French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Hearty: The beef short ribs add depth and a luxurious texture to the classic French onion soup.

• Savory and Comforting: Caramelized onions and beefy broth create a soul-warming dish.

• Elegant Yet Easy: Simple ingredients come together for a show-stopping meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Beef short ribs

• Yellow onions

• Unsalted butter

• Olive oil

• Garlic cloves

• Beef broth

• Worcestershire sauce

• Bay leaf

• Fresh thyme leaves

• Salt and pepper

• Baguette or crusty bread

• Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Directions

1. Sear the Beef Short Ribs: Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until golden and caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

3. Build the Soup: Return the short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.

4. Shred the Meat: Remove the short ribs from the pot, discard the bones, and shred the meat. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir to combine.

5. Prepare the Topping: Preheat your broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 3 hours

Variations

• Cheese Options: While Gruyère is traditional, feel free to experiment with Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone for a different flavor profile.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef short ribs with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup.

• Slow Cooker Method: After searing the short ribs and caramelizing the onions, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: Freeze the soup (without the bread and cheese topping) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm the soup over medium heat on the stovetop until heated through. Prepare fresh toasted bread and cheese topping as directed before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. The flavors often deepen and improve after resting overnight.

What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone cheeses are good alternatives to Gruyère.

Is it necessary to use bone-in short ribs?

Bone-in short ribs add depth to the broth, but boneless short ribs can be used if preferred.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, after searing the meat and caramelizing the onions, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How can I thicken the soup?

For a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering soup until it reaches the desired thickness.

Can I use a different type of meat?

While short ribs are recommended for their rich flavor, you can substitute with beef chuck roast cut into chunks.

What type of bread works best for the topping?

A crusty baguette or sourdough bread works well for the toasted topping.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?

Keep a close eye on the soup while it’s under the broiler, as the cheese can melt and brown quickly.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free bread for the topping and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What can I serve with this soup?

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement this hearty soup well.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a luxurious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to impress.