Jamaican Beef Patty

  • Total Time - 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Prep Time - 30 minutes
  • Chilling Time - 30 minutes
  • Cook Time - 30 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Country: Jamaica
A golden, freshly baked Jamaican Beef Patty on a plate, with visible crimped edges.

This dish is one of the most recognized symbols of Jamaica. Its preparation might seem a bit complex due to the two stages—the pastry and the filling—but the result is well worth the effort. The key is the balance of flavors: the spicy and savory filling is a perfect match for the slightly sweet, buttery dough. For an authentic experience, it’s important not to skimp on the spices and to let the filling cool completely so it doesn't make the pastry soggy.

Ingredients

Patty Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 115 g cold butter, grated or cubed
  • 115 g cold shortening
  • 1 cup ice water

Beef Filling

  • 450 g ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or 1/2 chopped Scotch Bonnet pepper)
  • 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
  • 0.5 cup beef broth
  • 1 to taste salt and black pepper

For Finishing

  • 1 egg, whisked with a tablespoon of water (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, curry powder, turmeric, and salt. Add the cold butter and shortening. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.

Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Do not overwork it. Form a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, thyme, allspice, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for one minute until fragrant.

Stir in the bread crumbs and beef broth. Reduce the heat and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed and the filling is thick and cohesive. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Divide the chilled dough into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin oval or circle, about 3 mm thick.

Place 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1 cm border. Moisten the edges of the dough with water or the egg wash.

Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers or crimp with a fork to seal.

Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet, brush them with the egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.

Step 4: Serving

Serve warm, either on their own or with a side of spicy sauce.