How Many Calories in an Angus Beef Burger with Cheese?

A single Angus cheeseburger can contain anywhere from 210 to over 800 calories, depending heavily on its size and added ingredients. Understanding this variation is crucial for managing dietary intake.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for an Angus beef burger with cheese range widely, from around 210 for a small, basic item to nearly 800 for a large, restaurant-style serving. The specific number depends on patty size, fat content, type of cheese, bun, and extra toppings like bacon or sauce. Fat is typically the most significant calorie contributor.

Key Points

• Average Range: Most Angus cheeseburgers contain between 470 and 670 calories.

• Key Variable: Patty size and fat content are the primary determinants of calorie count.

• Hidden Calories: Condiments like mayonnaise and extra toppings such as bacon significantly increase total calories.

• Smallest Option: Some pre-packaged or very small Angus cheeseburgers can have as few as 210 calories.

• Largest Option: Large, restaurant-style or bacon-inclusive Angus cheeseburgers can reach 790 calories or more.

• Macronutrients: A typical Angus cheeseburger provides a good source of protein, along with significant amounts of fat and carbohydrates.

The number of calories in a specific Angus beef burger with cheese is not a fixed figure; it's a dynamic number influenced by various components, from the patty's size and leanness to the type of bun and added condiments. The average range for a standard Angus cheeseburger is typically between 470 and 670 calories. However, some smaller, pre-packaged versions may be around 210 calories, while large, gourmet restaurant burgers can exceed 800 calories.

Core Components and Calorie Breakdown

The bulk of the calories in any burger comes from the meat and the fat content. Angus beef is known for its marbling, which contributes to its flavor but also its calorie count. A typical Angus beef patty alone can have over 400 calories before any other ingredients are added.

Key Calorie Contributors

• The Beef Patty: The size and leanness are paramount. A 4oz (approx. 113g) patty will naturally have fewer calories than an 8oz (approx. 226g) one. Fat-based sauces and fatty meat (e.g., 80/20 blend vs. 95/5 lean) significantly increase the total.
• The Cheese: A single slice of process American cheese adds around 70-90 calories.
• The Bun: A standard sesame seed bun typically contributes between 100-150 calories.
• Toppings & Condiments: This is where hidden calories can accumulate rapidly. Mayonnaise, bacon, and creamy sauces are calorie-dense, adding 50-100+ calories per serving.

Calorie Comparison: Angus Cheeseburger Variations

To illustrate the variance, here is a comparison table of different Angus cheeseburger options based on available nutritional data.

Burger Type	Approx. Weight (g)	Approx. Calories	Total Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Carbs (g)
Pierre Signatures Angus Burger & Cheese (Small)	174g	210	10g	10g	20g
Harvey's Angus Burger with Cheese	176g	470	24g	25g	38g
Member's Mark Angus Cheeseburger (Flamebroiled)	176g	510	26g	26g	40g
Walmart Angus Cheese Burger	-	670	43g	28g	42g
McDonald's Angus Bacon & Cheese Burger (Discontinued)	-	790	39g	45g	63g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on preparation and portion size.

Factors Influencing the Final Count

Beyond the base ingredients, several factors can drastically alter the final calorie tally:

• Cooking Method: Grilling often uses less added fat than pan-frying, potentially reducing calories.
• Portion Size: A larger patty or extra slice of cheese immediately increases the numbers.
• Added Extras: Be mindful of extras like bacon, onion rings, or an extra thick layer of a fat-based sauce (like mayo or some BBQ sauces), as these can add substantial calories.

Conclusion

An Angus beef burger with cheese is typically a calorie-dense meal. The average calorie count is around 510, but the range is vast. Making informed choices, such as opting for a smaller serving, choosing leaner beef, or limiting high-fat condiments, can help manage the overall caloric intake. Being aware of these variables allows you to enjoy an Angus cheeseburger as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Angus beef inherently higher in calories than regular beef?

Angus beef is a breed, known for its marbling, which generally means a higher fat content than some leaner cuts of other beef. This added fat often translates to more calories compared to very lean ground beef, but leanness (e.g., 80/20 vs 90/10) is a more crucial factor than the breed itself.

How many calories does one slice of American cheese add?

A single slice of standard processed American cheese typically adds around 70 to 90 calories to a burger.

Can I make a low-calorie Angus cheeseburger at home?

Yes, you can. By using a very lean Angus beef patty (95/5), a low-calorie or whole wheat bun, low-fat cheese, and water or vinegar-based condiments (like mustard instead of mayo), you can significantly reduce the calorie count to potentially around 300 calories.

How many calories are in a fast-food Angus cheeseburger?

Fast-food Angus cheeseburgers vary. For example, a Harvey's Angus Burger with Cheese is around 470 calories, while some large, loaded versions from other chains (like the former McDonald's Bacon & Cheese version) can be up to 790 calories.

What is the primary source of calories in the burger?

The meat patty typically contributes the most calories due to its fat and protein content. However, fatty condiments like mayonnaise can be surprisingly calorie-dense per gram.

How do toppings affect the total calorie count?

Toppings can add significant calories. Simple additions like lettuce, tomato, and onions add very few, but bacon, extra cheese, and creamy sauces can add 50-200+ calories in total depending on the portion size.

What are the main macronutrients in an Angus cheeseburger?

The main macronutrients are fat, protein, and carbohydrates. A typical 510-calorie burger may have about 26g of fat, 26g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates.