A Jamaican beef patty is a type of empanada, but there are some key differences between the two dishes. Jamaican beef patties tend to be spicier than empanadas due to adding chili pepper(Scotch bonnet) and other spices.  The dough for a Jamaican beef patty is usually thinner and less flaky than the dough for an empanada. Consequently, while both dishes are delicious, they are not exactly the same. Empanadas are made with wheat flour, while Jamaican beef patties use yellow cornmeal. This gives the patty a slightly coarser, more crumbly texture.  Jamaican beef patties are often baked rather than fried, which helps to keep them light and fluffy.