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French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Warm and inviting, French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the epitome of comfort food. This rich, hearty dish melds tender, slow-cooked short ribs with sweet caramelized onions, creating a flavor profile that is both robust and satisfying. Topped with gooey melted cheese, each spoonful offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, making it perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings.

  • Total Time: 2 minute
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in)
  • 3 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 slices toasted baguette or crusty bread
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Instructions

  1. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides (about 4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme; stir to combine before adding the seared short ribs back into the pot. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Reduce heat to low; cover partially and let simmer for about 2–3 hours until meat is tender.
  5. Toast baguette slices until golden brown. Serve soup hot, ladle into bowls with toasted bread on top and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly (about 2–3 minutes).
  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2–3 hours
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow cooking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while building the broth. If you prefer milder cheese flavors, substitute Gruyère with mozzarella or provolone. This soup can be made ahead of time; it often tastes even better after sitting as the flavors meld.