
Few dishes say comfort quite like a slow-braised British Beef Shin Ragù — rich, silky, and bursting with deep, savoury flavour. Using the exceptional Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin Middle Cut, this recipe transforms a humble cut into a restaurant-quality masterpiece.
As the beef gently cooks in red wine, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it breaks down into tender shreds. This creates a sauce so luscious you’ll want to savour every bite. Served over buttery Parmesan mash, it’s the perfect balance of rustic warmth and indulgent dining.
This is comfort food, elevated — and proof that with Nicol Retailer Limited’s premium British beef, you can bring chef-level flavour straight to your home kitchen.
Why Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin is the Star Ingredient
The Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin Middle Cut from Nicol Retailer Limited is the hero of this dish. It’s a premium British cut known for its exceptional quality, traceability, and melt-in-the-mouth tenderness. Every reason to choose it makes this recipe shine:
- 🇬🇧 Certified British Quality: As a Red Tractor Assured product, this beef guarantees traceability, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices — so you know exactly where your meat comes from.
- Rich and Full-Bodied Flavour: Beef shin is cut from the hardworking leg, rich in connective tissue and flavour. When slow-cooked, the collagen melts down, giving the sauce its silky texture and mouthfeel.
- Generous and Versatile: The 5 kg pack is ideal for batch cooking, dinner parties, or freezing portions for future meals — delivering incredible value and consistent quality.
- Perfect for Braising: The slow cooking process transforms this affordable cut into restaurant-quality tenderness, full of deep, comforting flavour.
You can source this premium ingredient exclusively at Nicol Retailer Limited — the home of professional-grade British meats.
Recipe
This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through every step. From browning the beef and building layers of flavour to preparing the creamy mash that completes the dish. Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday family meal, a special dinner, or simply craving a hearty bowl of comfort, this British Beef Shin Ragù is a timeless classic that delivers every time. Here is the recipe and ingredients:

Braised British Beef Shin Ragù with Creamy Parmesan Mash
Ingredients
For the Ragù:
- 1.5 kg Alec Jarrett Beef Shin, cut into large chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 400 ml red wine (Merlot or Chianti)
- 400 g tinned chopped tomatoes
- 300 ml beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 1/2 ISFI Professional Cayenne Pepper (optional, for warmth)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Parmesan Mash:
Instructions
Sear the beef:
- Season beef pieces and brown in olive oil over medium heat until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Build the base:
- In the same pot, cook onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes. Add garlic and tomato purée; cook for 1 minute
Deglaze:
- Pour in red wine, scraping up any caramelised bits. Reduce slightly.
Simmer:
- Add chopped tomatoes, stock, herbs, and ISFI Cayenne Pepper. Return beef to the pot.
Braise:
- Cover and cook gently for 3 hours in the oven at 160 °C (140 °C fan) until beef is tender and falling apart.
Finish:
- Shred the beef into the sauce with a fork. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken.
Make the mash:
- Boil potatoes until soft. Drain, mash with butter, milk, Parmesan, and salt until smooth.
Serve:
- Spoon creamy mash onto plates and top generously with beef shin ragù. Garnish with extra Parmesan and herbs.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This Braised Beef Shin Ragù isn’t just a main course — it’s a centrepiece meal that deserves to be enjoyed slowly. Here are a few pairing and plating ideas to make it even more memorable:
On the Side
Garlic Bread or Ciabatta: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that rich red-wine sauce.
Crispy Roast Vegetables: Try roasted parsnips, carrots, or tenderstem broccoli for a pop of colour and crunch.
Green Salad: A fresh rocket and Parmesan salad cuts through the richness perfectly.
Creamed Spinach: Adds a luxurious, buttery texture alongside the mash.
Occasions to Serve
Sunday Roast Alternative: Serve this instead of traditional roast beef for a modern twist.
Dinner Parties: Impress guests with a dish that looks like it took hours (because it did — and it’s worth it!).
Winter Feasts: Perfect for cold evenings by the fire, paired with a glass of red and good company.
Leftover Magic: Spoon the leftover ragù over pappardelle, layer into lasagne, or use as a jacket potato topping.
Chef’s Tip: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a knob of butter right before serving for extra shine and richness.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about taking simple, honest ingredients and transforming them into a dish that feels both comforting and luxurious. This Braised British Beef Shin Ragù with Creamy Parmesan Mash is proof that with patience, care, and quality ingredients, home cooking can rival any restaurant experience.
The slow-cooked Alec Jarrett British Red Tractor Beef Shin Middle Cut delivers incredible flavour and tenderness. Meanwhile, the buttery Parmesan mash provides the perfect base for soaking up that rich, glossy sauce. It’s a true celebration of British beef — hearty, satisfying, and packed with depth.
Whether you’re cooking for loved ones, preparing a Sunday feast, or just craving a bowl of comfort after a long day, this recipe promises to deliver warmth, flavour, and satisfaction in every bite.
Created by Nicol Retailer Limited — proudly bringing premium British Red Tractor meats and professional-grade ingredients to your kitchen.
Discover more gourmet recipes and chef-quality products at nicolretailer.com
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