How many calories does a meat burek have?

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a typical 100-gram serving of meat burek contains between 260 and 315 calories. However, the exact number of calories does a meat burek have can vary significantly based on its size, preparation method, and the specific ingredients used, such as the type of meat and the amount of fat in the pastry.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the calorie content of meat burek per 100g and per serving, outlining key factors like ingredients, cooking methods, and size that influence its nutritional value. It includes a comparison with other burek types and highlights macronutrient information for better dietary planning.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A 100-gram serving of meat burek typically contains 260-315 calories, varying by recipe.
Fat and Pastry: The amount of fat (oil/butter) in the phyllo pastry is a major factor in determining the final calorie count.
Meat Content: The type of minced meat used (e.g., lean beef vs. fattier beef-pork mix) directly affects the number of calories.
Serving Size Matters: The portion size is critical, with a large restaurant serving potentially containing over 700 calories.
Macronutrient Profile: In addition to high calories, meat burek provides a significant amount of protein and carbohydrates.
Comparison to Other Bureks: Meat burek generally has a higher caloric density compared to potato versions but can be comparable to cheese or spinach varieties depending on the ingredients.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Meat Burek

The caloric value of a meat burek is not a single, fixed number. It is a dense, savory pastry, and its energy content is influenced by several factors, including the type of meat, the amount of oil or butter used, and the serving size. A standard commercial 100-gram portion generally falls within the range of 260 to 315 calories. For example, a Mlinar rolled meat burek (100g) is listed at 261 kcal, while a cafe/bakery version from Matvaretabellen contains 308 kcal per 100g.

Factors Influencing Caloric Content

The final calorie count of a meat burek is a product of its constituent ingredients and preparation. These variables can cause significant fluctuations in its nutritional profile.

Pastry (Filo Dough): The phyllo pastry is traditionally layered with liberal amounts of oil or melted butter to create its flaky texture. The more fat used during preparation, the higher the overall calorie count. A restaurant or bakery might use more oil than a home cook to ensure a richer flavor and crispier finish.
Filling: The type of meat and its fat content are major determinants. While minced beef is common, some recipes might use a mix of beef and pork, which can have varying fat levels. Leaner meat will result in a lower-calorie product, while fattier cuts increase the energy content.
Portion Size: Burek servings can range dramatically. A single, rolled burek or a small slice from a larger tray will have very different calorie counts. A large, restaurant-sized serving can contain over 700 calories, while a smaller roll might be closer to 300-400 calories.
Cooking Method: The method of cooking plays a role. While most are baked, the quantity of fat used to grease the pan can add extra calories. Some variations might be pan-fried, which can further increase the fat absorption.

A Deeper Look at Macronutrients

Beyond just the total calories, the macronutrient breakdown offers a clearer picture of a meat burek's nutritional impact. Here is a typical breakdown per 100g based on available data:

Protein: Approximately 9-15 grams. This comes from the minced meat and contributes to satiety and muscle repair.
Carbohydrates: Around 22-35 grams. This is primarily from the phyllo dough. The higher figure in some cases may be due to the addition of flour or starch to the filling.
Fats: Typically ranging from 11-19 grams. A significant portion of this is saturated fat, derived from the meat and the oil/butter used in the pastry.
Salt: Sodium content can also be high due to the seasoning in the meat filling and pastry preparation.

The Healthiest Burek Option

While delicious, meat burek is not a low-calorie food. However, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, consider a vegetarian version filled with spinach and cheese or even pumpkin. These options typically have a lower fat content and fewer calories. It is also worth considering controlling portion sizes or making burek at home where you can manage the amount of fat and choose leaner meat.

Comparison of Burek Types Calories (per 100g)


Burek Type	Calories (Approx.)	Key Factors Affecting Calories
Meat Burek	~260-315 kcal	Depends heavily on the meat's fat content and the amount of oil in the pastry.
Spinach and Cheese Burek	~250-290 kcal	Generally has less fat than the meat version, though cheese content can vary widely.
Cheese Burek	~280-320 kcal	Can be higher in calories than meat depending on the cheese type (e.g., full-fat vs. low-fat) and quantity.
Potato Burek	~220-270 kcal	Often the lowest in calories, as the filling is primarily potatoes, which are less calorie-dense than meat or cheese.

Conclusion

The calorie count for a meat burek is typically between 260 and 315 calories per 100 grams, but this can change significantly based on portion size and preparation. The dish is a calorically dense meal due to its rich meat filling and flaky, fat-laden phyllo pastry. Being mindful of these factors and opting for smaller servings or vegetable alternatives can help manage your intake. For those who enjoy the classic meat version, savoring it in moderation is the best approach.

For more information on nutritional values of various foods, you can consult reliable sources such as the Matvaretabellen, a Norwegian food composition database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meat burek is a high-calorie and high-fat food, and is not generally considered healthy for regular consumption. However, it can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation.

The calories in a large slice can be substantial. For example, a large serving from a restaurant could contain anywhere from 600 to over 800 calories, depending on its size and how it was prepared.

Yes, it does. Burek is typically baked, but if it's fried or uses an excessive amount of oil during the baking process, the fat absorption increases, raising the overall calorie count.

Meat burek tends to be higher in calories and fat than spinach burek. The lean spinach filling is generally less calorie-dense than a minced meat filling, though added cheese in the spinach version can increase its caloric value.

The calories in a meat burek come from two main sources: the fatty minced meat filling and the liberal use of oil or butter in the flaky phyllo pastry layers.

Yes, you can. To reduce the calorie count, you can use leaner ground meat, use less oil when brushing the phyllo layers, and serve a smaller portion size.

Based on a 250-gram portion containing around 634 calories, burning it off could take over an hour of jogging or bicycling, or over four hours of walking. The exact time depends on the individual's weight and the intensity of the activity.