A luxurious twist on the beloved French onion soup, this hearty French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup brings together tender beef short ribs, perfectly caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting meal ideal for cozy nights. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or an indulgent starter, this soup is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines the richness of beef short ribs with the classic flavors of French onion soup.
Slow-cooked for maximum tenderness and depth of flavor.
Topped with crusty bread and melty cheese for a restaurant-quality finish.
Perfect for warming up on cold evenings.
Easy to customize with different cheeses or bread types.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound beef short ribs
4 large onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
6 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices of French bread
1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Season beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear them in the pot until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Return the short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, bay leaf, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Preheat the oven broiler. Lightly toast the French bread slices on a baking sheet.
Remove the ribs from the soup and shred the meat, discarding the bones. Return the shredded meat to the soup.
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a slice of toasted bread and sprinkle generously with cheese.
Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
Cheese Options: Swap Swiss or Gruyère with mozzarella, provolone, or a mix for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef short ribs with mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
Bread Choices: Use sourdough, ciabatta, or even croutons if you don’t have French bread.
Wine Addition: Add a splash of red wine to the broth for an extra layer of richness.
Herbs: Experiment with rosemary or parsley for an herbal twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bread and cheese separate to maintain texture.
Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Toast the bread and broil with cheese just before serving.
Freezing: Freeze the soup (without bread and cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the onions from burning while caramelizing?
Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring often. If they start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan.
Can I use boneless beef short ribs?
Yes, boneless short ribs work just as well. They are easier to shred and require less cleanup.
What type of broth should I use?
A high-quality beef broth or stock is best for a deep, rich flavor. Homemade broth adds an extra special touch.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely. Prepare the soup up to the broiling step. Store it in the refrigerator, then add the bread and cheese when reheating.
What can I serve with this soup?
Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a delightful fusion of comfort and sophistication. The slow-cooked beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey cheese make it an irresistible option for any occasion. Whether you’re treating guests or indulging in a quiet night at home, this recipe promises to deliver a hearty, flavorful experience.
📖 Recipe:
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French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup. This comforting recipe combines tender, slow-cooked beef short ribs, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese, topped with crusty bread for a hearty meal perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound beef short ribs
4 large onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 slices French bread
1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear them in the pot until browned on all sides (4-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown (15-20 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, bay leaf, and additional salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Preheat oven broiler. Lightly toast French bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Remove ribs from soup, shred the meat, and discard the bones. Return shredded meat to the soup.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a slice of toasted bread and sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Serve hot.
Notes
Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Use fresh or dried thyme based on availability.
Broth quality significantly impacts the soup’s flavor; opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought options.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow-cooking, Broiling
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
