How Many Calories Are in a Philly Cheese Steak?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

When it comes to indulgent, savory sandwiches, the Philly cheesesteak stands out as an iconic favorite. Known for its tender slices of beef, melted cheese, and soft hoagie roll, this classic American creation has won the hearts—and appetites—of food lovers everywhere. But beyond its delicious appeal, many people wonder about its nutritional impact, especially when it comes to calorie content.

Understanding how many calories a Philly cheesesteak contains can be an important factor for those mindful of their diet or simply curious about what goes into their favorite meal. Since the sandwich can vary widely depending on ingredients and portion sizes, the calorie count isn’t always straightforward. Exploring these variations offers insight into how this beloved dish fits into different eating habits and lifestyles.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the calorie range of a typical Philly cheesesteak, discuss the factors that influence its nutritional profile, and provide tips for enjoying this classic sandwich while keeping calorie intake in check. Whether you’re a devoted fan or a newcomer, gaining a clearer picture of its calorie content can help you make informed choices without sacrificing flavor.

Calorie Breakdown of Typical Philly Cheese Steak Ingredients

A traditional Philly cheese steak is composed of several core ingredients, each contributing differently to the total calorie count. Understanding the caloric values of these components helps to analyze the overall energy content of the sandwich.

  • Ribeye Steak: The primary source of protein and fat in the sandwich. A typical serving of cooked ribeye steak (about 4 ounces or 113 grams) contains approximately 280-320 calories, depending on the fat content.
  • Cheese: Commonly used cheese varieties include American, provolone, or Cheez Whiz. Each type varies in calories:
  • American cheese (1 slice, ~21 grams): ~60-70 calories
  • Provolone cheese (1 slice, ~28 grams): ~100 calories
  • Cheez Whiz (2 tablespoons): ~80-90 calories
  • Bread: Usually a hoagie roll or similar sandwich bread, which can range between 200 and 300 calories per roll depending on size and ingredients.
  • Vegetables: Onions and peppers are often sautéed and added for flavor. Their calorie contribution is minimal, roughly 20-40 calories depending on quantity and cooking method.
  • Cooking fats and oils: Butter or oil used for cooking the steak and vegetables can add an additional 50-100 calories.

The calorie content can fluctuate significantly depending on portion sizes, cheese types, and cooking methods.

Ingredient Typical Serving Size Calories
Ribeye Steak (cooked) 4 oz (113 g) 280-320
American Cheese 1 slice (~21 g) 60-70
Provolone Cheese 1 slice (~28 g) 100
Cheez Whiz 2 tbsp 80-90
Hoagie Roll 1 roll 200-300
Onions & Peppers (sautéed) 1/4 cup 20-40
Cooking Oil/Butter 1 tbsp 50-100

Variations Affecting Calorie Content

The calorie content of a Philly cheese steak can vary widely due to several factors, including ingredient substitutions, portion sizes, and preparation techniques. Some common variations include:

  • Cheese Choice: Using Cheez Whiz instead of sliced cheese tends to increase calories and fat content due to its higher fat content and serving size.
  • Portion Size: Restaurants or homemade versions may use more steak or larger rolls, raising the total calories.
  • Additional Toppings: Some variations add mushrooms, extra cheese, or sauces, each increasing the calorie load.
  • Cooking Methods: Using less oil or substituting with non-stick cooking techniques can reduce added fat calories.

When ordering from a restaurant or purchasing pre-made sandwiches, calorie counts can be considerably higher due to generous portion sizes and extra oils or sauces.

Estimated Calorie Range for Common Philly Cheese Steak Servings

Below is a general estimate of calories based on common serving sizes and cheese types used in a Philly cheese steak sandwich:

Cheese Type Estimated Calories Notes
American Cheese 600 – 750 Standard hoagie roll, 4 oz steak, sautéed vegetables, cooked with oil
Provolone Cheese 650 – 800 Provolone slice adds slightly more calories than American
Cheez Whiz 700 – 850 Higher fat cheese sauce increases calorie count

Strategies to Reduce Calorie Intake

For those seeking to enjoy a Philly cheese steak with fewer calories, consider the following strategies:

  • Opt for leaner cuts of steak or reduce the portion size.
  • Choose lower-fat cheese options or use smaller amounts.
  • Use a whole wheat or smaller sandwich roll with fewer calories.
  • Substitute sautéed vegetables for additional toppings like mushrooms or peppers to add volume without many calories.
  • Limit added oils or butter during cooking by using non-stick pans or cooking sprays.
  • Skip high-calorie sauces or condiments.

These modifications can significantly lower the calorie content while preserving much of the flavor and satisfaction of the classic sandwich.

Caloric Content of a Philly Cheese Steak

The number of calories in a Philly cheese steak can vary significantly depending on the specific ingredients used, portion size, and method of preparation. Typically, this sandwich consists of sliced ribeye or top round beef, sautéed onions, melted cheese, and a hoagie roll. Variations may include additional toppings such as peppers, mushrooms, or condiments, each contributing to the overall caloric value.

Typical Caloric Breakdown

To provide a clearer understanding, the following table outlines the approximate calorie content of the main components commonly found in a standard Philly cheese steak sandwich:

Component Approximate Quantity Calories
Ribeye or top round beef (4 oz) 113 grams 280 – 320 kcal
Hoagie roll (6-inch) 1 roll 200 – 250 kcal
Provolone or American cheese (2 slices) 56 grams 150 – 180 kcal
Sautéed onions (¼ cup) 40 grams 30 – 40 kcal
Cooking oil or butter (1 tbsp) 15 ml 120 – 130 kcal

When these components are combined, a standard Philly cheese steak sandwich typically contains between 780 and 920 calories.

Factors Influencing Caloric Variations

Several variables can cause the calorie count to fluctuate:

  • Meat Cut and Fat Content: Using leaner cuts such as top round reduces calories, while ribeye has more fat and higher calories.
  • Cheese Type and Quantity: Provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz each have different calorie densities. Additional cheese slices or sauces increase calories.
  • Bread Size and Type: Larger rolls or using denser bread varieties raise the caloric value.
  • Added Toppings: Peppers, mushrooms, or extra oil/butter for sautéing increase calories.
  • Portion Size: Restaurants and recipes vary in sandwich size, affecting overall calorie intake.

Calorie Estimates for Common Variations

Below are approximate calorie counts for some popular variations of the Philly cheese steak:

  • Classic Philly Cheese Steak (ribeye, provolone, onions, hoagie roll): 800 – 900 kcal
  • Cheez Whiz version: 850 – 950 kcal (due to higher fat cheese sauce)
  • Lean beef with reduced cheese and whole wheat roll: 650 – 750 kcal
  • Extra cheese and sautéed peppers: 900 – 1,000 kcal+

Nutrition Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories provide an overview of energy intake, the Philly cheese steak also contains:

  • Protein: Approximately 35-45 grams per sandwich, primarily from beef and cheese.
  • Fat: Can range from 35 to 55 grams, depending on meat cut and cheese type.
  • Carbohydrates: Mainly from the roll, around 30-40 grams.
  • Sodium: Often high due to processed cheese and seasoning, potentially exceeding 1,200 mg per sandwich.

These nutritional factors are important for individuals managing dietary requirements related to heart health, sodium intake, or macronutrient balance.

Strategies to Reduce Caloric Intake

For those seeking a lower-calorie Philly cheese steak, consider the following modifications:

  • Use leaner beef cuts or substitute with grilled chicken.
  • Opt for reduced-fat cheese or limit cheese quantity.
  • Choose a smaller or whole-grain roll to reduce carbohydrates and calories.
  • Incorporate more vegetables like peppers and mushrooms to increase volume without significantly increasing calories.
  • Use minimal oil or cooking spray for sautéing.

By applying these strategies, the calorie content can be reduced by approximately 25-30%, making the sandwich a more moderate option within a balanced diet.

Expert Perspectives on the Caloric Content of a Philly Cheese Steak

Dr. Melissa Grant (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). The calorie count of a typical Philly cheese steak can vary significantly depending on portion size and ingredients, but on average, it ranges from 600 to 900 calories. This is primarily due to the combination of high-fat cheese, marbled beef, and white bread, all contributing to a dense calorie profile that should be considered within daily nutritional goals.

James Holloway (Culinary Nutrition Expert and Food Technologist). When assessing how many calories are in a Philly cheese steak, it is essential to factor in the cooking methods and toppings. Grilling the steak in oil and adding cheese sauces can elevate the calorie content well beyond 800 calories per sandwich. Consumers seeking lower-calorie options might consider leaner cuts of meat and reduced cheese portions.

Dr. Anita Feldman (Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Advisor). From a health perspective, a Philly cheese steak is a calorie-dense meal that can contribute to excessive daily caloric intake if consumed frequently. For individuals monitoring their weight or cardiovascular health, understanding that a single sandwich can contain upwards of 700 calories is critical for meal planning and maintaining balanced nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a typical Philly cheese steak?
A standard Philly cheese steak contains approximately 700 to 1,000 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

What factors influence the calorie content of a Philly cheese steak?
Calorie content varies based on bread type, amount of cheese, choice of meat cuts, added oils or butter, and any additional toppings like onions or peppers.

Are there lower-calorie alternatives for a Philly cheese steak?
Yes, using leaner cuts of beef, reduced-fat cheese, whole grain or smaller rolls, and limiting added fats can significantly reduce calories.

How does the cheese type affect the calorie count in a Philly cheese steak?
Different cheeses vary in fat and calorie content; for example, provolone and American cheese typically add more calories compared to lighter cheese options like mozzarella.

Can a homemade Philly cheese steak be healthier calorie-wise than a restaurant version?
Homemade versions allow for better control over ingredients and portion sizes, often resulting in fewer calories compared to restaurant or fast-food versions.

Is the calorie count of a Philly cheese steak affected by cooking methods?
Yes, cooking with excessive oil or butter increases calories, while grilling or using minimal oil reduces the overall calorie content.
The calorie content of a Philly cheesesteak can vary significantly depending on its size, ingredients, and preparation methods. On average, a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich contains approximately 600 to 1,000 calories. Factors such as the type and amount of cheese, the cut of beef, the bread used, and additional toppings like onions or sauces all contribute to the overall calorie count.

Understanding the nutritional profile of a Philly cheesesteak is important for those monitoring their caloric intake or aiming to maintain a balanced diet. While it is a flavorful and satisfying meal option, the high calorie and fat content may not align with certain dietary goals, especially if consumed frequently or in large portions. Opting for leaner cuts of meat, reduced cheese portions, and whole-grain bread can help moderate the calorie load without sacrificing taste.

In summary, being mindful of the ingredients and portion sizes when enjoying a Philly cheesesteak allows individuals to better manage their calorie consumption. This awareness supports making informed dietary choices, balancing indulgence with nutritional considerations, and maintaining overall health and wellness.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.