French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a delightful fusion of savory beef short ribs and the rich flavors of caramelized onions, making it a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cold weather. The slow-cooked short ribs create a deep, rich broth, while the sweetness of the onions balances the beefiness, creating a mouthwatering soup that will leave everyone craving more. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy a bowl of this soul-satisfying soup that feels both elegant and homey. This recipe combines the best of French onion soup with the indulgence of tender beef short ribs, offering a unique take on a classic dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- 2 cups red wine (or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 slices of French baguette, toasted
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the short ribs: season them generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the short ribs and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside.
- In the same pot, add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return the short ribs to the pot, then add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Remove the short ribs from the soup, shred the meat using two forks, and discard the bones. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Preheat your broiler. Place the toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet and top each slice with a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each bowl with a slice of cheesy baguette. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the epitome of comfort food, with tender beef, caramelized onions, and a rich broth that will warm you from the inside out. The addition of the melted Gruyère cheese on top of the crispy baguette adds a decadent touch, elevating the dish into something truly special. It’s the perfect soup to serve on a chilly evening when you need a meal that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds. Enjoy!