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French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

A heartwarming soup combining caramelized onions, beef short ribs, and topped with melted cheese on toasted French bread.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Comfort Food, French
Calories: 525
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Provides a savory base for the soup.
  • 1 pound beef short ribs Select well-marbled cuts for tenderness.
  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced Sweet varieties caramelize beautifully.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth of flavor.
  • 6 cups beef broth The soul of the soup.
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Enhances overall taste with acidity.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) Lends an earthy note.
  • 1 leaf bay leaf Infuses broth with aromatic quality.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential seasoning.
For Serving
  • 4 slices French bread Should be crusty and toasted.
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese Melts beautifully for topping.

Method
 

Sear the Short Ribs
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear the ribs on all sides for about 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove the ribs from the pot and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions
  1. In the same pot, add the sliced onions. Stir occasionally over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing onions to caramelize. Add the minced garlic during the last 1-2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Return the short ribs to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender. Remove the short ribs, shred the meat, and discard the bones. Return the shredded beef to the pot.
Prepare the Cheesy Toast
  1. Preheat your oven's broiler. Toast the French bread slices until golden brown. Top with shredded cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until melted.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a cheesy slice of bread. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh thyme or ground black pepper.

Notes

For added flavor, include Worcestershire sauce with beef broth. Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavor profiles. Use well-marbled beef ribs for tenderness.