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French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup Recipe

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup Recipe

5.2 from 26 reviews

A rich and comforting French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup combining tender, slow-simmered beef short ribs with caramelized onions, aromatic herbs, and melted Gruyère cheese atop toasted sourdough slices, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Broth

  • 2 lbs beef short ribs
  • 6 cups beef broth (preferably homemade)

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 bay leaves

Bread and Cheese

  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

Other

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice the onions thinly and cut the beef short ribs into manageable pieces for even cooking and easy serving.
  2. Caramelize Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden brown and sweet.
  3. Sear Short Ribs: Push the caramelized onions to the side of the pot and add the short ribs. Sear them on all sides for 5 to 7 minutes until they develop a rich brown crust that enhances the soup’s flavor.
  4. Simmer Soup: Pour in the beef broth and add the fresh thyme leaves and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld.
  5. Prepare Cheese Toast: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of sourdough bread on top of each bowl, and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, creating a delicious crust.

Notes

  • For best results, use homemade beef broth or a good quality low-sodium beef broth.
  • Slow caramelization of onions is key to deepen the soup’s flavor—avoid rushing this step.
  • You can substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese if unavailable, though Gruyère offers the classic nutty taste.
  • To make ahead, prepare the soup up to simmering stage, refrigerate, and finish the baking step just before serving.
  • Adjust salt towards the end of cooking to prevent over-seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, beef short rib soup, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, sourdough toast, French comfort food, hearty soup