Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This luxurious French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup combines the hearty richness of braised beef with the caramelized sweetness of onions, creating a deeply comforting dish. Topped with melted Gruyère cheese and crusty French bread, it’s the ultimate indulgence for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 23 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices French bread
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Season short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add butter to the pot and reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes.
  3. Deglaze the pot with Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits. Return short ribs to the pot and add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Cover and transfer the pot to the oven. Braise for 2-2.5 hours until ribs are tender and fall off the bone.
  5. Remove ribs from the pot and shred the meat, discarding bones. Skim excess fat from the broth. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
  6. Toast French bread slices under the broiler until golden brown. Ladle soup into bowls, top with toast, and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or slivered almonds over the cheese before broiling.
  • The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
  • For a lighter option, substitute chicken broth and chicken thighs instead of beef.