This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a warm, cozy dish packed with flavors. Tender beef short ribs simmer with sweet caramelized onions in a rich broth. Yum!
The best part? Topping it with gooey melted cheese and crispy bread makes it extra special. It’s like a hug in a bowl! I make it when I want something comforting and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Short Ribs: These are the star of the soup, giving it a rich flavor. If you don’t have short ribs, you could try using chuck roast or brisket instead, but cooking times may vary.
Yellow Onions: They bring sweetness to the soup. You can substitute with sweet onions or even red onions if you want a slightly different flavor profile, but the sweetness will change a bit.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness. If Gruyère is hard to find, Swiss cheese or even mozzarella can work, though the flavor will be milder.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is best for depth of flavor. If you’re using store-bought, look for low-sodium options to control saltiness. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience. Start by cooking them over medium heat and stirring often, which keeps them from burning. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a heavy pot for even cooking; a Dutch oven works great.
- Cook onions for 30 minutes until they soften and turn golden. Don’t rush this step!
- Halfway through, sprinkle a bit of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
- If they start to stick, add a splash of broth or water to deglaze the bottom.
Perfectly caramelized onions will enrich your soup and take its flavor to the next level! Enjoy!
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or dry sherry
- 6 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 2 to 2.5 hours of cooking time. So, overall, you need about 2 hours and 45 minutes to enjoy this hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Short Ribs:
Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and brown them on all sides until they develop a nice crust, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the ribs and set them aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In the same pot, add the sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they soften and turn golden brown, which should take around 30 minutes. Halfway through, sprinkle the sugar over the onions to help with the caramelization process.
3. Add Garlic and Deglaze:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the white wine or dry sherry to deglaze the pot, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Return the browned short ribs to the pot. Then add the beef broth, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.
5. Shred the Meat:
After the cooking time, take out the short ribs from the pot and let them cool slightly. Shred the meat off the bones, discarding the bones and any excess fat. Return the shredded meat back into the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Prepare the Crostini:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle each slice evenly with grated Gruyère cheese. Bake them for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
7. Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls. If you like, you can top it with some extra grated onion. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and serve the cheesy crostini on the side or float them on top of the soup for that extra delicious touch!
8. Optional:
If you want a classic French onion soup experience, broil the crostini topped with cheese directly in the oven until it’s bubbly and golden brown before placing them on top of the soup.
Enjoy the hearty, rich flavors of this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup, perfect for a comforting meal!
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Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef in This Soup?
Absolutely! While beef short ribs provide a rich flavor and tenderness, you can substitute them with chuck roast or brisket. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so ensure the meat is tender before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the soup.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! After browning the meat and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender meat.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Soup?
Yes! You can make a vegetarian version by using mushrooms for depth of flavor, vegetable broth, and omitting the beef. You can add beans or lentils for protein while keeping the onions and cheese for a hearty dish!
