French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

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Imagine combining the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup with the tender richness of braised beef short ribs. This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup takes comfort food to a whole new level. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, special gatherings, or when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious yet hearty meal.

The caramelized onions bring a natural sweetness, the slow-cooked short ribs add depth and tenderness, and the melted cheese toast topping ensures every spoonful is an indulgent delight.

A Luxurious Take on Classic Comfort Food

This dish is all about layers of flavor, from the slow-braised beef that practically melts in your mouth to the broth infused with caramelized onions, herbs, and spices. Topped with gooey melted cheese on a crisp slice of bread, this soup is the ultimate in heartwarming dishes.

Whether served as a complete meal or as a starter for a more elaborate dinner, this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup will wow your taste buds and warm your soul. Stay tuned to learn how to bring this dish to life in just a few easy steps!

Ingredients for French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

To craft this rich and flavorful soup, you’ll need a combination of high-quality ingredients that come together to create layers of savory goodness.

• Beef Short Ribs – These tender, marbled cuts of beef add richness to the soup. When slow-cooked, they become fall-apart tender and infuse the broth with incredible flavor.
• Yellow Onions – Thinly sliced and caramelized to perfection, onions are the soul of this dish, lending their natural sweetness to the soup.
• Beef Broth – A robust, high-quality beef broth serves as the base, enhancing the deep, savory notes of the soup.
• Garlic – A couple of minced cloves add a subtle aromatic touch to balance the richness.
• Fresh Thyme and Bay Leaves – These herbs infuse the broth with earthy, fragrant undertones.
• Olive Oil and Butter – Used for caramelizing the onions and searing the beef short ribs, adding a luxurious depth of flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce – A splash of this savory sauce enhances the umami factor.
• Salt and Pepper – To season and balance the flavors throughout the dish.
• French Bread – Slices of crusty bread provide the perfect base for the cheesy topping.
• Gruyère Cheese – The star of the topping, Gruyère melts beautifully, adding nutty, creamy notes that complement the soup.

How to Make French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Creating this soup is a rewarding process that builds flavor at every step. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2:
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same pot. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Add garlic during the last few minutes of cooking.

Step 3:
Deglaze the pot with Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the seared short ribs to the pot and add the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4:
Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the short ribs for 2-2.5 hours, or until they are tender and falling off the bone.

Step 5:
Remove the short ribs from the pot and shred the meat with a fork, discarding any bones. Skim excess fat from the soup if necessary. Return the shredded meat to the pot.

Step 6:
Toast slices of French bread under the broiler until golden brown. Place the toasted bread on top of individual bowls of soup and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7:
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy this luxurious, hearty soup while it’s warm and comforting!

How Long to Cook French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

The cooking time for this recipe is divided between slow braising and stovetop preparation. Here’s a breakdown:

• Searing the Beef Short Ribs – This step takes about 10 minutes to develop a rich, browned crust that enhances the flavor.
• Caramelizing the Onions – Allow 25-30 minutes to fully caramelize the onions for their signature sweetness and golden color.
• Braising the Short Ribs – The short ribs need 2-2.5 hours in the oven at 325°F (160°C) to become tender and flavorful.
• Melting the Cheese – Once the soup is assembled in individual bowls, the cheese will broil to golden perfection in about 2-3 minutes.

How to Store Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this soup stores beautifully and can be enjoyed later with ease.

• Refrigerator – Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
• Freezer – Freeze the soup (without the bread and cheese) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips for the Best French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Here are a few tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Choose Quality Ingredients – Use well-marbled short ribs and a good beef broth for the most flavorful base.
• Take Your Time Caramelizing Onions – Don’t rush this step; properly caramelized onions are key to the soup’s depth of flavor.
• Skim the Fat – After braising, skim off any excess fat from the broth for a cleaner finish.
• Experiment with Cheeses – While Gruyère is traditional, you can use Emmental or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a slightly different twist.
• Toast the Bread Separately – Toasting the bread before adding it to the soup ensures it stays crisp under the melted cheese.

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