How many calories in a bunless beef burger?

November 29, 2025 •

2 min read

The calorie count of a bunless beef burger can vary. A 4-ounce patty of 85/15 ground beef has around 287 calories before cooking. The total depends on the meat's leanness, the cooking process, and added toppings.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed analysis of the calorie content in a bunless beef burger, and how different patty characteristics, cooking methods, and optional toppings influence the nutritional value.

Key Points

Choose Lean Beef: Use lean meat like 93/7 ground beef over 85/15 to save 50-70 calories per 4-ounce patty.
Cook Smart: Grilling or broiling the patty lets fat drain away, reducing the calorie count compared to pan-frying.
Limit High-Calorie Toppings: Cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise can increase calories, so use them sparingly or find alternatives.
Add Low-Calorie Additions: Add vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and raw onions for flavor and nutrients.
Be Mindful of Sauces: Some condiments, like mayonnaise, are high in calories. Choose mustard or low-sugar options.
Control Portion Size: The patty's weight is the main factor in the burger's calorie total. Be mindful of how much meat is used.
Healthy Diet Option: A bunless burger is good for low-carb or ketogenic diets, as it removes the high-carb bun and focuses on protein and fats.

Calorie Basics: The Beef Patty

The meat itself is the primary source of calories in a bunless beef burger. The leanness of the beef is a key factor. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers nutritional data for various ground beef compositions.

Factors That Influence Calorie Count

Meat-to-fat ratio: This is the most important factor. A 4-ounce patty made with 93% lean/7% fat ground beef has fewer calories than one made with 85% lean/15% fat meat.
Patty size: The patty's weight directly affects its calorie count. A larger, 6-ounce patty has 50% more calories than a 4-ounce patty of the same lean-to-fat ratio.
Cooking method: The cooking method also plays a role. Grilling or broiling removes fat, lowering the calorie count, while pan-frying in oil increases it.

Impact of Toppings and Condiments

After the bun is removed, the calories from toppings and condiments are significant. Vegetables have minimal calories, but other additions can substantially raise the total.

Here's how common toppings affect calorie count:

Cheese: A single slice of American or cheddar cheese adds about 50-100 calories.
Bacon: One slice of cooked bacon adds approximately 40-50 calories.
Avocado: A quarter-cup of sliced avocado adds roughly 80 calories.
Sauces: High-fat condiments like mayonnaise can add 100+ calories per tablespoon, and a tablespoon of ketchup adds around 15 calories due to sugar.
Fresh vegetables: Lettuce, onion, and tomato add few calories while providing nutrients and fiber.
Sautéed vegetables: Onions or mushrooms cooked with oil or butter can add 50-100 calories per serving.

Comparison Table: Bunless Burger Calorie Estimates

This table shows how different meat and topping choices affect the total calorie count for a typical 4-ounce (cooked weight) bunless beef burger. Note: Patty calories are estimates based on cooked weight.


Item	93/7 Lean Patty (approx. 178 kcal)	85/15 Lean Patty (approx. 240 kcal)
Plain Patty	178 kcal	240 kcal
With American Cheese	228-278 kcal	290-340 kcal
With Cheese and 1 slice Bacon	268-318 kcal	330-380 kcal
Fully Loaded (cheese, bacon, mayo)	398-448 kcal	460-510 kcal

Making Healthier Bunless Burger Choices

To keep your bunless burger healthy, focus on the beef and creamy sauces or cheese. Leaner ground beef helps reduce fat and calories. Cheese and bacon can fit in a healthy eating plan, but calories can accumulate quickly. Flavor can be added with low-calorie options like spices, mustard, pickles, and plenty of fresh vegetables.

Conclusion

A bunless beef burger can be a healthy meal, especially for low-carb or keto diets. The calorie count depends on your specific choices. By considering the meat's leanness and being selective with toppings, you can control the final nutritional value. For more dietary information, visit resources like the USDA's Food and Nutrition Information Center.

Authoritative link

For detailed nutritional information on many food items, the USDA's database is a comprehensive resource: https://www.nal.usda.gov/programs/fnic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculate the calories in the patty based on its weight and lean-to-fat ratio, then add the calories from toppings and condiments. Leaner meat and fewer high-fat toppings lead to fewer calories.

Yes, a bunless beef burger is often good for weight loss because it removes carbs and calories from the bun. It's a protein-rich meal that helps you feel full.

Use a large lettuce leaf, like iceberg or romaine, to wrap a bunless burger. Serve it as a 'burger bowl' on greens or roasted vegetables.

Fat content varies based on the beef. A 4-ounce patty of 93/7 beef has about 8 grams of fat, while 85/15 beef has around 12 grams. Toppings like cheese and mayo increase fat.

Many fast-food chains offer bunless burger options, which are often healthier than standard ones. Watch out for hidden calories in sauces and toppings, which can be high.

Yes. Grilling or broiling a burger can remove some fat, lowering the calorie count. Frying in oil or butter increases the calories.

Add flavor with spices, fresh herbs, or mustard, which has few calories. Fill it with low-calorie vegetables like pickles, onions, and tomatoes.

Removing the bun saves between 120 and 200 calories per burger, depending on the bun. This can be a significant saving for those watching their calorie intake.