French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup: A Rich and Hearty Delight

Introduction

If you’re a fan of French onion soup and tender, flavorful beef short ribs, then this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the perfect combination of both! This dish takes the classic French onion soup to the next level by infusing it with the deep, meaty flavors of slow-braised short ribs, making it a comforting, hearty meal for any occasion.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make the ultimate French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup from scratch. From selecting the best ingredients to mastering slow-cooked perfection, we have all the tips and tricks you need. Let’s dive into the flavor-packed world of this exquisite dish!

Ingredients for French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

For the Short Ribs:

• 2 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf

For the French Onion Base:

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving:

• 4 slices French baguette, toasted
• 1 cup gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

this PIN FOR LATER

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

1. Season short ribs with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the ribs for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
4. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Deglaze and Braise the Short Ribs

1. Pour red wine into the pot and scrape up the browned bits.
2. Add garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
3. Return the short ribs to the pot.
4. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 2.5-3 hours, or until ribs are fall-apart tender.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

1. In a separate pan, melt butter with olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add onions, salt, and sugar, and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown.
3. Deglaze with white wine, then add balsamic vinegar and black pepper.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Remove short ribs from the broth and shred the meat.
2. Strain the broth to remove any excess fat and discard the bay leaf.
3. Add caramelized onions to the broth and stir well.
4. Return the shredded short rib meat to the soup.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
2. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette and sprinkle with gruyère cheese.
3. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Best French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

✅ Use high-quality beef short ribs for the best flavor and tenderness.
✅ Cook onions low and slow to achieve a rich, caramelized flavor.
✅ Deglaze the pan properly to get all the flavorful bits into your soup.
✅ Strain the broth to remove excess fat and achieve a clear, rich soup.
✅ Broil just before serving to get that perfect cheesy crust.

Variations and Customizations

1. Slow Cooker Method:

• Sear the short ribs as directed, then place everything in a slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender.

2. Instant Pot Version:

• Use the sauté function to sear the ribs.
• Add remaining ingredients and pressure cook on high for 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural release.

3. Add Mushrooms:

• For extra depth, add sliced mushrooms when caramelizing the onions.

4. Vegetarian Version:

• Swap beef short ribs for portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

2. Can I freeze French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup?

Absolutely. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

3. What’s the best cheese to use?

Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or mozzarella are good alternatives.

4. Can I skip the wine?

Yes! Replace red wine with extra beef broth and white wine with apple cider vinegar.

5. How do I get the perfect caramelized onions?

Cook them slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Patience is key!

Conclusion

This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate fusion of classic French onion soup and rich, slow-braised short ribs. It’s a meal that combines sweet caramelized onions, deep beefy flavors, and a cheesy, crunchy topping into a perfect bowl of comfort food. Whether you’re making this for a cozy dinner, holiday gathering, or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Now that you have the perfect recipe, it’s time to bring your kitchen to life with the aromas of slow-cooked short ribs, buttery onions, and melted cheese. Try this elevated take on French onion soup today, and enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!

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