Why You’ll Love This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
- Crowd-Pleaser: Top it with melty cheese and toasted bread for a dish that’s hard to resist.
- 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.
Tools You’ll Need
- Wooden spoon: For caramelizing the onions.
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: For searing and slow cooking.
- Oven-safe soup bowls: To broil the cheese topping.
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Description
Warm, hearty, and loaded with rich flavors, French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort dish. The tender short ribs, caramelized onions, and melted cheese combine for a meal that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying. Perfect for cozy evenings, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
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Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs: Bone-in for maximum flavor.
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: The star of French onion soup!
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: For caramelizing the onions.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: To sear the short ribs.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds depth to the broth.
- 6 cups beef broth: Use high-quality broth for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory notes.
- 1 bay leaf: For a subtle herbal aroma.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season.
For Topping:
- 6 slices of baguette or crusty bread: Toasted.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully over the soup.
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef Short Ribs
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the short ribs and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same pot.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Soup
- Return the short ribs to the pot and add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the short ribs and shred the meat. Discard the bones and return the meat to the pot.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove the bowls from the oven and serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
- Take Your Time: Caramelizing the onions properly is key to achieving the deep, sweet flavor of this soup.
- Use Bone-In Short Ribs: The bones add incredible depth to the broth.
- Cheese Variety: For a twist, try using a mix of Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
- Make Ahead: The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the soup (without bread and cheese) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a slow cooker instead of a Dutch oven?
A: Yes! Sear the ribs and caramelize the onions on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q2: What if I don’t have Gruyère?
A: Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone are excellent substitutes.
Q3: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: For a vegetarian version, replace the short ribs with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Conclusion: Comfort in a Bowl!
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate fusion of classic flavors and hearty comfort. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and savor every spoonful of its rich, beefy goodness!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 28g
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!
