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Creamy Comfort in 30 MinutesNext Post » Recipe

Creamy Comfort in 30 MinutesNext Post » Recipe

4.7 from 24 reviews

This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup combines tender, slow-cooked beef short ribs with deeply caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, enhanced with fresh thyme and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Topped with melted Gruyère cheese, this hearty soup is perfect for cozy meals and offers a delightful blend of savory flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 lbs beef short ribs

Vegetables

  • 3 large yellow onions, sliced

Liquids and Broth

  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Sear the Beef Short Ribs: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef short ribs until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step develops rich flavor and caramelization. Remove the ribs from the pot and set aside.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let them caramelize slowly until they become deep golden brown and sweet, about 20-25 minutes. This process is key for the soup’s signature flavor.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Return the browned short ribs to the pot with the caramelized onions. Add the beef broth, fresh thyme leaves, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
  4. Shred the Meat: Remove the short ribs from the pot and use forks to shred the meat off the bones. Discard the bones and return the shredded meat back into the broth, stirring gently to combine.
  5. Broil with Gruyère: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls and top each serving with shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the bowls under a broiler for about 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown for a deliciously rich finish.

Notes

  • For extra depth, use homemade beef broth if available.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly is essential for the best flavor—do not rush this step.
  • Make sure to remove all bones thoroughly when shredding the meat to avoid choking hazards.
  • This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully on the stove.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Beef Short Ribs, Gruyère Cheese, Caramelized Onions, French Cuisine, Comfort Food, Slow-Cooked Soup