Warm up with this rich and flavorful French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup, a perfect blend of tender beef short ribs, caramelized onions, and savory beef broth, topped with a gooey, cheesy baguette. This dish combines the deep, comforting flavors of French onion soup with the heartiness of braised short ribs, making it an ideal meal for cozy nights. Follow this simple recipe to create a restaurant-worthy dish at home!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 lbs beef short ribs
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (preferably dry)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices baguette
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat and Sear: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Caramelize Onions: In the same pot, add the sliced onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and seared short ribs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Braise in Oven: Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the short ribs are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
5. Shred and Season: Remove the short ribs from the pot, shred the meat, discarding any bones and excess fat. Return the shredded meat to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf.
6. Prepare Cheesy Topping: Toast the baguette slices until golden. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a toasted baguette slice on top of each, and sprinkle generously with grated Gruyère cheese.
7. Broil and Serve: Preheat your broiler. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Serve immediately, piping hot.

Tips for Success

• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
• Make Ahead: The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Prepare up to step 5, refrigerate, and reheat before adding the cheesy baguette topping.
• Cheese Swap: No Gruyère? Try Swiss or mozzarella for a similar melty texture.

This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, savory flavors with a decadent cheesy finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!