French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender beef short ribs, caramelized onions, and melted cheese. This hearty and rich soup is perfect for cozy evenings, providing a satisfying and indulgent meal. With its deep, savory flavors, it’s bound to become a family favorite.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 2 lbs beef short ribs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup red wine

• 1 tbsp thyme, fresh or dried

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 baguette, sliced

• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Prepare the Short Ribs: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions: In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.

3. Add the Garlic and Wine: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

4. Simmer the Soup: Return the short ribs to the pot, and add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 2 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and fully cooked.

5. Prepare the Bread and Cheese: While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sliced baguette on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.

6. Assemble and Serve: Once the short ribs are tender, remove them from the soup, shred the meat, and discard the bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot. Ladle the soup into bowls, place a toasted baguette slice on top, and sprinkle with shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 500-600 kcal
Protein: 35-40 g
Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
Fat: 25-30 g
Fiber: 3-4 g
Sugar: 6-8 g
Sodium: 700-800 mg
Cholesterol: 90-110 mg

The Perfect Combination of Beef and Onions

The foundation of this dish is the marriage of beef short ribs and onions. Beef short ribs are known for their rich, meaty flavor and tender texture when cooked low and slow. As they simmer in the broth, the short ribs break down and infuse the soup with their savory richness. The beef not only adds depth to the flavor profile but also creates a satisfying mouthfeel that is both hearty and filling.

Onions, on the other hand, bring a natural sweetness to the soup once caramelized. As the onions slowly cook down, they lose their sharpness and take on a deep golden-brown color, transforming into a deliciously sweet and savory base. The process of caramelizing onions is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in this dish. It’s a time-consuming but rewarding step, ensuring that each bite of soup bursts with flavor.

A Rich and Savory Broth

The broth in French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is what ties everything together. The combination of beef broth and red wine creates a deep and savory liquid that acts as the perfect base for the tender short ribs and caramelized onions. The beef broth provides a rich umami flavor, while the red wine adds acidity and complexity. The two ingredients complement each other beautifully, with the wine also helping to deglaze the pot after searing the short ribs, ensuring no flavor is left behind. The addition of thyme and bay leaves further enhances the broth, infusing it with aromatic herbal notes.

Simmering the soup for a couple of hours allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to fully develop. This extended cooking time not only makes the meat succulent but also ensures the broth becomes infused with all the savory goodness from the beef and aromatics. The result is a deeply satisfying soup that is rich in both flavor and texture.

The Cheese and Bread – The Perfect Finishing Touch

While the soup itself is already packed with flavor, it’s the final touch of melted Gruyère cheese and toasted baguette that elevates this dish to a whole new level. Gruyère is a Swiss cheese known for its smooth, nutty flavor that melts beautifully. When sprinkled on top of the soup and melted under the broiler, it forms a deliciously gooey layer that adds richness and creaminess to every bite. The slightly nutty and salty flavor of the Gruyère cheese perfectly complements the savory broth and tender beef.

To complete the dish, toasted baguette slices are added to the soup. The bread adds a satisfying crunch, providing contrast to the soft, tender meat and cheese. The crispy baguette also soaks up some of the delicious broth, making each bite even more flavorful. The combination of melted cheese, crispy bread, and rich broth creates an unforgettable culinary experience that will have everyone reaching for more.

Perfect for Cozy Evenings

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, making it an ideal choice for cozy evenings spent with family or friends. The deep, savory flavors and hearty ingredients provide the warmth and satisfaction we often seek during the colder months. Whether served as a main course for a family dinner or as a comforting starter for a special occasion, this soup is sure to impress.

One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is its versatility. It can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, allowing the flavors to deepen even further. You can also freeze the soup for later use, making it an excellent dish to have on hand for busy days when you need something both easy and indulgent.

A Meal for All Occasions

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is not just for special occasions – it’s a dish that can be enjoyed on any day of the week. The ingredients are simple, yet the resulting soup feels luxurious and indulgent. The combination of rich beef, sweet onions, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish perfect for a family meal, but it’s also sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party. With its savory broth and tender beef, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion: Why French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a Must-Try

In conclusion, French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and comforting dishes. The combination of slow-cooked beef short ribs, caramelized onions, red wine, and herbs creates a rich, savory broth that is both satisfying and indulgent. The finishing touch of Gruyère cheese and toasted baguette makes this soup truly special, offering the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or looking to impress guests at a dinner party, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, filling the room with warmth and the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked goodness.