French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup Recipe

If you love rich, hearty comfort food with layers of deep flavor, you are going to adore this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup. This luscious twist on the traditional French onion soup takes it to the next level by incorporating tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs. Imagine caramelized onions mingling with savory broth and shredded beef so flavorful it practically sings with every spoonful. French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the kind of dish that brings warmth and happiness to any table, perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup plays a crucial role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, enriching the texture, or adding that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a soul-satisfying bowl of goodness.

• 2 lbs beef short ribs: Bone-in ribs are ideal for maximum depth of flavor and tenderness as they cook down.
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: The star ingredient that caramelizes to bring sweet, complex notes to the soup.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for achieving those perfectly golden, rich caramelized onions.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the short ribs to lock in savory juices before simmering.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a subtle kick and more savory depth to the broth.
• 6 cups beef broth: A high-quality broth forms the flavorful base that ties the soup together.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and enhances the savory profile of the soup.
• 1 bay leaf: Introduces a gentle herbal fragrance to the simmering broth.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Or dried thyme for an earthiness that complements both beef and onions.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all the elements into perfect balance.
• 6 slices of baguette or crusty bread: Toasted to provide a crunchy texture contrast on top.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, nutty finish to the soup.

How to Make French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Step 1: Sear the Beef Short Ribs

Start by heating olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Generously season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them on all sides until you see a glorious brown crust forming. This step is crucial because it locks in all the meaty juices and creates those deep caramelized notes that will infuse the broth. Once browned, remove the ribs and set them aside to rest while you prepare the onions.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same pot with all those lovely browned bits. Slowly cook the thinly sliced onions, stirring occasionally for about 25 to 30 minutes. Watch them transform into soft, golden strands of pure sweet goodness. Just as they reach that perfect caramelized stage, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another couple of minutes to marry the flavors together.

Step 3: Build the Soup

Now it’s time to return those beautifully seared short ribs to the pot. Pour in your beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, add the bay leaf and fresh thyme leaves, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook low and slow for 2 to 3 hours. This is when magic really happens as the ribs become fall-apart tender, imparting their richness into the broth. When ready, remove the ribs, shred the meat off the bones, discard the bones, and return the lovely shredded beef back to the pot for one final stir.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

Preheat your broiler while ladling the steaming soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a slice of toasted baguette, then heap on a generous handful of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns a lovely golden brown, creating a gooey, melty crown of cheesy delight.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the hot bowls from the oven and serve immediately. A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a pretty and fragrant finishing touch. With each spoonful of French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and that irresistible cheesy crust—all working together to warm your heart and soul.

How to Serve French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Garnishes

Fresh thyme sprigs or a light dusting of cracked black pepper on top bring a burst of herbal aroma and a bit of visual flair. A small drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also add a silky finish that makes each bite even more luscious.

Side Dishes

Serve this soup alongside a simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to contrast its richness. Roasted root vegetables or a crusty baguette are also fantastic companions that keep with the rustic charm of French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful twist, ladle the soup into mini ramekins topped with toasted baguette rounds and broiled cheese for individual servings that encourage everyone to dive in. You can also garnish with caramelized shallots or crispy fried onions for extra crunch and flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup reheats beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just remember to keep the toasted bread and cheese separate to preserve texture.

Freezing

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup freezes well without the bread and cheese. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a little beef broth or water if the soup thickens too much. Once heated, prepare fresh toasted baguette slices and cheese topping if desired for serving.

FAQs

Can I use boneless short ribs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless short ribs can work but bone-in ribs add more richness and flavor to the broth. If using boneless, just watch the cooking time to avoid overcooking the meat.

What’s the best type of onion for this soup?

Yellow onions are ideal because they caramelize beautifully and have a perfect balance of sweetness and sharpness that complements the beef and broth.

Can I make the soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! After searing the meat and caramelizing the onions on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the short ribs are tender.

Is there a substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese is a great alternative and melts nicely, offering a similar creamy texture and mild nutty flavor. You can also try Fontina or Mozzarella for a different twist.

How can I make the soup gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free bread for the toast topping or omit the bread entirely. Just be sure any Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free as some brands contain malt vinegar.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with a deeply comforting and flavorful soup, French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a wonderful dish to try. Its rich broth, tender beef, and gooey cheese topping come together to create a bowl you’ll want to savor again and again. Once you make it, this soup will surely become one of your new favorite go-to recipes for any chilly day or special occasion.

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