Description
A comforting and rich soup featuring slow-cooked beef short ribs and caramelized onions, inspired by classic French onion soup flavors. Perfect for an easy homemade comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in or boneless)
- 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- French baguette slices (for serving, optional)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (about 100g)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides until deeply caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove ribs and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium-low, add 3 tablespoons butter, then add the sliced onions. Stir every 5 minutes and caramelize slowly for about 40-45 minutes until soft, golden, and sweetly fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half.
- Return the browned short ribs to the pot. Pour in beef broth until ribs are mostly covered. Add fresh thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover partially with a lid and let simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours until ribs are fall-apart tender and broth is flavorful.
- Remove ribs and shred the meat, discarding bones and excess fat. Return shredded beef to the pot. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Optional: Preheat broiler. Toast baguette slices on a baking sheet until golden. Top with shredded Gruyère and broil until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Ladle soup into bowls, top with cheesy toasts, and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not rush caramelizing onions; low and slow is key. If broth is too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. For extra richness, blend some caramelized onions and broth and stir back in. Use bone-in ribs for best flavor. Butter baguette slices before toasting for extra crispiness. Leftovers taste better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups soup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: French onion soup, beef short ribs, caramelized onions, comfort food, homemade soup, slow cooked, easy recipe