Ingredients
- 4 cups Plain Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Curry Powder
- 250 g Butter
- 1 cup Water
- 900 g Minced Beef
- 1 tsp Allspice
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbs Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Onions
- Ground Red Pepper
- 2 tsp ground Garlic
- 1 tbs Thyme
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbs Tomato Ketchup
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Onions
- 1 beaten Egg
- 1 tbs Water
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
25 steps · ~201 minutes total
Step 1
Make the Pastry Dough
3 minutesThe dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.Step 2
To a large bowl, add flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and turmeric and mix thoroughly.
3 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Step 3
Rub shortening into flour until there are small pieces of shortening completely covered with flour.
3 minutesStep 4
Pour in 1/2 cup of the ice water and mix with your hands to bring the dough together. Keep adding ice water 2 to 3 tablespoons at a time until the mixture forms a dough.
3 minutesThe dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.Step 5
At this stage, you can cut the dough into 2 large pieces, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes before using it.
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 6
Alternatively, cut the dough into 10 to 12 equal pieces, place on a platter or baking sheet, cover securely with plastic wrap and let chill for 30 minutes while you make the filling. Make the Filling
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 7
Add ground beef to a large bowl. Sprinkle in allspice and black pepper. Mix together and set aside.
3 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Step 8
Heat oil in a skillet until hot.
3 minutesStep 9
Add onions and sauté until translucent. Add hot pepper, garlic and thyme and continue to sauté for another minute. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt.
8 minutesMake sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.Step 10
Add seasoned ground beef and toss to mix, breaking up any clumps, and let cook until the meat is no longer pink.
3 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Step 11
Add ketchup and more salt to taste.
3 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Step 12
Pour in 2 cups of water and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated and whatever is remaining has reduced to a thick sauce.
15 minutesUse a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.Step 13
Fold in green onions. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Assemble the Patties
3 minutesA pinch of salt helps onions soften faster and release their natural sweetness.Step 14
Beat the egg and water together to make an egg wash. Set aside.
3 minutesUse room-temperature ingredients for better volume when whisking.Step 15
Now you can prepare the dough in two ways.
5 minutesThe dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.Step 16
First Method: Flour the work surface and rolling pin. If you had cut it into 2 large pieces, then take one of the large pieces and roll it out into a very large circle. Take a bowl with a wide rim (about 5 inches) and cut out three circles.
10 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 17
Place about 3 heaping tablespoons of the filling onto 1/2 of each circle. Dip a finger into the water and moisten the edges of the pastry. Fold over the other half and press to seal.
5 minutesStep 18
Take a fork and crimp the edges. Cut off any extra to make it look neat and uniform. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and continue to work until you have rolled all the dough and filled the patties.
10 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 19
Second Method: If you had pre-cut the dough into individual pieces, work with one piece of dough at a time. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 5-inch circle or a little larger. Don’t worry if the edges are not perfect.
10 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 20
Place 3 heaping tablespoons of the filling on one side of the circle. Dip a finger into the water and moisten the edges of the pastry. Fold over the other half and press to seal.
5 minutesStep 21
Take a fork and crimp the edges. Cut off any extra to make it look neat and uniform. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and continue work until you have rolled all the dough and filled the patties.
10 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 22
Frying and Serving the Patties
8 minutesTest the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.Step 23
After forming the patties, place the pans in the refrigerator while you heat the oven to 350 F.
25 minutesAlways preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.Step 24
Just before adding the pans with the patties to the oven, brush the patties with egg wash.
25 minutesAlways preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.Step 25
Bake patties for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Serve warm.
25 minutesAlways preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your jamaican meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Jamaican Beef Patties is a beloved dish from Jamaican cuisine, originating in Jamaica. With a total preparation time of about 60 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Known for its bold seasonings, jerk-style cooking, and tropical ingredients.
This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 20 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
For authentic Jamaican beef patties, use ground beef with a good fat content, ideally 80/20, to ensure the filling remains juicy and flavorful.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
