If you’re on the hunt for something irresistibly savory with a flaky, golden crust and a spicy, aromatic filling, Jamaican Beef Patties are about to become your new obsession. There’s a certain magic in breaking through the sunny-hued pastry to reveal the juicy, fragrant beef inside—a treat as perfect for a party as for an afternoon snack. Every bite delivers a celebration of bold Caribbean spices, buttery dough, and just the right amount of heat. It’s no wonder these pastries are beloved in Jamaica and beyond; they capture sunshine, spice, and soul all in one hand-held package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Jamaican Beef Patties lies in the simple but essential lineup of ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from giving the pastry its signature color to creating the iconic depth of flavor inside. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for a tender yet sturdy pastry shell.
- Turmeric: Delivers that glowing yellow color and a hint of earthy aroma to the crust.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout, from pastry to filling.
- Cold unsalted butter: Creates flaky, melt-in-your-mouth layers in the dough.
- Cold shortening: Helps with tenderness, making the pastry extra soft inside.
- Ice water: Keeps the fats cold, ensuring the pastry bakes up beautifully flaky.
- Ground beef: The main event—choose 80/20 for juicy, flavorful filling.
- Vegetable oil: Used to start the sauté, adding subtle richness.
- Onion: Brings sweet, aromatic depth to the beef mix.
- Green onions: Add a pop of freshness and a lovely color.
- Garlic: Punches up the savory flavor with an irresistible aroma.
- Fresh thyme: Delivers that unmistakable Caribbean herby note; dried works in a pinch.
- Curry powder: The backbone of Jamaican seasoning—don’t skip for that signature flavor.
- Allspice: Warm and slightly sweet, it ties all the spices together.
- Cayenne pepper: Kicks up the heat; adjust for your spice preference.
- Salt & black pepper: Balances and sharpens all the other flavors.
- Beef broth: Moistens the filling and adds savory depth.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps thicken the filling just right—never soggy, never dry.
- Egg: When mixed with water, makes an egg wash that creates irresistible shine on top.
- Water (for egg wash): Loosens the egg for easy brushing and even golden color.
How to Make Jamaican Beef Patties
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, turmeric, and salt in a large bowl. The turmeric instantly paints the flour with sunny vibes! Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter and shortening until your mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, drizzle in your ice water a little at a time, stirring just until you get a shaggy dough. Gather it into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic, and pop it in the fridge. This chill time is key for that iconic flaky crust!
Step 2: Make the Beef Filling
While your dough is relaxing, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onions (both regular and green) and the garlic, letting them sizzle for a few minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s fully browned. Stir in thyme, curry powder, allspice, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, mixing until the spices are toasty and the kitchen smells amazing. Pour in the beef broth and breadcrumbs and stir until everything is thickened and cohesive—moist, but never drippy. Let it cool before you start assembling.
Step 3: Shape the Jamaican Beef Patties
Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Using a plate or bowl as a guide, cut out circles about 6 to 7 inches wide. Place a generous spoonful of the cooled beef mixture on one half of each circle, leaving enough border for sealing. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon. Press and crimp the edges with a fork—this keeps all that gorgeous filling inside.
Step 4: Add the Golden Egg Wash
Grab your egg and tablespoon of water, whisk them together, and use a pastry brush to lightly coat each patty. This is your ticket to that glossy, golden finish that makes Jamaican Beef Patties pop, both visually and flavor-wise.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange your patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re puffed, golden, and flaky on every edge. The aroma that fills your kitchen is simply unforgettable!
How to Serve Jamaican Beef Patties
Garnishes
A patty this good deserves a little flourish! Freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just after baking can take your Jamaican Beef Patties to a whole new level. If you love spice, a few drops of your favorite hot sauce are always welcome.
Side Dishes
Jamaican Beef Patties make a satisfying meal on their own, but they’re fabulous paired with simple sides. Think crisp lettuce, cucumber salad, or steamed cabbage for freshness. For a heartier spread, serve with rice and peas, fried plantains, or a cooling slice of avocado—the ultimate Caribbean combo!
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your table into a Caribbean street food stand! Serve patties in paper wrappers for a fun, casual vibe. Arrange them in a basket lined with colorful tea towels for parties, or pile them high on a platter beside little bowls of spicy mango chutney or pickled vegetables. Jamaican Beef Patties are also a hit as mini appetizers—just cut circles smaller and reduce bake time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Jamaican Beef Patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to keep the pastry from sticking or turning soggy.
Freezing
For ultimate convenience, freeze the patties before or after baking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, ready to satisfy your next craving at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
To bring back that bakery-fresh texture, reheat Jamaican Beef Patties in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp—about 10-12 minutes if thawed, a little longer from frozen. The microwave works in a pinch, though the oven keeps the pastry flakier.
FAQs
Can I make Jamaican Beef Patties with other proteins?
Absolutely! While classic beef is the most popular, you can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even lentils for a vegetarian spin. Adjust the seasoning to keep those iconic flavors front and center.
Do Jamaican Beef Patties have to be spicy?
Not at all—feel free to adjust the cayenne or leave it out for a milder version. If you’re a true chili fan, add a touch of finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper for that authentic island heat!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough a day or two before and keep it wrapped well in the refrigerator. This actually helps the gluten relax and results in an even flakier, tastier crust.
How do I keep the patties from leaking during baking?
Cool the filling completely before assembling, and be sure to firmly press and crimp the edges of each patty. Brushing with egg wash also acts as a bit of a sealant.
What makes the classic yellow color in Jamaican Beef Patties?
It’s the turmeric in the pastry! This simple spice gives the dough its brilliant color and a subtle earthy note that’s unmistakably Jamaican.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never baked Jamaican Beef Patties at home, you’re in for a treat you’ll want to share again and again. With their golden crust and boldly seasoned beef filling, they’re the ultimate comfort—you’ll taste the sunshine and soul in every bite. Gather your ingredients and dive in; your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
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Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 patties 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Jamaican Beef Patties are a delicious and savory pastry filled with seasoned ground beef, wrapped in a turmeric-spiced crust. Perfect for a snack or a main course, these flaky hand pies are a taste of the Caribbean right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1/4 cup cold shortening
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 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 allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
For egg wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the pastry: In a large bowl, combine flour, turmeric, and salt. Cut in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and form into a disk. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: Sauté onions, green onions, and garlic. Add ground beef and cook. Stir in thyme, curry powder, allspice, cayenne, salt, pepper, broth, and breadcrumbs. Cool.
- Assemble the patties: Roll out the dough, cut into circles. Spoon filling onto each circle, fold over, seal, and brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake the patties until golden brown and flaky, about 25-30 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For spicier patties, increase the cayenne or add chopped Scotch bonnet pepper.
- These patties can be made ahead and frozen unbaked or baked for quick meals later.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
