Savory French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup Recipe: A Cozy Delight

Slow-cooked beef short rib soup captures the essence of French comfort cuisine with deep, rich flavors that warm your soul.

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs infuse this hearty French onion beef short rib soup with incredible depth and complexity.

Caramelized onions add a sweet, golden layer that complements the robust meat perfectly.

Each spoonful promises a luxurious blend of savory broth and succulent beef.

Layers of melted cheese crown this rustic dish, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Winter nights or cozy gatherings call for this exceptional soup that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Prepare to experience a truly memorable meal that celebrates classic French cooking techniques.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes In French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

• Beef Short Ribs: Rich, marbled cut that delivers deep, hearty flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked, choose meat with good fat marbling for maximum succulence.
• Salt: Enhances meat's natural taste and helps create delicious caramelized exterior during searing.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to meat's flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky, slightly sweet undertone that elevates meat's depth.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect searing environment with high smoke point, helps develop beautiful golden-brown crust on meat.

Best Tools For French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for creating rich, deep flavors and handling all cooking stages.
• Tongs: Essential for safely turning and handling hot short ribs during searing.
• Sharp knife: Needed for trimming fat and cutting ingredients precisely.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and scraping bottom of pot.
• Meat thermometer: Optional but helpful for checking meat doneness.

Simple Instructions For French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

• Prep the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling hot surface ready for culinary magic.

• Season and Sear the Meat

Generously coat short ribs with a robust blend of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then carefully place them in the hot pan. Allow the meat to develop a gorgeous caramelized crust by cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until deeply browned.

• Rest the Meat

Transfer the beautifully seared short ribs to a separate plate, letting them pause momentarily while you prepare the next delicious stage of cooking.

Tips To Add Flavor To French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

• Slow Cooker Magic: Transform this recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring seared short ribs and sautéed onions to a slow cooker, cooking on low for 7-8 hours for ultra-tender meat.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional flour for cornstarch when thickening the soup, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this hearty dish.
• Wine Swap Options: No red wine? Try beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar or replace with robust dark beer for deeper flavor complexity.
• Vegetable Boost: Add diced carrots or celery during the onion caramelization process to increase nutritional value and introduce extra layers of savory depth.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different melting cheeses like gruyère, fontina, or a sharp aged cheddar to create unique flavor profiles atop the toasted bread garnish.

Serving French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup The Easy Way

• Rustic Bread Dipping Delight: Slice a crusty baguette and toast golden brown, perfect for soaking up the rich, savory broth and capturing every delicious flavor.
• Cheese Lover's Dream Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated Gruyère or aged Parmesan on top, allowing it to melt slightly and create a luxurious, creamy finish.
• Herb Garden Freshness: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or chives to add a bright, aromatic touch that cuts through the soup's deep, meaty richness.
• Elegant Side Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty soup and provide a refreshing contrast.

How To Store French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store the soup in an airtight container, which keeps flavors intact and prevents absorption of other refrigerator odors for up to 4 days.
• Freezing Wisdom: Carefully transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion, where it maintains excellent quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on stovetop at medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain rich texture and prevent scorching.
• Flavor Enhancement Trick: When reheating, consider adding a fresh splash of beef broth to restore original moisture and reinvigorate the soup's depth, ensuring each spoonful tastes just as delicious as the first serving.

Hearty French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty french onion beef short rib soup merges classic French techniques with robust beef flavors. Rich beef stock, caramelized onions, and tender short ribs create a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) bone-in beef short ribs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 cups (0.95 liters) beef broth
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) red wine (or extra broth)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelization)
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 1 cup (100 grams) Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp melted butter

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Instructions

1. Sear Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then season beef short ribs comprehensively with salt, pepper, and smoky paprika, creating a flavorful exterior coating.
2. Caramelize Surface: Strategically place seasoned ribs into the sizzling pot, rotating methodically to develop a rich, mahogany-colored crust on all sides, ensuring deep golden browning and maximum flavor development.
3. Rest Meat: Gently transfer the meticulously seared ribs to a holding plate, allowing them to rest momentarily while preparing for the next cooking phase.

Notes

• Select High-Quality Meat: Choose well-marbled, bone-in short ribs for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring a rich and succulent final dish.
• Master the Searing Technique: Achieve a deep golden-brown crust by avoiding overcrowding the pot, which allows proper caramelization and locks in the meat’s natural juices.
• Season Generously: Use a bold spice blend like smoky paprika, salt, and pepper to create a robust flavor profile that penetrates the meat’s surface before cooking.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain a medium-high temperature during searing to develop a mahogany-colored crust without burning the meat, creating a perfect foundation for the soup’s depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg