Dinner

Juicy Jamaican Bully Beef Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe

Name: Juicy Jamaican Bully Beef Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 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 chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste); 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; thyme leaves, for garnish

ByCleo Brixton November 5, 2025November 5, 2025

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Introduction

Jamaican bully beef is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring seasoned corned beef cooked with aromatic herbs, peppers, and spices. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for pairing with steamed white rice. This recipe brings a taste of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen.

A round white bowl filled with two layers; the bottom layer is white, fluffy rice that covers half of the bowl in a crescent shape, while the top layer is a savory minced meat and vegetable mix with red bell pepper chunks, diced translucent onions, and green herb leaves scattered throughout, creating a colorful contrast. The bowl sits on a bright blue cloth on top of a white marbled tiled surface. To the left of the bowl, there is a fork and knife with brown wooden handles, and to the right, a small white dish holds ground black pepper, with a partially visible cup of green matcha nearby. 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 preferred spice level)
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: Heat the sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion, spring onion, garlic, thyme, and scotch bonnet chilli. Cook gently for 8 minutes until the onions have softened slightly.
Step 2: Add the chopped tomato and pepper to the pan. Continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the corned beef, breaking it up in the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the ketchup and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Cook the mixture for another 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well combined.
Step 5: Serve the bully beef hot with steamed white rice and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, remove all the seeds from the scotch bonnet chilli or substitute with a mild pepper.
Try adding chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch.
Use brown rice or coconut rice for a different flavor profile.
Leftover bully beef can be used as a filling for patties or wraps.

Storage

Store any leftover bully beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a suitable container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A round beige bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice spread evenly around the edges, and the top layer is a rich, chunky mixture of cooked ground meat, diced red bell peppers, and finely chopped onions scattered on top, garnished with small green herbs. The bowl sits on a bright blue cloth over a white marbled tile surface. To the left, there is a knife and fork with wooden handles. On the right top corner, a glass with a frothy green drink is visible, and below it, a small white plate with ground black pepper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beef instead of corned beef?

Corned beef is key to the authentic flavor and texture of this dish, but you could substitute with cooked shredded beef or canned roast beef in a pinch, though the taste will vary.

Is scotch bonnet chilli very spicy?

Yes, scotch bonnet chillies are quite hot. Removing the seeds reduces the heat, but if you prefer less spice, you can use a milder pepper or reduce the quantity.