The aroma of Jamaican beef patties wafts through the air, tantalizing your taste buds and evoking memories of sunny Caribbean beaches. Flaky pastry envelops a savory filling that dances with spices, ready to take you on a culinary adventure.

Imagine biting into one of these golden delights, where the crunch gives way to a burst of flavor. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, Jamaican beef patties promise an unforgettable flavor experience that will have you coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Jamaican beef patties are easy to prepare and absolutely delicious
- The vibrant spices create a flavor explosion in every bite
- Visually stunning with their flaky crust, they are perfect for parties or as a quick snack
- You can easily customize the filling based on your preferences or dietary needs
I vividly recall the first time I made Jamaican beef patties; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. Their delighted faces were priceless!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a tender, flaky crust that holds up beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter adds richness and flakiness to the pastry; don’t skimp on quality!
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a filling that is juicy but not overly greasy.
Onion: Finely chop fresh onions for sweetness; they add depth to the beef filling.
Garlic Powder: A must-have spice that enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
Curry Powder: This is where the magic happens; it gives authentic Jamaican flavor to your patties.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper: For those who love heat, finely chop this pepper to bring a fiery kick!
Egg Wash: Whisked egg helps achieve that beautiful golden crust during baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt together. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures buttery layers when baked.
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook onions until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add Spices and Peppers: Stir in garlic powder, curry powder, and chopped Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until fragrant; let cool slightly.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into circles using a bowl or cookie cutter.
Fill and Seal Patties: Place cooked filling in each circle’s center and fold over to create half-moons. Crimp edges with a fork to seal tightly.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
Now you have delightful Jamaican beef patties ready to impress friends or family! Enjoy them fresh from the oven or packed as snacks for later.
You Must Know
- Jamaican beef patties are a delightful blend of flaky pastry and flavorful filling
- Their vibrant spices and tender beef make them irresistible
- Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even a meal
- The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the best Jamaican beef patties, start by preparing the filling first. While it cools, roll out the dough for maximum efficiency and flavor.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Jamaican beef patties! Swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like bell peppers for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Jamaican beef patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use chilled butter when making the pastry for a flakier texture
- Don’t overfill your patties to avoid leakage during baking
- Let the filling cool before using it to prevent soggy dough
I remember the first time I made Jamaican beef patties; my friend couldn’t stop raving about them! It felt great to impress my friends and learn a new cooking skill in one go.

FAQ
What are Jamaican beef patties?
Jamaican beef patties are flaky pastries filled with seasoned ground beef and spices.
Can I freeze Jamaican beef patties?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked Jamaican beef patties for future enjoyment.
How do I achieve a golden crust?
Brush the pastry with an egg wash before baking to achieve that beautiful golden color.
Jamaican Beef Patties
Jamaican beef patties are a delicious Caribbean delight featuring flaky pastry surrounding a savory filling of spiced ground beef. Each bite is a flavorful adventure that combines aromatic spices with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for snacking, appetizers, or gatherings, these golden treats will transport you straight to the heart of Jamaica. Easy to customize, they can be made with various fillings to suit your taste. Get ready to impress friends and family with this irresistible recipe!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper (finely chopped)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Gradually add cold water until dough forms; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Cook onions in a skillet over medium heat until translucent. Add ground beef, cooking until browned.
- Stir in garlic powder, curry powder, and Scotch bonnet pepper; cook for an additional 5 minutes and let cool.
- Roll out chilled dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut into circles.
- Place filling on each circle, fold over, and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (85g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg

