If you have a craving for bold flavors wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, this Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe is an absolute must-try. These iconic pockets of seasoned ground beef offer a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and comforting tastes that feel like a warm hug from the Caribbean. Whether you’re making them for a snack, appetizer, or a hearty meal, these patties bring a burst of authentic Jamaican flavor into your kitchen with each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe comes down to a handful of simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the vibrant turmeric in the dough for that classic golden hue, to the fragrant Scotch bonnet pepper that adds just the right kick.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, flaky crust every time.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors both in the dough and filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric: A small pinch gives the crust its signature golden color and subtle earthy note.
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Provides richness and flakiness to the pastry.
- 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cubed: Adds extra flakiness and helps create that perfect pastry texture.
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup ice-cold water: Brings the dough together while keeping it tender.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For sautéing the filling ingredients smoothly.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Lends aromatic warmth that complements the spices.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty, flavorful protein star in this dish.
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced (optional): Packs authentic Jamaican heat without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a fragrant herbal note that’s classic in Caribbean cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon curry powder: Infuses a fragrant, slightly spicy depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice: Adds warm, sweet, and spicy undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives color and a hint of mild smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the filling’s robust flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to brighten the meat.
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water: Keeps the filling juicy and tender during cooking.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and soak up flavorful liquids.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Adds freshness and a mild bite for balance.
How to Make Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, salt, and turmeric in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold butter and vegetable shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until you have coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice-cold water just until the dough forms a ball. Wrap it tightly and chill for at least 30 minutes to rest the dough and make it easier to roll out.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper until they smell fragrant and the onions turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned all over.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Season your beef with thyme, curry powder, allspice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and let everything simmer gently until the liquid has mostly evaporated. This step concentrates the flavors beautifully and ensures the filling is moist, not watery.
Step 4: Finish the Filling
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the breadcrumbs and chopped green onions. These help to bind the filling and add a bit of texture and freshness. Let the mixture cool completely before filling your patties to avoid soggy dough.
Step 5: Shape and Seal the Patties
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 6-inch circles, then spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto one half of each circle. Brush the edges lightly with water to help seal, fold the dough over the filling, and press the edges firmly with a fork for that classic crimped look.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the patties on your prepared baking sheet. For a beautiful golden finish, you can brush the tops with beaten egg if you like. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is flaky and a gorgeous golden color. Your Jamaican Beef Patties are now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro can brighten the flavors of these patties beautifully. If you like a little extra heat, try serving with a homemade hot pepper sauce or a dollop of cooling yogurt or sour cream for contrast.
Side Dishes
Jamaican Beef Patties shine as a standalone snack, but if you’re going all out, pair them with a simple fresh salad, fried plantains, or even a mango salsa to add a sweet, tropical balance. A side of steamed rice and peas can turn them into a full meal that’s bursting with island vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Make a fun party platter by slicing the patties into smaller pieces and serving with an assortment of dips—think creamy avocado dip or a tangy tamarind sauce. You can also enjoy them alongside a vibrant Caribbean cocktail or ginger beer for a truly festive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The patties will stay flaky and flavorful, perfect for a quick snack or lunch the next day.
Freezing
Jamaican Beef Patties freeze wonderfully. Arrange the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep for up to three months. This is a great way to have authentic Caribbean flavor ready whenever you want it.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the patties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps keep the crust flaky and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it tends to make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives an authentic flavor and texture, ground chicken or turkey can be a delicious and leaner alternative. Just adjust seasoning and cooking time as needed to ensure the filling stays juicy and flavorful.
Is Scotch bonnet pepper necessary in this Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe?
While the Scotch bonnet pepper provides the signature heat and fruity spice, it’s optional. You can omit it or substitute with milder peppers if you prefer less heat, but the patties will be most authentic and flavorful with it included.
What if I don’t have vegetable shortening? Can I use all butter?
Yes, you can use all butter if you prefer. The shortening helps make the pastry extra flaky, but butter alone will still yield a tender, delicious crust. Just use cold butter and handle the dough gently for best results.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in an even flakier crust when you bake the patties the next day.
How can I make these patties spicier?
For an extra kick, you can add more Scotch bonnet pepper or mix in a bit of cayenne pepper or hot paprika to the filling. Just balance the heat with a touch of sweetness or cooling garnish to keep those flavors harmonious.
Final Thoughts
Making this Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe at home is such a joyful culinary adventure—it’s like capturing a piece of Caribbean sunshine in a flaky, flavorful package. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself craving these little pockets of spicy goodness again and again. So don’t hesitate, dive in, and let the delicious warmth of these patties brighten your table and your day!
Print
Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Description
These authentic Jamaican Beef Patties feature a flaky, turmeric-infused pastry crust filled with a flavorful, spicy ground beef mixture. Baked to golden perfection, these handheld savory pies are perfect as a snack or meal, showcasing the vibrant spices and aromatic ingredients typical of Jamaican cuisine.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cubed
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup ice-cold water
Filling
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and turmeric until combined. Cut in the cold butter and vegetable shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form Dough: Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced Scotch bonnet pepper until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Season Filling: Stir in dried thyme, curry powder, allspice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in beef broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates, concentrating the flavors.
- Finish Filling: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in breadcrumbs and chopped green onions to bind the filling. Allow the mixture to cool completely before assembling patties.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a cutter or plate to cut out 6-inch circles from the dough.
- Assemble Patties: Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling on one half of each dough circle. Brush the edges with water, fold the dough over the filling, and press firmly around the edges with a fork to seal completely.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange sealed patties on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a shiny golden crust.
- Bake Patties: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown, flaky, and cooked through.
Notes
- For a milder version, omit the Scotch bonnet pepper or use less as desired.
- You can substitute beef broth with water if preferred, though broth adds extra flavor.
- Be sure the filling is completely cool before assembling patties to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
- To store, keep the baked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
- You can freeze uncooked patties for up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
