There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a warm, flaky Jamaican beef patty. The golden crust crumbles slightly at the touch, giving way to a flavorful, savory filling packed with spices and ground meat. It’s the kind of food that speaks to both tradition and convenience—something you might grab from a local bakery in Kingston, or serve up at home during a casual family dinner.
Growing up, Jamaican beef patties were a treat reserved for special occasions. My aunt would make big batches during holidays or family reunions, and the smell of turmeric-laced pastry baking in the oven still makes me nostalgic. These patties are more than just a snack—they’re a piece of Caribbean culture, often enjoyed with coco bread and a chilled drink, sold in small shops across Jamaica, and loved by islanders and visitors alike.
Today, I want to share a homemade version of this beloved classic, bringing a taste of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. Whether you’ve tried them before or this is your first time making them from scratch, this recipe will walk you through every flavorful step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Authentic Caribbean flavors: This recipe is packed with aromatic spices like curry powder, thyme, and scallions.
- Flaky, golden pastry: A hint of turmeric gives the dough its signature color and flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep: You can make a batch, freeze them, and enjoy throughout the week.
- Great for sharing: Whether it’s a party or a family dinner, these are guaranteed to disappear fast!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
For the Pastry:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- ¾ cup cold water
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp oil for sautéing
HOW TO MAKE JAMAICAN BEEF PATTIES:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
Start with the pastry. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and turmeric. The turmeric gives the pastry its traditional warm yellow hue, and just smelling it will instantly transport you to the islands. Add in the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingertips) to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water, a little at a time, until the dough just comes together.
Tip: Don’t overwork the dough. You want those butter chunks to stay intact—it’s what makes the pastry flaky!
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, add the oil and sauté the onions, scallions, and garlic until soft and fragrant—about 2–3 minutes. Then add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it browns. Stir in the thyme, curry powder, allspice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and mix well.
Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer until thick and well combined—around 10–12 minutes. The filling should be moist but not soupy. Let it cool slightly before assembling your patties.
Step 3: Assemble the Patties
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use a bowl or large cutter (about 5–6 inches wide) to cut out circles.
Place 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together with a fork to seal. This part always reminds me of helping my aunt in the kitchen—she’d always say, “Seal them tight, or they’ll talk in the oven!”
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you like, brush them lightly with a bit of milk or egg wash for extra shine. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Let them cool slightly before serving—though I admit, I usually sneak a bite while they’re still piping hot!
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Cold butter is key for flaky pastry. Keep everything chilled while working with the dough.
- Don’t overfill the patties or they may burst open in the oven.
- Let the filling cool before assembling to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
- You can freeze unbaked patties and bake them straight from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to the bake time.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 patties
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican, Caribbean
- Diet: Halal (when made with certified ingredients)
NOTES:
These patties are traditionally served with coco bread for a heartier bite, or with a cold drink on the side for a true island-style snack. Feel free to tweak the spice level to your preference—scotch bonnet peppers are often added for heat, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Per patty – approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use store-bought pastry dough?
Yes, in a pinch! Just make sure it’s not sweetened pie dough, and consider brushing it with turmeric-infused water for that signature color.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely. You can substitute the beef with lentils, chickpeas, or even finely chopped mushrooms for a delicious meat-free version.
Do they have to be spicy?
Nope! You control the heat here. If you like spice, feel free to add chopped chili peppers. Otherwise, the spice mix provides flavor without the burn.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
- Fridge: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked patties for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want the pastry to stay crisp.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
- Crispy Cheesy Ground Beef Tacos
- Gochujang Beef Bowls
- Cowboy Casserole
CONCLUSION
There’s something magical about homemade Jamaican beef patties—the way the spiced beef filling meets the buttery, golden crust is pure comfort wrapped in a flaky package. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic snack or introducing new flavors to your kitchen, this recipe is a celebration of Caribbean warmth and flavor. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a regular request in your home. Happy baking!
Print
Jamaican Beef Patties: A Golden Bite of Caribbean Comfort
Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a warm, flaky Jamaican beef patty. The golden crust crumbles slightly at the touch, giving way to a flavorful, savory filling packed with spices and ground meat. It’s the kind of food that speaks to both tradition and convenience—something you might grab from a local bakery in Kingston, or serve up at home during a casual family dinner.
Growing up, Jamaican beef patties were a treat reserved for special occasions. My aunt would make big batches during holidays or family reunions, and the smell of turmeric-laced pastry baking in the oven still makes me nostalgic. These patties are more than just a snack—they’re a piece of Caribbean culture, often enjoyed with coco bread and a chilled drink, sold in small shops across Jamaica, and loved by islanders and visitors alike.
Today, I want to share a homemade version of this beloved classic, bringing a taste of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. Whether you’ve tried them before or this is your first time making them from scratch, this recipe will walk you through every flavorful step.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp turmeric powde
1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
¾ cup cold water
For the Beef Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 scallions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp ground allspice
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
½ cup beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp oil for sautéing
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
Start with the pastry. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and turmeric. The turmeric gives the pastry its traditional warm yellow hue, and just smelling it will instantly transport you to the islands. Add in the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingertips) to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water, a little at a time, until the dough just comes together.
Tip: Don’t overwork the dough. You want those butter chunks to stay intact—it’s what makes the pastry flaky!
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, add the oil and sauté the onions, scallions, and garlic until soft and fragrant—about 2–3 minutes. Then add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it browns. Stir in the thyme, curry powder, allspice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and mix well.
Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer until thick and well combined—around 10–12 minutes. The filling should be moist but not soupy. Let it cool slightly before assembling your patties.
Step 3: Assemble the Patties
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use a bowl or large cutter (about 5–6 inches wide) to cut out circles.
Place 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together with a fork to seal. This part always reminds me of helping my aunt in the kitchen—she’d always say, “Seal them tight, or they’ll talk in the oven!”
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you like, brush them lightly with a bit of milk or egg wash for extra shine. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Let them cool slightly before serving—though I admit, I usually sneak a bite while they’re still piping hot!
Notes
These patties are traditionally served with coco bread for a heartier bite, or with a cold drink on the side for a true island-style snack. Feel free to tweak the spice level to your preference—scotch bonnet peppers are often added for heat, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.