If you’re craving a vibrant, handheld snack that packs a punch of flavor and a golden, flaky crust, look no further than Jamaican Beef Patties. These irresistible pastries are stuffed with a spicy, aromatic beef filling wrapped in a turmeric-tinted dough that bakes up beautifully crisp. Whether you’re yearning for a taste of the Caribbean or want to impress friends with a new savory treat, Jamaican Beef Patties are a satisfying, fun-to-make dish that brings a little sunshine to your table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to incredible Jamaican Beef Patties lies in using simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a unique role, from the buttery pastry to the warmly spiced filling—so don’t skip a thing!
- All-purpose flour: The base for a sturdy yet tender pastry shell that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Ground turmeric: Adds a gorgeous golden color and a subtle earthiness to the pastry, making every bite pop.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in both the crust and the filling.
- Cold unsalted butter (cubed): Chill is crucial—cold butter ensures your pastry bakes up ultra-flaky and rich.
- Ice water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.
- Vegetable oil: Light and neutral, perfect for sautéing the aromatics without overpowering the filling.
- Ground beef: The star of the show—choose lean beef for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Delivers subtle sweetness and savory depth.
- Green onions (chopped): A pop of freshness and mild onion flavor that brightens the filling.
- Garlic (minced): For aromatic warmth—don’t skimp!
- Fresh thyme (or dried): Unmistakably Caribbean, thyme brings herbaceous fragrance to the party.
- Curry powder: Lends a classic island flavor and a touch of mystery to the beef.
- Ground allspice: The secret ingredient for that authentic Jamaican taste.
- Ground black pepper: Balances the warmth and rounds out the spice blend.
- Salt: A second dose for the filling, making sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little heat—add more if you’re feeling bold!
- Breadcrumbs: Soaks up juices and helps the filling hold together.
- Beef broth or water: Moistens the filling and intensifies the savory flavor.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the pastries their signature golden sheen in the oven.
How to Make Jamaican Beef Patties
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, turmeric, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly drizzle in the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together—be careful not to overwork it. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is the secret to that famously flaky crust!
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
While your pastry dough chills, grab a skillet and heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, green onions, and garlic for a couple of minutes until fragrant and soft. Crumble in the ground beef, cooking until it’s well-browned. Stir in thyme, curry powder, allspice, black pepper, salt, and cayenne if you like it spicy. Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and pour over the broth, letting the mixture simmer until thick and moist but not runny. Let the filling cool to room temperature before assembling your patties.
Step 3: Assemble the Jamaican Beef Patties
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a bowl or cutter to cut out 6-inch circles. Place 2 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly—this keeps all that juicy filling inside. Arrange on your baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg for that golden finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the patties for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden and crisp. The kitchen will fill with warm, spicy aromas that will make it nearly impossible to wait! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—just enough so you don’t burn your tongue on that savory filling.
How to Serve Jamaican Beef Patties
Garnishes
Top your Jamaican Beef Patties with a scattering of freshly chopped green onions or a dusting of extra thyme for a touch of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime or a dollop of mango chutney takes them to another level, balancing the savory spice with a hint of sweet-tart brightness.
Side Dishes
These patties are a meal on their own, but you can make them even more special with classic Caribbean sides. Try serving them with a crisp cabbage slaw, coconut rice, or fried plantains. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad adds crunch and lets the flavors of the patties shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Jamaican Beef Patties are perfect party food! Serve them cut in halves or quarters as finger food for a crowd, or tuck them into lunchboxes for a portable treat. For a fun twist, pair them with a trio of dipping sauces—think spicy ketchup, cooling yogurt, or tangy tamarind.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Jamaican Beef Patties (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them an easy grab-and-go snack or lunch.
Freezing
Jamaican Beef Patties freeze incredibly well. Arrange unbaked or baked (and cooled) patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready to satisfy cravings any time.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the patties straight from the fridge or freezer in a 350°F oven until heated through and crisp, about 10-15 minutes if refrigerated or 20-25 minutes if frozen. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can make the pastry soggy rather than flaky.
FAQs
What makes Jamaican Beef Patties different from other meat pies?
Jamaican Beef Patties stand out thanks to their boldly flavored, spice-infused filling and their vibrant, turmeric-tinted crust. The unique combination of curry, allspice, and thyme gives them a flavor profile you won’t find in most other pastries.
Can I use other meats or make them vegetarian?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist. The spices and aromatic veggies will still capture the essence of a classic Jamaican Beef Patty.
How spicy are Jamaican Beef Patties?
The level of heat is up to you. The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can dial it up or down to suit your tastes. For authentic island fire, add a bit of Scotch bonnet pepper to the filling!
Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to two days ahead and stored in the fridge, tightly wrapped. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and assembling.
Do I need special equipment to make Jamaican Beef Patties?
No special gadgets are required! A rolling pin and a fork for sealing are all you really need. If you have a pastry cutter or food processor for the dough, that makes things even easier, but your hands work just fine.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about pulling a tray of golden, flaky Jamaican Beef Patties from the oven and breaking through that crisp crust to find a savory, spiced filling inside. If you’ve never tried making them at home, now’s your moment—gather your ingredients and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible flavors of the Caribbean. You’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Jamaican Beef Patties are savory and flaky pastries filled with a spicy ground beef mixture, seasoned with traditional Caribbean spices. These delicious hand pies are perfect as a main course or snack, offering a flavorful taste of Jamaica’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
For the egg wash:
- 1 egg (beaten)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, turmeric, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and mix until the dough forms. Divide into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green onions, and minced garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in thyme, curry powder, allspice, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Add breadcrumbs and beef broth, then simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture is thick but moist. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the patties: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough and cut into 6-inch circles. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold over to create a half-moon shape and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Brush the tops of each patty with the beaten egg to create a golden finish. Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- For extra heat and authentic flavor, add chopped Scotch bonnet pepper to the filling.
- Patties can be made in advance and frozen before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
- Use cold butter and ice water to ensure a flaky, tender pastry crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
