French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

If you’re craving something rich, hearty, and packed with deep, savory flavors, then look no further than French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup. This is the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, with tender beef short ribs, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich broth that’s so flavorful, you’ll want to sip it all day long. And let’s not forget that glorious melted cheese topping—golden, bubbly, and perfectly gooey.

This soup is a sophisticated twist on the classic French onion soup, taking things up a notch with the addition of tender short ribs that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this soup will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this comforting bowl of goodness.

Why You’ll Love French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Deep, Rich Flavors

The combination of beef short ribs and caramelized onions creates an incredibly rich and complex flavor profile. The slow-cooked beef adds a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while the onions bring a sweet, savory depth that’s just irresistible.

Comfort in Every Bite

There’s something about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s loaded with tender meat, hearty broth, and gooey melted cheese. Every spoonful feels like a comforting hug from the inside out.

Perfect for Special Occasions

This isn’t your everyday soup—it’s a showstopper that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something a little extra. But don’t worry, it’s still easy enough to whip up for a cozy night in.

Customizable

You can make this soup your own by adjusting the level of seasoning, adding extra herbs, or even using different types of cheese for the topping. If you prefer a milder soup, you can go easy on the garlic and herbs, or ramp up the flavors with a few extra spices.

Easy to Make, but Impressive to Serve

Although it’s a bit of a labor of love, this soup comes together relatively easily. The slow cooking does most of the work, and the result is a soup that looks (and tastes) far more complex than it really is. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping and a simple salad on the side, and you’ve got a full meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, comforting French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup:

Beef Short Ribs

The star of the show! Beef short ribs are rich, tender, and packed with flavor. Slow-cooking them in the soup makes them incredibly tender, falling apart with just a spoon.

Yellow Onions

Caramelized onions add that signature French onion soup sweetness and depth of flavor. The longer you cook them, the richer and sweeter they become.

Garlic

Garlic brings in that savory, aromatic element that really brings the soup together. It complements the onions and beef perfectly.

Beef Broth

The beef broth serves as the flavorful base of the soup. You can also use a combination of beef broth and chicken broth for a lighter version.

White Wine

A splash of white wine helps deglaze the pot and adds a touch of acidity and brightness to balance out the richness of the beef and onions.

Fresh Thyme

Thyme adds an earthy, herby note that pairs beautifully with the beef and onions. It’s a classic herb in French onion soup recipes.

Bay Leaves

Bay leaves give the soup a slightly floral, aromatic flavor. Just remember to remove them before serving!

Gruyère Cheese

Gruyère is the traditional cheese for French onion soup. It melts beautifully and has that perfect balance of nutty and salty flavor. If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a great substitute.

French Baguette

A thick slice of crusty French baguette is essential for the classic soup experience. It soaks up the broth beautifully and becomes perfectly crispy when toasted with cheese on top.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this glorious soup together, step by step:

Step 1: Brown the Beef Short Ribs

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides until golden and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Season with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. Be patient—this step is key for developing the soup’s rich flavor!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Deglaze with Wine

Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine cook down for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Herbs

Once the wine has reduced, add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Return the short ribs to the pot, making sure they’re submerged in the broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and falling apart.

Step 5: Shred the Beef

Once the beef is done, remove the short ribs from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Discard the bones and return the shredded beef to the pot.

Step 6: Toast the Bread

While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French baguette into thick slices and place them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Assemble the Soup with Cheese

To serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted baguette on top of each bowl, then sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired, and enjoy this delicious, comforting soup!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours

How to Serve French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to elevate your meal, here are a few ideas:

Fresh Salad

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich, hearty soup. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the beef.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes are excellent sides that add color and flavor to your meal while keeping everything cozy and comforting.

Additional Bread

In addition to the baguette topping, you can serve extra crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve.

Freeze It

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup freezes well! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove before serving.

Use a Slow Cooker

If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can cook the soup in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

Adjust the Cheese

If you can’t find Gruyère, you can substitute with Swiss cheese or even mozzarella for a milder, gooey topping.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes! You can substitute beef chuck or brisket if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it long enough to become tender and shred easily.

Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A2: Yes! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth instead. You could add mushrooms for a savory, meaty texture.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked beef?
A3: If you’re short on time, you can use shredded cooked beef. Just add it to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it absorb the flavors.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Q5: Can I freeze this soup?
A5: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat the soup?
A6: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings.

Q7: Can I make the soup spicier?
A7: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions. For extra flavor, you can also add a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Q8: Can I skip the bread and cheese topping?
A8: Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can skip the bread and cheese topping, and just enjoy the soup as is.

Q9: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A9: Yes! While Gruyère is traditional, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even fontina would work well as alternatives.

Q10: How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?
A10: Keep an eye on the soup while broiling to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. If you’re worried, broil the cheese for less time or on a lower heat.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With tender beef, caramelized onions, and that perfect layer of melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up with a cozy blanket and savor every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a comforting dinner, this soup is sure to impress and satisfy. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of pure bliss!

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