Dinner

Jamaican Bully Beef with Rice and Vegetables Recipe

Name: Jamaican Bully Beef with Rice and Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp sunflower oil, for frying; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 spring onion, finely sliced; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 whole sprigs thyme; ½ Scotch bonnet chili, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to spice preference); 1 large tomato, chopped; 1 pepper, cored and finely chopped; 240g can corned beef; 2 tbsp ketchup; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; Cooked white rice, to serve; Fresh thyme leaves, to garnish

ByJake Silas January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

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Introduction

Jamaican bully beef is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together tender corned beef with aromatic herbs and spicy scotch bonnet chili. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over steamed white rice.

A top view of a bowl filled with two main layers: on the bottom right side is a fluffy layer of white rice with visible separate grains, and on the top left side is a thick layer of cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper, diced onions, and green herbs dispersed throughout. The bowl is placed on a bright blue cloth over a white marbled tiled surface. On the right side of the bowl, there is a small white dish with coarse black pepper and a green foamy drink in a cup. A fork and knife with wooden handles are positioned on the left side of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp sunflower oil, for frying
1 onion, finely chopped
1 spring onion, finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 whole sprigs thyme
½ scotch bonnet chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
1 large tomato, chopped
1 pepper, cored and finely chopped
240g can corned beef
2 tbsp ketchup
Cooked white rice, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: In a frying pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion, spring onion, garlic, thyme, and scotch bonnet chilli. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften slightly.
Step 2: Add the chopped tomato and pepper to the pan. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the corned beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Stir in the ketchup and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Serve the bully beef hot with steamed white rice. Garnish with extra thyme leaves if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use less or no scotch bonnet chilli if you prefer a milder dish.
For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
If you like it saucier, stir in a little tomato sauce or broth when cooking the vegetables.
Serve with fried dumplings or festival for a more traditional Jamaican meal.

Storage

Store leftover bully beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or microwave until warmed through. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A round white bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom and right part has fluffy white rice with some small green herb leaves scattered on top, while the left and center part is covered in a reddish-brown minced meat sauce mixed with chunks of red bell peppers, onions, and green herbs, creating a colorful and textured contrast. The bowl is placed on a bright blue cloth over a white marbled tiled surface, with a fork and knife set beside it, each with wooden handles. Near the bowl, there is a small white plate sprinkled with black pepper and part of a glass cup containing a foamy green drink. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chili instead of scotch bonnet?

Yes, you can substitute scotch bonnet with another chili pepper, but keep in mind that scotch bonnets have a distinctive fruity heat that adds unique flavor.