Why You’ll Love Discover Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe
Discover Jamaican Beef Patties a perfect balance of bold spices and flaky pastry, making them an irresistible snack or meal. They’re versatile—great for on-the-go lunches, party appetizers, or comfort food cravings. Making them at home allows you to customize the spice level and enjoy fresh, homemade patties without preservatives or additives.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
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All-purpose flour
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Turmeric or curry powder (for color)
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Salt
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Cold unsalted butter
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Cold water
For the Filling:
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Ground beef
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Onion, finely chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Scotch bonnet pepper or other chili (optional, finely chopped)
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Thyme (fresh or dried)
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Curry powder
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Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
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Beef broth or water
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Salt and pepper
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Oil for cooking
Directions
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Make the dough: In a bowl, combine flour, turmeric or curry powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until dough forms. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
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Prepare the filling: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in thyme, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Add breadcrumbs and broth to bind the mixture; simmer until thickened. Let filling cool.
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Assemble patties: Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into circles (about 6 inches diameter). Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each circle, fold over, and seal edges by pressing with a fork.
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Bake or fry: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place patties on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, deep-fry patties in hot oil until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels.
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Serve warm, enjoy on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
Makes about 8-10 patties
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Patties: Replace beef with seasoned lentils, mushrooms, or vegetables.
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Spicy Heat: Increase scotch bonnet or add hot sauce to the filling.
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Cheesy Patties: Add grated cheese to the filling for a melty surprise.
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Gluten-Free Dough: Use gluten-free flour blends and adjust liquids as needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
FAQs
What gives Jamaican beef patties their yellow color?
Turmeric or curry powder added to the dough provides the signature golden hue.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days before assembling.
How spicy are traditional Jamaican beef patties?
They usually have a moderate heat level, but spice can be adjusted to taste.
Can I freeze assembled patties before cooking?
Yes, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen with additional time.
What type of flour is best for the pastry?
All-purpose flour is standard, but pastry flour can be used for a more tender crust.
Are Jamaican beef patties gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use wheat flour, but gluten-free versions are possible with alternative flours.
Can I pan-fry patties instead of baking or deep-frying?
Yes, shallow frying in a skillet works well to achieve a crispy crust with less oil.
How do I prevent the filling from being soggy?
Ensure the filling is thick and not watery before assembling; cooking it down properly helps.
What can I serve with Jamaican beef patties?
They’re great alone or served with sides like salad, hot sauce, or dipping sauces.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground poultry works well with the same seasoning blend.
Conclusion
Jamaican Beef Patties are a beloved Caribbean classic that combines flaky, golden pastry with a spicy, savory filling. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they bring a taste of Jamaica right into your kitchen. Whether baked or fried, these patties are perfect for satisfying snacks or a flavorful meal any time.
Discover Jamaican Beef Patties
Discover the bold flavors of authentic Jamaican Beef Patties—flaky golden pastry pockets filled with spicy, savory beef seasoned with traditional Caribbean spices. These handheld delights are perfect as snacks or a satisfying meal, offering a taste of Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 patties
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients
- For the Pastry:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ⅓ cup (80ml) cold water
- 1 tsp turmeric or curry powder (for color)
- For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 2 scallions, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Pastry:
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and turmeric/curry powder.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water and knead gently until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in thyme, allspice, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth and simmer until mixture thickens. Stir in scallions and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Patties:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into 6-inch circles.
- Place a few tablespoons of beef filling on one half of each circle.
- Fold dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal edges by pressing with a fork.
- Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by omitting or reducing Scotch bonnet pepper.
- For a vegan version, substitute beef with seasoned lentils or vegetables.
- Freeze uncooked patties for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
