean-to-fat ratio of the ground steak used for the patty is a primary determinant of calories. A higher fat percentage means more calories, as fat contains more calories per gram than protein. For example, a 4-ounce patty from 80/20 ground beef has more calories than one made from 90/10 beef. The richer marbling often found in premium steak cuts can also contribute to a higher fat content and, consequently, a higher calorie count.

Patty Size

This is one of the most obvious factors. A larger patty means more meat and, therefore, more calories. Many restaurant and fast-food steak burgers are much larger than standard patties, and a double or triple patty will significantly increase the total calories. For example, a gourmet 8-ounce patty could contain upwards of 600 calories on its own, before any toppings.

Bun Selection

The bun serves as the base for the burger and can add a substantial number of calories. A simple, plain white bun might add around 120-150 calories, while a richer brioche bun can add more, and a cheese-topped roll will add even more. The bun's size and ingredients, including added sugars, are all factors in the final count.

Toppings and Sauces

This is where a steak burger's calories can really skyrocket. High-calorie toppings are often piled onto gourmet burgers.

Cheese: One slice of cheddar cheese can add 50-100 calories.
Bacon: A couple of strips of bacon can add 80-100 calories or more.
Sauces: Mayonnaise, special sauces, and high-sugar barbecue sauces can add 90-100 calories per tablespoon.
Other Toppings: Fried onions, avocado, and chili can all add a significant calorie load.

Cooking Method

The way the patty is cooked also matters. Grilling a steak burger is generally a healthier option than pan-frying it in oil or butter, as this adds extra fat and calories. Draining excess fat after cooking can also help to reduce the calorie total.

Comparison Table: Calories in Different Steak Burgers

To illustrate the calorie variability, here is a comparison of different steak burger preparations, assuming a 4oz (113g) patty for the basic options and a 6oz patty for the deluxe.


Item	Estimated Calories	Key Factors Influencing Calories
Plain 85/15 Homemade Patty (4 oz)	~320 calories	Based on meat and cooking.
Basic Homemade Steak Burger	~470 calories	Patty + basic bun (150 cal).
Double Steakburger (e.g., fast food)	~560 calories	Two patties, standard bun, condiments.
Cheeseburger (Restaurant)	~558 calories	Larger patty (e.g., 247g), cheese, bun, sauce.
Gourmet Cheeseburger (6 oz patty)	700+ calories	Larger patty, brioche bun, cheese, sauces.
Western BBQ 'n Bacon Burger	870 calories	Double patty, cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, onion ring.

Tips for a Lighter Steak Burger

For those who love the rich flavor of a steak burger but want to reduce the calorie load, several simple adjustments can be made without sacrificing taste.

Choose Leaner Meat: Opt for a ground steak with a higher lean percentage (90/10 or higher). This significantly reduces the fat content of the patty.
Control Portion Size: A 4-ounce patty is a satisfying portion size and far less caloric than a larger 6 or 8-ounce version.
Be Mindful of the Bun: Consider a whole-wheat bun for added fiber and nutrients, or even try a lettuce wrap to cut carbohydrates and calories entirely.
Choose Healthier Toppings: Load up on fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion. Use mustard instead of mayonnaise or sugary sauces. A single slice of a flavorful cheese can still offer great taste without excessive calories.
Use a Healthier Cooking Method: Grill or bake your patty instead of frying it. If you do pan-fry, make sure to drain the excess fat.

Conclusion

There is no single answer to the question of how many calories are in one steak burger, as the number can vary dramatically based on the ingredients and preparation. A plain, homemade patty can be a relatively low-calorie meal, but the addition of high-fat cheese, bacon, rich sauces, and a large, sugary bun can push the total calorie count well over 1000. By understanding the factors that influence the final count—like the lean-to-fat ratio, patty size, bun choice, and toppings—you can make informed decisions to enjoy a delicious steak burger while keeping your dietary goals in mind. For a more detailed breakdown of ingredients, you can reference resources like Nutritionix to track the calories of each component individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the quality and cut of beef. A steak burger typically uses a higher-quality, often leaner, cut like sirloin, while a regular hamburger often uses a fattier chuck cut. Calories will depend on the specific cut's fat content, size, and cooking method, but a high-quality steak burger can sometimes be a leaner option than a standard fast-food burger.

To reduce calories, use a leaner ground steak (90/10 or higher), control the patty size (e.g., 4 oz), choose a whole-wheat or lettuce wrap instead of a white bun, and opt for low-calorie toppings like fresh vegetables and mustard instead of cheese and mayonnaise.

Yes, grilling generally uses less added oil or butter than frying, which can reduce the overall calorie count. Grilling also allows some of the fat to drip away from the patty as it cooks, further reducing calories.

A single slice of standard cheese, like cheddar or American, typically adds between 50 to 100 calories to a steak burger, depending on the thickness and type of cheese.

Not always, but often. Fast-food steak burgers are frequently larger, use more high-fat ingredients, and come with rich sauces and buns, which can make them significantly higher in calories than a carefully prepared homemade version.

Yes, you can include a steak burger in a balanced diet, even if you are watching your weight. The key is moderation and being mindful of your choices. Opt for a leaner patty, control the portion size, and choose healthier toppings and buns to keep the calorie count in check.

The healthiest way to cook a steak burger is by grilling or broiling, as these methods minimize the need for added fats like oil or butter. Using a cooking method that allows fat to drain away, such as grilling on a rack, is also beneficial for calorie reduction.