Jamaican Beef Patty – Spicy, flavorful beef stuffed in an amazing, super easy buttery dough. They come together quickly and fly off the table even faster. Simply delicious comfort food!
Making your own pastry can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Trust me, it’s a breeze if you have a food processor. And even if you don’t, you only have to sacrifice a few more minutes.
What’s not to love about Jamaican meat patties? They’re the real MVP of all pies because they’re super snackable anytime. Besides, saying no to these goodies is impossible, especially with a flaky, buttery crust and a tasty meaty filling. Just talking about it makes me drool. Yum!
Spoiler alert: It’s spicy, mouthwatering, and highly addicting! 😋
Spicy Jamaican Beef Patties
Jamaican meat patties are distinctive from others, like this African meat pie, because they boast a yellowish color from tasty turmeric and creamy butter. The beef filling is heavily spiced with cumin, garlic, onions, hot pepper, allspice, thyme, paprika, and curry, differentiating itself from the rest.
The beef filling is Immaculately spiced. If you can tolerate the heat, then by all means, add some to the filling. I added ½ a teaspoon of chili pepper to make it spicy but not overly hot.
Also, you can replace the shortening in the crust and use butter only for a more flavorful dough. However, vegetable shortening is easier to work with.
Recipe Ingredients
Pie Crust
- Flour – All-purpose flour is the key element for the crust.
- Flavoring – Salt, sugar, and turmeric (with its almost gingery taste) enhance the flavor and give your patties a gorgeous yellow color.
- Fat – Super cold shortening and butter (frozen is even better) creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Liquids – Ice-cold water and vinegar keeps the dough tender for an airy texture, moist crumb, and incredible flavor.
Beef Filling
- Ground Beef – The star ingredient for the meat pie filling. But you can use ground pork or chicken for a switch out.
- Seasonings – Curry, onion, garlic, paprika, allspice, dried thyme, white pepper, chili powder, parsley, and green onion spice the meat up. Scotch bonnet pepper is optional for that beautiful heat.
- Chicken Bouillon Powder – For additional meat essence and rich umami flavor.
- Bread Crumbs – This ingredient acts as a binder and keeps the meat from packing together in a hard lump. Yes, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs if you prefer.
How to Make Jamaican Beef Patties
Make the Crust
- Combine – Mix flour, salt, sugar, and turmeric in a food processor or by hand, and blend well. Add the butter, and shortening, followed by vinegar and water in small amounts, pulse until combined, and the dough holds together in a ball. (Photos 1-4)
- Roll – Place the dough on a well-floured surface. Divide it evenly into two parts and roll them out. (Photos 5-6)
- Shape – Using a large-mouth glass or bowl, about 4-5″, cut out circles by gently pressing the dough and releasing it, shaping the meat patty dough. Continue cutting out circles until they’ve all been cut. (Photos 7-8)
- Chill – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to use.
Make the Filling
- Saute – Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a saucepan, followed by onions, garlic, paprika, thyme curry, chili powder, white pepper, allspice, and chicken bouillon. Saute it for about 2 minutes.(Photos 9-11)
- Add Meat and Breadcrumbs and continue cooking for 10 or more minutes, frequently stirring, to prevent burning. Then add about ½ cup of water. (Photo 12)
- Adjust Flavor – Finally, add green onions and parsley and adjust for salt and pepper seasoning. (Photos 13-14)
- Cool – Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Assemble
- Fill – Scoop a heaping tablespoon of filling into each circle, and brush with egg white around half of the circle. Fold over and twist with fingers gently to seal the edges of the meat pie. (Another way of sealing is by pressing the tines of a fork along the edges of the dough.) (Photos 15-16)
- Bake – Carefully arrange the patties on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Tomato Sauce – Add a sweet and tangy flavor base to the meat filling.
- Add Veggies – You can’t go wrong with diced bell pepper, carrots, potatoes, green beans, and corn.
- Meaty Swap – You can also use any ground meat you prefer, such as ground chicken or pork, for a savory patty with a lighter flavor. If you want a healthier option, try an all-veggie filling with carrots, peas, potatoes, and more.
- Cheesy Beef Patties – Enjoy an enticing cheese pull by adding your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere, to your filling.
Tips and Tricks
- Keep your dough as cold as possible for easy shaping and a tender-flaky-buttery dough.
- Avoid overworking the dough, so the butter won’t completely blend into the dough.
- Freeze any leftover meat mixture to use for another time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
These addictive pastries are great for any celebration because you can make them ahead of time and freeze them until the day of the event. Place them on a cookie sheet in a single layer, freeze for about an hour, then remove and place them in a freezer ziplock bag or container. And you can take them straight from the freezer to the oven.
Serving and Storage Instructions
If you have leftover meat patties (highly doubtful), you can refrigerate them for 3 days in an airtight container. You can also wrap it with plastic or aluminum foil and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Reheat meat patties in a 350℉/177℃ oven, air fryer, or toaster oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. The microwave works, but the crust won’t crisp up.
FAQs
A Jamaican beef patty and an empanada have different cooking processes, filling, and crusts. Empanadas are usually fried, while Jamaican beef patties are baked and is more yellow because of turmeric.
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 375℉/190℃ and bake them for about 30 minutes. Another reason to make them ahead.😉
Turmeric gives the golden color to these meat pies, and it gives off a mild fragrance slightly suggestive of orange and ginger and is a key player in curry powder. So if you do not have turmeric, you may replace it with mild curry powder. Or leave it out altogether—no big deal.
What to Serve With Jamaican Beef Patties
Enjoy them on their own for snacks, or turn them into meals by adding simple yet delightful side dishes such as those below.
More Savory Pie Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Making your own pastry can be super easy, and the beef filling is spicy and satisfying. Have you tried this deliciousness yet? Please comment below on how it went.
Watch How to Make It
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This blog post was originally published in August 2016 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.
Jamaican Beef Patty
Ingredients
Patty Crust
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ½-2 teaspoon turmeric
- 5 ounces shortening
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 cup ice water
- 5 ounces unsalted butter
Beef Filling
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or more
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- ½ scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder, optional replace with salt
Instructions
Make the Patty Crust
- Mix flour, salt, sugar, and turmeric in a food processor or by hand, and blend well. Add the butter, and shortening, followed by vinegar and water in small amounts, pulse until combined, and the dough holds together in a ball.
- Place the dough on a well-floured surface. Divide it evenly into two parts and roll them out.
- Using a large-mouth glass or bowl, about 4-5", cut out circles by gently pressing the dough and releasing it, shaping the meat patty dough. Continue cutting out circles until they've all been cut.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to use.
Make the Meat Pie Filling
- Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a saucepan, followed by onions, garlic, paprika, thyme curry, chili powder, white pepper, allspice, and chicken bouillon. Let it saute for about 2 minutes.
- Add meat and breadcrumbs and continue cooking for 10 or more minutes, frequently stirring, to prevent burning. Then add about ½ cup of water.
- Finally, add green onions and parsley and adjust for salt and pepper seasoning.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 375℉/190℃.
- Scoop a heaping tablespoon of filling into each circle, and brush with egg white around half of the circle. Fold over and twist with fingers gently to seal the edges of the meat pie. (Another way of sealing is by pressing the tines of a fork along the edges of the dough.)
- Carefully arrange the patties on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Tips & Notes:
- You can freeze the assembled beef patties and bake them later.
- Keep your dough as cold as possible for easy shaping and a tender-flaky-buttery dough.
- Avoid overworking the dough, so the butter won’t completely blend into the dough.
- Freeze any leftover meat mixture to use for another time.
- Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
James says
I’ve made these twice now. They’ve come out perfectly both times. They’re so good.
I live alone, so I need good recipes that will last a week or more. I plan to make a batch every other week, freezing most of them. One patty with a plate of red beans and rice (don’t worry, I use coconut milk!), and maybe some salad, is a perfect dinner for me.
I just gave two frozen patties to my Barbadian friend for feedback and critique.
ImmaculateBites says
Hi James!
So happy to hear this .Thanks for taking time out to share this with us
Madge Deans says
Hello I’m going to make theses as a starter and would like to know what you suggest as a garnish.
Many thank Madge
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Madge,I usually use parsley or green onions.
Stacie says
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
imma africanbites says
I’d highly suggest that you use butter instead of coconut oil for this recipe as it results to a more flavorful and beautiful dough and it’s easier to work with.
Enith Chan says
Hi, I am from the tropics (Costa Rica) and we are going to have my niece baby shower this saturday , so I decide to make patty, I made 120 patty, they are delicious.
Prosperity says
About to put these in the oven! So proud of myself. I love patties especially my husband. Cant wait to eat them!! 😉 Hope my 20 month old son loves them. lately, he seem to be a vegetarian lol..so picky…
Properity says
Imma,
I want to make this but need clarification. You listed Pie crust as an ingredient but I did not see it in the instructions. Did you meant to put pie crust as a heading?
Also, Can I use Panko if I don’t have breadcrumbs? Also, If I don’t have cookie sheet parchment paper what can I do?
Thanks!
ImmaculateBites says
Yes, I did. Recipe updated . Yes you sure can panko works as well. If you don’t have parchment paper use foil instead .
Happy Cooking !!!
Prosperity says
Thank you very much! Appreciate the prompt response!
Lucille says
Loved this recipe. I made 150 meat patties for a birthday party and they were a big hit. Absolutely yummy. Will return to this.
ImmaculateBites says
Virtual High Five! You go girl!!! Thanks for taking the time to share this with us.
Lucille says
Delish…. Made 150 meat patties for a birthday party. I added 1 half a tsp of curry in the oastry and cut the tumeric in half. Just plain yummy. Will definitely return to ths recipe
KayG says
Imma, sincere thanks for all you do. I absolutely love your pictures.
Have you tried this with whole wheat or other healthier flour?
I spend about 20 bucks a week on Jamaican chicken patties, and eat them for lunch almost daily. I am clueless in the kitchen but I would like to try to make a more nutritious version. I am on a healthier journey, and have lost over 60 pounds and counting.
ImmaculateBites says
Congratulations KayG! That is quite an achievement ! Unfortunately, I haven’t tried it yet with any other healthier flour .This is a suggestion -try it out by cutting half of the white flour and replacing it with whole wheat flour. So the taste is not overwhelming at first.
C P says
Very good. Thanks
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome!
Lynn says
I am so thankful I found your site! Tonight I made just the recipe for the filling and served it on top of white rice.. It was AMAZING! Hubby and I both love it. I am finally in love with cooking again after years of being in a rut cooking the same 10-12 dishes over and over again.
My plan is to try something new every other day. Your recipes are sure to make it a wonderful, spicy adventure. Thank you!
ImmaculateBites says
Love the way you describe the recipes Lynn – wonderful spicy adventure .So glad to hear hubby is having a blast with it. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with me .
Cheryl says
You can serve with what? Or eaten as they are? I want to make these for dinner tomorrow.
ImmaculateBites says
You eat them as they are.
Rebecca says
Was looking for authentic Jamaican beef patties, and here they are – can’t wait to get stuck in with this one!
Imma, your recipes make my mouth water – just made the Jamaican Saltfish dumpling for my husband and 2 girls today, and it went down a treat!
I am from London, yet can’t find any good Jamaican takeaways here without paying an arm and leg, so thank you for the site – so glad I found you!
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome! Glad to have you on board Rebecca. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. Believe me, I know how pricey it can be… especially if you are trying to feed the whole family. Happy Cooking!!!!
Christine says
In the text you mention cumin but it is not found in the recipe.
I just made them following recipe but something was missing in flavour. I now realize it must be the cumin. They are good. Dough is definitely superb. I will just have to try again!;-)
ImmaculateBites says
I didn’t use cumin here. If you like cumin go for it. Adjust to taste.
Colleen says
This sounds like a great recipe and I would like to make it for a Jamaican-themed party that I am attending this weekend. I’m just not clear on what the measurement is supposed to be for the turmeric. It says “½ – 2-teaspoon turmeric” but does that mean 1/2 teaspoon or 2 teaspoons or 2 1/2 teaspoons? Could you please clarify? Many thanks in advance.
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Colleen! You can use 1/2 teaspoon or up to 2 teaspoons of turmeric. If you are making it for a party I would stay between 1/2 -1 teaspoons. Some might not like the pungent flavor . Happy cooking