Savory Jamaican Beef Patties

This Jamaican beef patty recipe brings authentic Caribbean flavors right to your kitchen. The golden turmeric-infused pastry encases a perfectly spiced beef filling that delivers just the right amount of heat. I learned this recipe during my travels to Jamaica, where I watched local cooks perfect these hand-held delights.

The first time I made these patties was for a Caribbean-themed dinner party. They disappeared within minutes, and now they're requested at every gathering I host. The combination of flaky pastry and savory filling keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Creates the foundation for our flaky pastry
• Turmeric: Gives the iconic golden color and subtle earthy flavor
• Cold butter and shortening combination: Creates perfect flaky layers
• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for best flavor and moisture
• Allspice and thyme: Provide authentic Jamaican flavor profile
• Curry powder: Adds complexity and warmth to the filling
• Breadcrumbs: Help absorb moisture and create ideal filling texture
• Soy sauce: Adds umami depth that enhances the beef flavor
• Beef broth: Keeps the filling moist and flavorful
• Cayenne pepper: Adds customizable heat level

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Mix flour, salt, and turmeric in a large bowl until well combined. Add cold cubed butter and shortening, using your fingertips to rub them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. The varying sizes create different layers of flakiness. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, while gently kneading until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it or add too much water. Shape into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten.

Cook the Filling:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in thyme, allspice, cayenne if using, black pepper, and salt. The spices need to toast slightly to release their full aroma. Pour in soy sauce, curry powder, and beef broth, then simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Add breadcrumbs and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated but the mixture remains moist. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before assembling.

Assemble and Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to slightly soften. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 6-inch round cutter or bowl as a guide, cut circles from the dough. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling on one half of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Fold the empty half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together, then use a fork to crimp and seal completely. Transfer to prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each patty.

Final Touches:

Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the top of each patty for a golden, shiny finish. Use a paring knife to create a small steam vent on top of each patty. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving as the filling will be extremely hot.

Pin it

My grandmother taught me to add the breadcrumbs gradually to achieve the perfect filling consistency. She always said the mark of a good Jamaican patty is when the filling is moist but not runny. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve folding these patties alongside her in our kitchen while listening to her stories of growing up in the Caribbean.

Make Ahead and Storage

These beef patties can be prepared completely and frozen before baking. Simply follow all steps until the egg wash, then freeze the patties in a single layer until solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the baking time. For refrigerator storage, baked patties will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option, though the pastry will lose some crispness.

Vegetarian Adaptation

This recipe can be easily adapted for vegetarian diets by replacing the ground beef with lentils, textured vegetable protein, or a plant-based meat substitute. Simply cook 2 cups of cooked lentils or 12 ounces of plant-based ground meat with the same seasonings and spices. You might need to adjust the amount of breadcrumbs since vegetarian fillings often contain more moisture. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version that still delivers amazing flavor. The turmeric pastry remains the same, creating that signature golden crust that makes Jamaican patties instantly recognizable.

Cultural Significance

Jamaican beef patties are more than just street food. They represent the island's complex cultural history, blending influences from British pastries, African spices, and Indian curry traditions. Originally created as a portable lunch for workers, these patties have evolved into a national symbol of Jamaican cuisine. In Jamaica, patties are often served with coco bread, creating a carb-heavy but delicious sandwich known locally as "patty and coco bread." The typical spice level varies by region, with patties from the eastern parts of Jamaica generally being spicier than those from the west. My recipe represents a moderate heat level that most people enjoy, but authentic Jamaican versions would often pack significantly more heat.

Pin it

A well-made Jamaican patty is a testament to the magic of simple techniques and bold flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Jamaican beef patties ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can assemble the uncooked patties and freeze them for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for shortening in the pastry?

If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of cold butter for a more buttery flavor, or cold coconut oil (solid) for a different flavor profile. The texture might be slightly less flaky but will still be delicious.

→ How spicy are traditional Jamaican beef patties?

Traditional Jamaican beef patties have a moderate level of heat. The cayenne pepper adds most of the spiciness, so you can adjust the amount to your preference. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne. For extra heat, add scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce to the filling.

→ What sides pair well with Jamaican beef patties?

Jamaican beef patties are often enjoyed on their own as a handheld meal, but they pair wonderfully with sides like coconut rice and peas, festival (sweet fried dumplings), coleslaw, or a simple green salad. A tropical fruit salad also makes a refreshing accompaniment.

→ Can I make a vegetarian version of these patties?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with vegetarian alternatives like lentils, textured vegetable protein, or finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and keep all the same seasonings for an authentic flavor profile.

→ Why is turmeric used in the dough?

Turmeric gives the pastry its distinctive golden yellow color, which is characteristic of authentic Jamaican beef patties. It also adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the savory filling. If you don't have turmeric, you can substitute with yellow food coloring, but you'll miss the flavor component.