If you love a soup that’s cozy, deeply savory, and downright luxurious, you must try French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup. This is not just an elevated take on classic French onion—it’s the ultimate comfort food experience, brimming with tender short ribs, sweet caramelized onions, and a bubbling, cheesy crown.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delectable Depth of Flavor: Generous layers of caramelized onion and slow-simmered short ribs create a soup so rich and savory, every spoonful is pure bliss.
- Comfort at Its Finest: Gooey cheese and crusty bread melted right on top make each bowl feel like an indulgent hug in soup form.
- Special Yet Achievable: Despite its restaurant-quality taste, this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup uses basic ingredients and simple steps you can master at home.
- Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: That golden, cheesy finish on each bowl looks—and tastes—gorgeous enough for a dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at the magic these simple ingredients create. Each one plays an important role in layering flavor, developing irresistible texture, and building the classic look of French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup—all with minimal fuss.
- Olive oil: Key for getting those short ribs perfectly seared and adding richness to the onions.
- Beef short ribs: The star of the show! Slow simmering makes them meltingly tender and infuses the broth with savory goodness.
- Onions (4 large, thinly sliced): The backbone of the soup—take your time caramelizing for maximum sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a punchy aromatic note that lifts all the other flavors.
- Beef broth: Choose a good-quality broth for that classic, intensely beefy base.
- Balsamic vinegar: Just a splash adds bright, balanced acidity and subtle complexity.
- Fresh thyme: Earthy herbs make everything taste fresher and more elegant.
- Bay leaf: Imparts a gentle, aromatic warmth as the soup simmers away.
- Salt and pepper: Taste as you go and don’t skimp—seasoning makes all the difference!
- French bread (4 slices): For that irresistible, crispy-chewy topping every French onion soup deserves.
- Swiss or Gruyère cheese (shredded): The melty finishing touch—nutty and bubbly, it’s pure heaven.
Variations
One of the best things about French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to make it your own—just a few tweaks can tailor the dish to your ingredients on hand or fit any special tastes and dietary needs.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions for a hearty, earthy boost of flavor and texture.
- Lighter Broth: Use chicken broth instead of beef for a slightly lighter, milder soup that still tastes rich and comforting.
- Different Cheese Topping: Mix in sharp white cheddar or provolone with the Gruyère for a fun twist on the gooey, golden finish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the French bread for your favorite gluten-free baguette before broiling with cheese.
How to Make French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season your short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them for about 4–5 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous brown crust. This process not only locks in flavor but also sets the stage for a truly rich soup base.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
After removing the short ribs, add all those beautiful sliced onions into the same pot. Cook them slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deeply golden, silky, and sweet. Don’t rush this step—it’s the soul of both French onion and short rib soup!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Deglaze
Stir in the minced garlic and let it become fragrant, about one to two minutes. Next, return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and balsamic vinegar. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavor-packed bits stuck to the bottom—these little morsels are flavor gold.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Add your thyme, bay leaf, and any extra salt and pepper. Cover the pot and let everything gently simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, until the short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender and the broth is fragrant beyond belief.
Step 5: Shred and Finish the Soup
Discard the bay leaf, pull out the short rib meat, and shred it with two forks. Return the beef to the pot, stir, and taste for seasoning. You want every bite of this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup to sing with flavor!
Step 6: Broil with Bread and Cheese
Ladle hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Float a slice of French bread atop each, then pile on a generous handful of shredded cheese. Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly, golden, and irresistible. Serve right away and enjoy immediately!
Pro Tips for Making French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
- Searing is Worth the Extra Few Minutes: A deep, brown crust on the short ribs not only locks in juiciness but also supercharges the richness of your soup base.
- Patience with the Onions: Caramelize the onions slowly over low heat, stirring often—a shortcut here will rob your French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup of that signature underlying sweetness.
- Cheese Matters: Gruyère melts best, but a high-quality Swiss or crumbled mixture adds more flavor and texture to the final broiled topping.
- Oven-Safe Bowls are a Must: Use sturdy, broiler-proof bowls for that iconic bubbly, golden cheese finish—regular soup bowls won’t stand up to the heat!
How to Serve French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh thyme or a dash of cracked black pepper right before serving adds lovely color and a burst of herbaceous aroma. If you have a splash of good olive oil or even a whisper of truffle oil, drizzle it over the bubbling cheese for a little “wow” factor.
Side Dishes
This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette makes a fantastic companion. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, serve with extra bread for dunking or a simple roasted vegetable tray.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in mini ramekins for an appetizer course, or hollow out small sourdough rolls and ladle the soup right inside for a show-stopping “bread bowl.” You can even top each with a decorative cheese crisp for added crunch and flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store it (without the bread or cheese) in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors only get deeper and more delicious!
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled soup (without bread and cheese) into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with the bread and cheese broil.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often, until hot throughout. When serving leftovers, ladle into bowls, top with fresh bread and cheese, and broil as usual for that bubbling topping—just like the first time!
FAQs
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Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe?
Yes! Boneless short ribs work wonderfully and are a bit easier to shred. Just keep an eye on simmering times, as bone-in pieces add a touch more richness to the broth but require a bit longer to become tender.
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What’s the best way to slice onions for French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup?
Use a sharp knife (or a mandoline for consistency) to slice onions as thinly as possible. Thin slices caramelize more evenly and blend beautifully into the velvety soup base.
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Can I make this recipe in advance for entertaining?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to the point of broiling, then refrigerate. When guests arrive, ladle into bowls, top with bread and cheese, and broil just before serving for the freshest, bubbliest topping.
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What if I don’t have oven-safe bowls?
No problem! Simply toast the bread slices topped with cheese in your oven, then float them on top of each bowl of hot soup at serving time. You’ll still get all that glorious melt and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a soul-warming, show-stopping meal, French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is calling your name. Make it for your next cozy night in or to impress at a dinner gathering—either way, every spoonful is guaranteed to win hearts. Enjoy, share, and savor the experience!
Print
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 120 Minutes
- Total Time: 140 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Broil
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a hearty bowl of French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup, a comforting dish that combines tender beef short ribs with caramelized onions and gooey cheese. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound beef short ribs
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 slices French bread
- 1 cup Swiss or Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Heat oil in large pot. Season and sear short ribs 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove.
- In same pot, cook onions 15-20 minutes until caramelized. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes.
- Return beef to pot with broth, vinegar and seasonings. Simmer covered 1.5-2 hours until meat is tender.
- Shred meat and return to soup. Top bowls with toasted bread and cheese. Broil 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Can add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Chicken broth can substitute for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
