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French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup 🥩🧅🧀

This rich and comforting French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the perfect soul-warming dish. Slow-simmered beef short ribs create a deeply flavorful broth, while caramelized onions add sweetness. Finished with garlicky toasted French bread and bubbly melted Gruyère, this dish is a true masterpiece.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Soup:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 500g (1 lb) beef short ribs
  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth for depth)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (adds sweetness and balance)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Cheese Bread Topping:
  • 4 slices of French bread (or baguette), lightly toasted
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese (for the perfect melty topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Sear the ribs on all sides until they develop a deep brown crust, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor.
  4. Remove the short ribs and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

  1. In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions.
  2. Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to soften and develop a golden-brown caramelization (this takes 15-20 minutes).
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth & Simmer

  1. Return the seared short ribs to the pot.
  2. Pour in beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and add thyme and bay leaf.
  3. Stir, bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  4. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Cheese Bread

  1. While the soup is simmering, mix melted butter with minced garlic.
  2. Brush the mixture over toasted French bread slices and set them aside.

Step 5: Shred the Beef & Final Touches

  1. Remove the short ribs from the pot. Shred the tender meat with two forks and discard the bones.
  2. Return the shredded beef to the soup, stirring to combine.

Step 6: Assemble & Broil

  1. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
  2. Place a slice of garlic buttered French bread on top of each bowl.
  3. Sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère cheese.
  4. Place the bowls under the oven broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot, garnished with extra thyme or parsley.
  • Pair with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
  • A glass of red wine complements this dish beautifully!

Recipe Notes & Variations

✅ Make it heartier: Add sautéed mushrooms for an extra umami boost.
✅ Lighter version: Use a mix of beef and chicken broth.
✅ Slow Cooker Option: Sear the ribs and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
✅ Extra indulgent: Drizzle a little truffle oil over the cheese before broiling.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

✔️ Deep, rich flavor from slow-simmered short ribs.
✔️ Caramelized onions add a perfect sweetness.
✔️ Garlicky, cheesy bread makes every spoonful indulgent.
✔️ Perfect for cold days or when you need true comfort food.

Enjoy this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup, served with love! Let me know if you’d like more variations or tips!

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