Delicious French Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe

Introducing the ultimate comfort food fusion: French Onion Short Rib Soup! This recipe beautifully combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked beef short ribs with the sweet, caramelized goodness of traditional French onion soup. Imagine the aroma of tender beef mingling with savory onions, topped off with melty Gruyère cheese on toasted French bread. It’s a culinary masterpiece that warms the soul on even the chilliest of days.

The magic starts with buttery caramelized onions, aromatic garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs simmering in a flavorful broth. Add in succulent bone-in beef short ribs and let the soup work its magic as it simmers to perfection. The result? A bowl of soup so hearty and satisfying, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. With each spoonful, you’ll savor the depth of flavors and the tender goodness of the short ribs, making every bite a true delight.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or seeking the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in, this French Onion Short Rib Soup is sure to hit the spot. The combination of slow-cooked beef, caramelized onions, and gooey Gruyère cheese toast is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, prepare for your kitchen to smell amazing, and get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort and flavor.

Quick Benefits

• Builds deeply savory and satisfying flavors through long simmering with bone-in short ribs, caramelized onions, and fresh herbs
• Gruyère cheese adds a signature nutty taste to the cheesy toast, elevating the dish to a new level of comfort and flavor
• Soup base can be made ahead and gently reheated, making it a convenient option for cozy meals on chilly days
• Versatile recipe allows for ingredient swaps to suit dietary preferences or seasonal variations

Why You’ll Love This Delicious French Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe Recipe

• The combination of slow-cooked beef short ribs and sweet caramelized onions creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is perfect for cold days and cozy nights.
• The aroma of this soup simmering on the stove will fill your kitchen and have everyone eagerly waiting to dig in.
• The cheesy Gruyère toasts on top of the soup add a delicious crunch and melty finish that everyone will love.
• This recipe offers versatility with ingredient substitutions, making it suitable for different dietary preferences and seasonal variations.
• The option to make the soup base ahead of time and freeze it for later ensures you can enjoy this comforting dish whenever you crave it.
• The recipe’s nod to French tradition and Parisian bistros adds a touch of sophistication and warmth to your dining experience.
• The soup can be easily customized by adjusting the level of heat with chili flakes or swapping in different types of cheese.
• Serving this soup with a simple green salad and fresh thyme adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors.
• The hearty and satisfying nature of this soup makes it a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients for Delicious French Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe

Soup Base

• Pinch red chili flakes, to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 whole star anise, optional
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 shallots, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/2 cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs

Gruyère Toast

• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 6 slices French bread

Pro Tips for Delicious French Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe

To enhance the flavors of your French Onion Short Rib Soup, try searing the bone-in short ribs before adding them to the soup for an extra depth of flavor. This step adds a rich caramelized crust that will intensify the savory profile of the dish.

When making the Gruyère toasts, be sure to toast the French bread slices before adding the cheese. This will give your toasts a nice crunch and prevent them from becoming soggy when placed on top of the hot soup. Broiling them briefly with the cheese will result in a melty, golden topping that adds a delicious richness to every spoonful of soup.

For a twist on the recipe, consider adding a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan after caramelizing the onions. This will add a luxurious depth of flavor to the soup and complement the richness of the beef short ribs. Additionally, swapping out the baby carrots for roasted tomatoes in the summer or fresh peas in the spring can introduce seasonal variations that keep the dish fresh and interesting throughout the year.

How to Make Delicious French Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare For Cooking

Preheat oven to 325°F, then place a large oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a Dutch oven, melt butter and cook sliced onions for 10 minutes until lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. Season with ground black pepper.

Step 3: Build Base Flavors

Add shallots, garlic, thyme leaves, sage, and red chili flakes, and stir.

Step 4: Add Short Ribs & Liquids

Place short ribs in the pot and add 6 cups of chicken broth along with tamari. Include bay leaves and star anise if desired.

Step 5: Oven Braising

Cover the Dutch oven and place in the preheated oven. Roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the short ribs are tender and easily pull apart.

Step 6: Add Carrots

Add the baby carrots to the pot during the final 1–2 hours of braising.

Step 7: Shred Beef and Finish Soup

Take the pot out of the oven. Discard bay leaves and star anise. Remove bones, shred beef, and return meat to the soup. Simmer on low heat and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 8: Toast Bread

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until crispy around the edges.

Step 9: Prepare Gruyère Toast

Preheat oven to broil. Place shredded Gruyère on bread slices and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

Step 10: Assemble and Serve

Divide hot soup among bowls, top each with a cheese toast, and sprinkle generously with black pepper and fresh thyme.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the French Onion Short Rib Soup with Gruyère Toast, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you need to store the soup for a longer period, freeze it in individual portions in freezer-safe bags. However, do not freeze the cheesy toasts. Instead, toast fresh slices when ready to serve the soup again. Simply reheat the soup gently on the stove until hot and bubbly for a delicious meal.

To enhance or modify this dish, consider swapping short ribs for stew beef or chuck roast. You can also substitute Gruyère cheese with Swiss or Comté for slightly different but still delicious results. For a vegetarian option, use hearty mushrooms and mushroom broth instead of beef. Serve the soup with additional fresh thyme and a simple green salad for contrast, along with mini toasts for appetizer-style servings. Experiment with seasonal variations by incorporating fresh peas in spring, roasted tomatoes in summer, and a mix of shallots, leeks, and sweet onions in late fall for unique flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have bone-in beef short ribs, stew beef or a chuck roast cut into thick pieces can be a suitable substitution. These cuts will still provide a rich and flavorful broth for the soup.

For a different but still delicious twist, you can swap Gruyère cheese with Swiss or Comté. These cheeses will melt beautifully on top of the bread and add a nice nutty flavor to the dish.

If you have vegetarian guests, consider using hearty mushrooms and a splash of good mushroom broth instead of beef. This substitution will create a savory and satisfying vegetarian version of the French Onion Short Rib Soup.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the French Onion Short Rib Soup experience, consider serving it in individual crocks topped with a generous amount of Gruyère cheese and broiling until bubbly and golden brown. This adds a delicious textural element to each spoonful, making it a perfect dish to enjoy on a cozy night in or for a special gathering with friends and family.

For a fun twist, try serving the French Onion Short Rib Soup with mini Gruyère toasts on the side. Cut the French bread slices into smaller pieces before topping with shredded Gruyère and toasting until crispy. These bite-sized toasts make for a delightful appetizer-style accompaniment to the rich and savory soup, perfect for a festive cocktail party or a casual get-together with loved ones.

FAQs for Delicious French Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gruyère for the toast?

Yes, Swiss or Emmental are suitable alternatives, but Gruyère gives the toast its signature nutty taste.

Can I make the soup base ahead of time and add the toast later?

Absolutely. The soup base can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving with freshly broiled toast.

What type of bread is best for the cheesy toasts in this soup?

Classic French bread or a crusty baguette holds up well under the cheese and soaking in the broth.

How spicy is the soup with the red chili flakes?

The level of heat depends on how much chili flakes you use—add more for a kick or omit for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

French Onion Short Rib Soup is truly a labor of love that rewards you with rich, comforting flavors. The marriage of caramelized onions, tender short ribs, and gooey Gruyère cheese on toasty French bread is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s a dish that warms both the body and the soul, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones on chilly days or for treating yourself to a taste of bistro dining at home.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with your own twists, this French Onion Short Rib Soup is a versatile and satisfying dish that is sure to become a staple in your home. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the joy of slow cooking this delightful soup. Your efforts will be repaid with a bowl full of comfort and a heart full of contentment. Enjoy every spoonful of this flavorful French Onion Short Rib Soup!