Dinner

Jamaican Bully Beef with Spicy Tomato and Rice Recipe

Name: Jamaican Bully Beef with Spicy Tomato and Rice 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 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; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; Cooked white rice; Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

ByJack Voss January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

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Introduction

Jamaican bully beef is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring corned beef cooked with aromatic herbs and spicy peppers. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed white rice.

A close-up top view of a round white bowl filled with two main layers: a base layer of fluffy white rice covering half the bowl and a second layer of thick, rich ground beef chili mixed with diced red bell peppers, onions, and green herbs spread over the other half. The chili has a chunky texture with visible pieces of vegetables and sprinkled fresh green leaves on top. The bowl sits on a bright blue cloth atop a white marbled tiled surface, accompanied by a fork and knife with brown wooden handles on the left and a small white plate with ground pepper on the right. A glass with a frothy green drink is partially visible in the top right corner. 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 taste)
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 sprigs, and scotch bonnet chilli. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, 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 the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the corned beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir in the ketchup and season with ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Cook for another 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors and heat thoroughly.
Step 5: Remove the thyme sprigs. Serve the bully beef hot with steamed white rice, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce or omit the scotch bonnet chilli or substitute with a milder pepper.
Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
Try mixing in some chopped bell peppers for added color and sweetness.
Serve with fried plantains or steamed vegetables for a fuller Jamaican-inspired meal.

Storage

Store any leftover bully beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick meals later.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with one layer of white rice covering half of the bowl, and a second layer of chunky ground beef chili with diced red bell peppers, light brown onions, and green herbs spread over the other half and slightly over the rice; the beef mixture is rich red with a moist texture and bits of green leaves scattered on top. The bowl is placed on a blue cloth over a white marbled tiled surface, with a fork and knife with wooden handles lying to the left, and a small white dish with coarse black pepper and a green drink in a white cup on the top right. 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 a milder chili like jalapeño or serrano, but the flavor will be less authentic and less spicy.

Is canned corned beef the only option for this recipe?

Canned corned beef is traditional and convenient for this dish, but you can experiment with leftover cooked beef or ground beef if desired, adjusting cooking times accordingly.