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Easy Jamaican Beef Patties

Easy Jamaican Beef Patties

Easy Jamaican Beef Patties are flaky, handheld pastries filled with savory ground beef and authentic Caribbean spices. This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to bring the bold flavors of Jamaica to your kitchen, perfect for a quick snack or satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Cold Butter or Margarine, cubed
  • 57 tablespoons Cold Water

For the Beef Filling

  • 1 lb Ground Beef (lean or slightly fatty)
  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Garlic Clove, minced
  • 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper, finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh or dried Thyme
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Beef Broth or Water
  • 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Mix the all-purpose flour with turmeric and salt. Rub in the cold butter or margarine with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water and gently knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest while preparing the filling.
  2. Cook the Beef Filling: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Add beef broth or water to keep the filling moist, and cook until the liquid evaporates. Let the filling cool slightly.
  3. Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the rested dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a large round cutter or bowl to cut roughly 6-inch diameter circles. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more circles as needed.
  4. Fill and Seal the Patties: Place a generous spoonful of beef filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon. Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal completely and prevent leaks during cooking.
  5. Bake or Fry the Patties: For baking, brush patties with an egg wash for a golden finish and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and flaky. For frying, heat oil to medium-high and fry patties 3-4 minutes per side until crisp and golden.

Notes

  • Chill the Dough: Keeps the crust tender and flaky.
  • Avoid Overfilling: Prevents bursting and ensures easy sealing.
  • Adjust Spice: Remove Scotch bonnet seeds for milder heat.
  • Fresh Thyme: Gives a brighter flavor than dried.
  • Egg Wash Alternative: Use plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican beef patties, Caribbean pastries, spicy beef snack, flaky beef patties, homemade Jamaican food