French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup with Toasted Cheese Bread Recipe
This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender, slow-simmered beef short ribs nestled in a deeply caramelized onion broth. Topped with toasted French bread and melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese, this hearty soup offers a perfect blend of savory flavors and textures, ideal for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound beef short ribs
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 slices of French bread
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sear Ribs: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
- Caramelize Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the same pot and cook them over medium heat until they become deeply caramelized, which takes about 15–20 minutes. This step builds the base flavor of the soup.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to release its aroma and flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Return the seared short ribs to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, then add balsamic vinegar, thyme, bay leaf, and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Toast Bread: While the soup simmers, preheat the oven broiler. Place the French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them lightly under the broiler until golden brown.
- Prepare Meat: Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the pot, shred the meat off the bones, and discard the bones. Return the shredded meat to the soup to combine flavors.
- Assemble Bowls: Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a toasted slice of French bread, then sprinkle evenly with shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese.
- Broil and Serve: Place the bowls under the broiler for 2–3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve immediately for a rich, cheesy finish.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
- Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter soup base.
- Choose Gruyère cheese for an authentic French onion soup flavor or Swiss cheese for a milder taste.
Keywords: French onion soup, beef short ribs, caramelized onions, cheesy toast, hearty soup, comfort food