French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Medium
Intensity: Slow-cooked, rich, and deeply flavorful

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Description

This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup combines the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs. Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty soup is infused with savory herbs, sweet onions, and a rich beef broth, topped with melted Gruyère cheese and crusty bread. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion!

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef short ribs, bone-in

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)

• 2 cups (475 ml) dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)

• 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

• 2 tbsp (30 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp (15 g) brown sugar

• 1 tsp (5 g) fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp (5 g) Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 6 slices of baguette, toasted

• 1 ½ cups (150 g) Gruyère cheese, shredded

• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated

• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Sear the Short Ribs

• Time: 20 minutes

• Intensity: High heat

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Pat the short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

4. Sear the short ribs for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions

• Time: 40 minutes

• Intensity: Low and slow

1. In the same pot, melt butter with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-low heat.

2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until deep golden brown.

3. Stir in brown sugar to enhance caramelization.

4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Deglaze & Build the Soup

• Time: 10 minutes

• Intensity: Medium heat

1. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute to thicken.

2. Pour in red wine, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.

3. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and return the short ribs to the pot.

4. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven.

4. Slow Cook in the Oven

• Time: 3 hours

• Intensity: Low and slow

1. Braise in the oven for 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.

2. Remove the ribs, shred the meat (discarding bones and excess fat), and return to the soup.

5. Assemble & Broil the Topping

• Time: 5 minutes

• Intensity: High heat

1. Preheat the broiler.

2. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.

3. Top each with a toasted baguette slice, then sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan generously.

4. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient choices.

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Final Thoughts

This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a luxurious twist on a classic, blending tender beef with sweet onions and rich, cheesy goodness. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a comforting meal.