Easy Jamaican Bully Beef And Rice Recipe

Bully beef and rice are my favorite and easy meals to make during my busy weekdays. It is flavorful and so satisfying. I love pairing bully beef with basmati rice, plantains, corn, and avocados. But you can use whatever you have on hand.

Also known as Jamaican corned beef, it is a beloved Caribbean side dish made from canned corned beef cooked with aromatic onions, tomatoes, Scotch bonnet pepper, and seasonings. This old-fashioned recipe was passed on to me by my Jamaican granny. She would make this whenever she wants to feed her family on a budget.

I have seen many recipes with bell peppers and corn in the bully beef. You can add these ingredients if you choose. However, for this post, I have decided to stick with the recipe that I have been using for years. I am absolutely obsessed with this dish because of the slight sweetness from the ketchup and the authentic Jamaican seasoning. It’s amazing how something so delicious can be made from canned corned beef.

What Is Bully Beef Made Of?

Bully beef, originally a British military ration, has a rich history dating back to the late 1700s. The name “bully beef” comes from the French word “bouilli,” meaning “boiled,” which refers to how the beef was boiled in its own fat to preserve it

This dish is popular in the Caribbean because it is affordability, convenient, and makes the tastiest dishes. You can add cabbage to make bully beef and cabbage. Which is again, a special recipe to my heart.

But what is it made of? Bully beef is cooked, salted, and minced beef packed in a can with beef gelatin as its binder and preservative. The unique oblong shape of the can, so familiar to us, has always been a struggle for me to open.

Every time I have to use that key to unlock a tin of bully beef, it gives me an instant headache. I know you have experienced this frustration at one point.

Ingredients

The Rice

• 2 cups basmati rice (washed)
• 2.5 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter
• Optional: 1 stalk scallion (for extra flavor)

For the Bully Beef

• 1 can of corned beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 onion
• 1 tomato
• Small amount of Scotch bonnet pepper (adjust to your spice level)
• A small amount of scallion
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp all-purpose seasoning
• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp water (to rinse ketchup dish)
• Optional: pinch of salt (corned beef is already salty)

Optional Sides

• Sliced avocado
• Fresh tomato

Instructions

Cook the Rice

Start by boiling 2 cups of water in a pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir, then drop in 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melts, add your washed basmati rice.

If you notice too much water, you can remove a little. Just make sure the water level is slightly above the rice. You don’t want it mushy. Cover the pot and let it cook on low to medium heat for about 12 to 14 minutes. Once done, fluff with a fork. You can add a bit of scallion here for extra flavor, but this is totally optional.

Cook the Bully Beef

In a separate pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add your chopped onion, scallion, Scotch bonnet pepper, and tomato. Let it sauté for about 20 to 30 seconds. No longer than that. Add your seasonings directly to the sautéed vegetables: black pepper, garlic powder, and all-purpose seasoning.

Then add the bully beef. You can press it down with a fork or leave it chunky, your choice. Add the ketchup, then rinse the ketchup dish with 1 teaspoon of water and pour that in too. Stir everything together and keep your stove on low. Add a little more cracked black pepper if you like.

Taste and adjust, just a pinch of salt if needed, since corned beef is already salty.

Plate It Up

Spoon your rice onto the plate, top with the seasoned bully beef, and add your fried plantain on the side. I also like to add avocado and tomato slices for freshness.

Storage Notes

If you have leftovers, bully beef and rice store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend keeping the rice and beef in separate airtight containers to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheat the rice with a splash of water to soften it, and warm the beef gently on the stove or in the microwave. I wouldn’t freeze this dish rice because the beef and rice tend to dry out. Usually, this dish does not last long in my house.

Substitutions And Variation For Bully Beef And Rice

• Replace basmati rice with regular white rice or long-grain parboiled rice. It takes longer to cook, but holds its texture well and tastes just as good.
• Bell peppers and corn are popular additions. I’ve seen plenty of versions on TikTok and YouTube using these—feel free to try them if you want a little extra sweetness and crunch.
• Bully beef and rice pair well with almost anything. Some favorites: Fried plantain, sliced avocado, and fresh salad or tomato slices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is bully beef healthy?

Bully beef is a source of protein and essential nutrients, but it is also high in sodium and preservatives due to its canned nature. It can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation, especially when paired with fresh vegetables and whole grains.

What else do Jamaicans cook bully beef with?

Jamaicans often cook bully beef with onions, tomatoes, scallions, Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and spices. It is commonly served with rice and peas, fried plantains, or bread. Some recipes include cabbage or callaloo for added nutrition and flavor.

What part of the cow is bully beef made from?

Bully beef is made from finely minced corned beef, which comes from various cuts of beef, preserved with salt and gelatin. It is typically made from tougher cuts that are cooked, salted, and minced before canning.

This recipe is a quick and comforting meal. It is a budget-friendly meal I eat at least once a week. If you have tried this recipe, let me know if you liked it or not.

More Jamaican Recipes

• How To Make Jamaican Corned Beef And Cabbage?
• Quick Jamaican Saltfish And Butter Bean Recipe
• Jamaican Dishes: 12 Foods That Are [Ridiculously] Tasty
• Nice And Flaky Jamaican Patties

Easy Jamaican Bully Beef And Rice Recipe

Recipe by Ren PetersCourse: MainCuisine: Jamaican, CaribbeanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2-3

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

620

kcal

Bully beef and rice is a quick, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and rooted in Caribbean tradition.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice (washed)

• 2.5 cups water

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp butter

• Optional: 1 stalk scallion (for extra flavor)

• 1 can of corned beef

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)

• 1 onion

• 1 tomato

• Small amount of Scotch bonnet pepper (adjust to your spice level)

• A small amount of scallion

• 1 tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp all-purpose seasoning

• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup

• 1 tsp water (to rinse ketchup dish)

• Optional: pinch of salt (corned beef is already salty)

Directions

• Start by boiling 2 cups of water in a pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir, then drop in 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter melts, add your washed basmati rice.
• If you notice too much water, you can remove a little. Just make sure the water level is slightly above the rice. You don’t want it mushy. Cover the pot and let it cook on low to medium heat for about 12 to 14 minutes. Once done, fluff with a fork. You can add a bit of scallion here for extra flavor, but this is totally optional.
• In a separate pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add your chopped onion, scallion, Scotch bonnet pepper, and tomato. Let it sauté for about 20 to 30 seconds. No longer than that. Add your seasonings directly to the sautéed vegetables: black pepper, garlic powder, and all-purpose seasoning.
• Then add the bully beef. You can press it down with a fork or leave it chunky, your choice. Add the ketchup, then rinse the ketchup dish with 1 teaspoon of water and pour that in too. Stir everything together and keep your stove on low. Add a little more cracked black pepper if you like.
• Taste and adjust, just a pinch of salt if needed, since corned beef is already salty.
• Spoon your rice onto the plate, top with the seasoned bully beef, and add your fried plantain on the side. I also like to add avocado and tomato slices for freshness.