Savory French Onion Beef Short Rib Recipe

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of French Onion Beef Short Rib—a hearty twist on the classic French onion soup that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings. Picture tender shreds of beef short rib mingling with sweet caramelized onions, all simmered to perfection in a savory broth that will have your kitchen smelling divine.

Inspired by the cozy vibes of Parisian bistros, this dish is a celebration of slow-cooked goodness that brings families together around the table. Imagine savoring each spoonful of this soul-soothing soup, topped with gooey melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese and a crispy slice of French bread. It’s a bowl of comfort that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a winter dinner party or simply craving a heartwarming meal for a cozy night in, French Onion Beef Short Rib is a must-try recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have your loved ones gathering around for more.

Quick Benefits

• Caramelizing onions slowly builds sweetness, while seared short ribs and beef broth add deep, savory layers.
• Gruyère or Swiss melt beautifully and offer subtle nuttiness that complements the onion-beef combination.
• Chuck roast or brisket can work in place of short ribs, though cooking time may vary for ideal tenderness.
• Toasting prevents sogginess and helps hold up the cheese when broiling for a perfect golden crust.

Why You’ll Love This Savory French Onion Beef Short Rib Recipe Recipe

• Rich and Comforting: This French Onion Beef Short Rib soup is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy winter evenings or Sunday dinners that will warm both your body and soul.
• Family Favorite: The disappearing act this soup pulls on your table will leave you wanting more. It’s a surefire hit with family and friends, making it perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
• Deep Flavors: The slow caramelization of onions, the addition of balsamic vinegar, and the richness of beef short ribs create a deeply flavorful broth that will leave you scraping the bowl for every last bit of goodness.
• Versatile Ingredients: Don’t worry if you can’t find beef short ribs or specific cheeses. This recipe is forgiving—stew beef or chuck roast work just as well, and you can use a variety of cheeses and bread to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead Convenience: The flavors of this soup only get better with time, so you can make it in advance and enjoy an even more delicious meal the next day. Plus, you can freeze it for up to two months for a quick heat-and-eat option.
• Impressive Presentation: Whether you serve it as a main course or a starter at a dinner party, this soup’s sizzling bowls topped with cheese-covered toast will impress your guests and elevate any meal.
• Traditional with a Twist: While inspired by classic French onion soup, the addition of beef short ribs takes this dish to a whole new level of heartiness and flavor, making it a unique and memorable culinary experience.

Ingredients for Savory French Onion Beef Short Rib Recipe

Main Components

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 450 grams beef short ribs
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.4 litres beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Topping

• 100 grams shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
• 4 slices French bread

Pro Tips for Savory French Onion Beef Short Rib Recipe

Pro Tip 1: When caramelizing onions for this French onion beef short rib soup, be patient and cook them slowly over medium heat to achieve that rich, sweet flavor. Stirring often and taking around 20 minutes will ensure they turn golden brown and develop the perfect sweetness to complement the beef.

Pro Tip 2: For a showstopping presentation, consider serving this soup sizzling hot at the table. Toasting the French bread slices beforehand will prevent sogginess and help them hold up the cheese when broiling for a perfect golden crust. This extra step adds a delightful textural contrast to the dish.

Pro Tip 3: If beef short ribs are not available, you can use chuck roast or brisket cut into large chunks as alternatives. Remember that the cooking time may vary slightly to achieve optimal tenderness. Additionally, if using a different cheese, opt for Gruyère or Swiss for their excellent melting properties and subtle nuttiness that beautifully complements the onion-beef combination.

How to Make Savory French Onion Beef Short Rib Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season beef short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until deeply browned, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove short ribs from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In the same pot, cook sliced onions until caramelized and golden brown, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Stir in minced garlic with caramelized onions and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Braise Short Ribs

Add the seared short ribs back to the pot along with beef broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Raise the heat to bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes until the meat is tender.

Step 6: Toast the French Bread

While the soup is simmering, preheat the broiler in the oven. Place French bread slices on a baking tray and toast until golden.

Step 7: Shred Beef and Return to Soup

After the short ribs have become tender, take them out of the pot. Remove the bones, shred the meat, and add it back to the soup, stirring to combine.

Step 8: Assemble and Finish Under Broiler

Spoon the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each serving and sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Storage Tips

To store the finished French Onion Beef Short Rib soup, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors of the soup tend to deepen on the second day, making it even more delicious. If you wish to store the soup for a longer period, you can freeze it without the bread or cheese for up to two months. To prepare the frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat it on the stove before adding fresh toast and cheese.

If you are unable to find beef short ribs, stew beef or chuck roast cut into large chunks can be used as alternatives. As for the cheese, a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan can substitute for Swiss or Gruyère. Additionally, a hearty sourdough or baguette can be used in place of French bread. If you prefer a lighter flavor, vegetable broth can be used, although it may lack some of the richness that beef broth provides. Serve the French Onion Beef Short Rib soup as a main course with a side of green salad or steamed green beans, or present it as a starter for a winter dinner party.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find beef short ribs, stew beef or chuck roast cut into large chunks can be used as a suitable substitute. These cuts will still provide a rich and savory flavor to the soup, though cooking times may vary slightly for optimal tenderness. Additionally, if Gruyère or Swiss cheese is not available, a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan can be used for a different but still delicious cheesy topping that complements the onion-beef flavors well.

For those looking to make this dish vegetarian or lighter, vegetable broth can be used instead of beef broth. While the richness may be slightly diminished, the caramelized onions and balsamic vinegar will still provide depth of flavor. In terms of bread, a hearty sourdough or baguette can be substituted for French bread to serve alongside the soup. These substitutions can help tailor the dish to dietary preferences or ingredient availability while still capturing the essence of a comforting French onion beef short rib soup.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try ladling the French Onion Beef Short Rib soup into individual oven-safe crocks, topping each with a slice of French bread and a generous sprinkle of shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese. Place the crocks under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, then serve piping hot at the table for a rustic and delicious presentation. The combination of savory beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melty cheese will have your guests coming back for more.

Another fun idea is to serve the French Onion Beef Short Rib soup in mini bread bowls. Cut out the center of small round loaves of crusty bread, leaving a thick wall to hold the soup. Ladle the hot soup into the bread bowls, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your guests will love tearing into the crispy bread bowl and savoring every spoonful of the rich and comforting soup inside. It’s a cozy and impressive way to enjoy this classic dish with a twist.

FAQs for Savory French Onion Beef Short Rib Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have Swiss or Gruyère?

Yes, you can use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan as a substitute for Swiss or Gruyère cheese.

Can I freeze the soup with the bread and cheese already added?

No, it is recommended to freeze the soup without bread or cheese. Thaw the soup in the fridge and then add fresh toast and cheese before serving.

How long should I caramelize the onions for?

Cook the onions slowly over medium heat, stirring often, until they are golden brown and sweet, which usually takes around 20 minutes.

Why is toasting the bread important before adding it to the soup?

Toasting the bread helps prevent sogginess and ensures it holds up well under the cheese when broiling, resulting in a perfect golden crust.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this French Onion Beef Short Rib recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish that is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. The rich flavors of caramelized onions, tender beef short ribs, and gooey melted cheese create a culinary experience that is both comforting and indulgent.

Whether you are serving this soup to your family on a cozy winter evening or impressing guests at a dinner party, the hearty and delicious nature of this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts of beef or types of cheese to make this recipe your own.

So, gather your ingredients, take your time to caramelize those onions to perfection, and savor every spoonful of this delectable French Onion Beef Short Rib soup. Your taste buds will thank you for the delightful journey of flavors and textures that this dish has to offer.