French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines rich flavors from tender beef short ribs and sweet caramelized onions. This delicious soup is perfect for a chilly evening, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. Topped with gooey Gruyère cheese and crispy sourdough bread, it transforms your meal into something special.
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Why Make This Recipe
Making French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup at home means you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish anytime you wish. The slow-cooked beef and onions develop a deep, rich flavor that is hard to resist. It’s an impressive meal that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s a great way to use simple ingredients to create something truly gourmet.
How to Make French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 cups beef broth (preferably homemade)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the ingredients by slicing the onions and cutting the beef short ribs into manageable pieces.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Push the onions aside, add the short ribs, and sear until browned on all sides (5-7 minutes).
- Pour in beef broth, add thyme and bay leaves, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for about 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with sourdough bread slices and Gruyère cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
A comforting and hearty soup combining tender beef short ribs and sweet caramelized onions, topped with Gruyère cheese and crispy sourdough bread.
- Total Time: 160 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 cups beef broth (preferably homemade)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by slicing the onions and cutting the beef short ribs into manageable pieces.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Push the onions aside, add the short ribs, and sear until browned on all sides (5-7 minutes).
- Pour in beef broth, add thyme and bay leaves, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for about 120 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with sourdough bread slices and Gruyère cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while caramelizing onions. Adjust seasoning throughout cooking for balanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking, Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Carnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
How to Serve French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
Serve this delicious soup hot, straight from the oven. The cheesy top and crispy sourdough bread are best enjoyed immediately. You can also offer some extra cheese or fresh thyme on the side for those who want more toppings.
How to Store French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup in portions. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the onions while they are caramelizing.
- Make sure to season the soup well with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for balanced flavors.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering soup.
Variation
You can make a lighter version of this soup by using turkey or chicken instead of beef short ribs. Additionally, using a mix of different cheeses on top, like mozzarella or Parmesan, can change the flavor profile while still being delicious.
If you’re a fan of hearty soup recipes, you’ll love this Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of cheese?
Yes, while Gruyère is traditional, feel free to use other cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella for different flavors.
2. How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is done when the short ribs are tender and easy to shred, and the flavors have melded nicely after simmering.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the seared beef and onion mixture to a slow cooker with broth and herbs, and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.
Conclusion
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoying a bowl of this soup will surely warm your heart and fill your belly!
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