Description
Flaky, savory Jamaican beef patties filled with spicy, seasoned ground beef—a perfect handheld treat bursting with Caribbean flavors. Crispy on the outside and rich with a bold, spicy filling inside, ideal as a snack or meal.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cubed
1/3 to 1/2 cup ice-cold water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup beef broth or water
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and turmeric.
- Cut in the butter and shortening with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice-cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in thyme, curry powder, allspice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth and simmer until the liquid evaporates.
- Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs and green onions. Let the filling cool.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 6-inch circles.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling on one half of each circle. Brush the edges with water, fold the dough over the filling, and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Place the patties on the baking sheet. Optionally brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and flaky.
Notes
For extra crunch, add diced bell peppers to the filling.
Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
Keep Scotch bonnet seeds or add hot sauce for more heat.
Make mini patties for appetizers or double the dough for a larger batch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Prepare dough a day ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before rolling.
Substitute Scotch bonnet pepper with mild chili or jalapeño for less heat.
Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen with extra minutes added.
Vegetarian version can use seasoned lentils or finely chopped vegetables with the same spices.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg