Warm, hearty, and full of rich flavors, this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort dish. The tender short ribs, caramelized onions, and melted cheese create a delightful combination that’s indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for cozy evenings, this soup will become a beloved meal for your family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef short ribs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup dry red wine

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)

• 4 slices of French bread, toasted

• 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Directions

1. Prepare the Short Ribs:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove them from the pot and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions:
   In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 30 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

3. Add the Liquids:
   Pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add the thyme, bay leaves, and short ribs back into the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for about 2 hours, until the ribs are tender.

4. Thicken the Soup (Optional):
   If you prefer a thicker soup, remove the ribs and whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour into the broth, cooking for a few more minutes until the soup thickens.

5. Finish the Soup:
   Remove the short ribs and shred the meat off the bones. Return the meat to the soup, discard the bay leaves, and stir to combine.

6. Serve with Toasted Bread and Cheese:
   Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a slice of toasted French bread, and sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Total Fat: 24g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 700mg

• Carbohydrates: 23g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 8g

• Protein: 28g

The Heartiness of Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs are the star of this soup, and for good reason. Known for their tenderness and deep, beefy flavor, short ribs require a bit of time to cook but are well worth the wait. The long cooking process allows the fat in the ribs to break down, infusing the broth with a rich, savory taste that complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions and the tang of the wine. As the short ribs cook low and slow, they become incredibly tender, and the meat falls off the bone effortlessly, adding a hearty texture to the soup.

Unlike other cuts of beef, short ribs offer a satisfying richness, making this soup incredibly filling and comforting. The balance of tender beef and flavorful broth ensures each spoonful is an indulgent experience. Whether you’re eating it on a chilly evening or serving it for a special dinner, this soup promises to be the star of the meal.

The Sweetness of Caramelized Onions

Onions are a key ingredient in French onion soup, and here they are caramelized to perfection. The slow cooking process transforms their natural sweetness, creating a deep, golden-brown color and rich flavor that forms the base of this soup. Caramelizing onions requires patience, but the result is a complex and sweet flavor profile that adds depth to the dish. When you cook onions over medium heat for an extended period, the sugars in the onions caramelize, creating a balance of savory and sweet that enhances the richness of the beef and broth.

Caramelized onions are a true labor of love and the heart of this soup’s flavor. Their natural sweetness is the perfect contrast to the salty beef and the savory herbs, making every spoonful a balanced, flavorful bite. Along with garlic, which adds a fragrant kick, the onions give the soup its depth and complexity.

The Broth: A Rich, Savory Base

The broth of this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is where all the flavors come together. Using a combination of beef broth and dry red wine, the soup has a deep, savory flavor that is both comforting and rich. The wine adds a slight acidity, balancing the richness of the beef and caramelized onions. The beef broth acts as the base, providing that hearty, meaty flavor that is so comforting.

As the short ribs cook in the broth, they release their natural juices, infusing the liquid with even more flavor. Fresh thyme and bay leaves are added to the broth to introduce fragrant herbal notes, enhancing the overall depth of the soup. The long simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a broth that is savory, rich, and full of umami.

The Option to Thicken the Soup

While this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is already rich and flavorful, some people prefer a thicker texture. If you fall into this category, adding a tablespoon of flour to the soup towards the end of cooking can thicken the broth to your desired consistency. This step is optional, but if you want a heartier, more stew-like consistency, the flour will give the soup the perfect texture to coat your spoon.

By removing the short ribs from the pot and whisking in the flour, you allow the soup to thicken naturally while continuing to develop its rich flavor. This added thickness gives the soup a creamy, indulgent texture that pairs beautifully with the tender beef and melted cheese.

Toasted French Bread and Gruyère Cheese: The Perfect Finishing Touch

The final steps in preparing this soup elevate it to a whole new level. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top it with a slice of toasted French bread. The bread acts as a solid base, soaking up the broth and adding a bit of crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft soup.

The crowning touch is the melted Gruyère cheese. Known for its creamy texture and nutty flavor, Gruyère is the ideal cheese to top this soup. As the soup is placed under the broiler for a few minutes, the cheese melts into a gooey, bubbly layer that adds both flavor and texture. The combination of the crisp, toasted bread, the rich broth, and the melted cheese creates an experience that is both indulgent and comforting, just like a traditional French onion soup, but with the added luxury of beef short ribs.

A Perfect Dish for Cozy Evenings

This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ideal meal for a cozy evening or a family gathering. While it does take some time to prepare, the end result is a deeply satisfying dish that feels like a special treat. The long cooking process ensures that the flavors are rich and well-developed, making each bite a savory delight. The tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese create a balanced and indulgent experience that’s perfect for colder months or when you simply want something hearty and comforting.

Conclusion: A French-Inspired Comfort Dish

In conclusion, French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a warm, hearty, and indulgent dish that combines the best of French onion soup with the richness of tender beef short ribs. The slow-cooked short ribs, caramelized onions, and savory broth create a deeply flavorful soup that is both comforting and satisfying. Topped with toasted French bread and melted Gruyère cheese, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

While it takes a bit of time and effort to make, the result is a dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy meal at home. The richness of the broth, the tender beef, and the delicious melted cheese make this soup a true comfort food classic. If you’re looking for a dish that combines deep flavors with the warmth of a homemade meal, French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.