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French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

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A hearty twist on classic French onion soup, this recipe features tender beef short ribs simmered with caramelized onions in a rich broth, topped with cheesy toasted French bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering and Broiling
  • Cuisine: French-American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 4 slices French bread
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear short ribs on all sides until browned; set aside.
  2. Add sliced onions to the pot and cook about 10 minutes until caramelized.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in beef broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Return short ribs to pot, cover, and cook 2–3 hours until meat is tender.
  5. Toast French bread slices under the broiler until golden.
  6. Remove short ribs, shred the meat, and return to the soup. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls, top with toasted bread, and sprinkle with cheese. Broil 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Notes

  • Yellow onions caramelize best, but sweet onions also work for a milder flavor.
  • Use chuck roast instead of short ribs for a more economical option.
  • Try different cheeses like provolone or mozzarella for variation.
  • For a lighter version, serve bread and cheese on the side instead of broiling on top.
  • Soup flavors deepen if made a day ahead and reheated before serving.

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