French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

This recipe combines the deep, slow-cooked flavor of beef short ribs with the sweet caramelized richness of French onion soup. The Mediterranean twist comes from using olive oil, thyme, and balsamic vinegar for a balanced, savory-sweet depth. Finished with cheesy toasted bread on top, it’s a cozy, hearty soup perfect for chilly days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound beef short ribs

4 large onions, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 slices French bread

1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese

Instructions

Sear the Short Ribs:

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Season short ribs with salt and pepper.

Sear them on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Caramelize the Onions:

In the same pot, add sliced onions. Reduce heat to medium-low.

Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.

Add garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Build the Soup Base:

Return short ribs to the pot.

Add beef broth, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and bay leaf.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 2 hours, or until short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.

Shred the Meat:

Remove short ribs from the soup. Discard bones and shred meat.

Return shredded beef to the pot, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Prepare the Bread Topping:

Preheat your oven broiler.

Place French bread slices on a baking sheet, top with shredded cheese, and broil until melted and bubbly, about 2–3 minutes.

Serve:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each with a cheesy bread slice. Serve immediately.

Tips

Caramelizing Onions: Take your time with the onions—slow cooking over medium-low heat brings out their natural sweetness and deep flavor.

Better Beef Flavor: Brown the short ribs well before simmering to develop a richer base.

Clearer Soup: Skim off excess fat from the top after simmering, especially if your short ribs are fatty.

Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so you can make it ahead and reheat before serving.

Bread Texture: Toast the French bread before adding cheese to help it stay crisp when placed on the soup.

Variations

Mediterranean Herb Twist: Add rosemary or oregano along with the thyme for more herbal notes.

Wine Depth: Deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup dry red wine after caramelizing onions for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Cheese Choices: Try Manchego, Provolone, or a Parmesan–Gruyère mix for different flavor profiles.

Low-Carb Option: Skip the bread topping and sprinkle cheese directly into the soup for a lighter version.

Vegetable Boost: Add sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra body and sweetness.

Q&A

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. Beef chuck or stew meat can work, but short ribs give the richest flavor and tenderness.

Q: Can this be made in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely. Caramelize the onions on the stove first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Q: What’s the best bread for topping?
A: A crusty baguette or sourdough works well. You want something sturdy enough to hold the cheese without going soggy instantly.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but freeze without the bread topping. Reheat the soup, then prepare fresh cheesy bread when serving.

Q: How do I make it less salty?
A: Use low-sodium beef broth and adjust seasoning at the end.

Nutrition Facts

(per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~560

Protein: 39g

Carbohydrates: 26g

Fat: 32g

Saturated Fat: 13g

Cholesterol: 120mg

Sodium: 870mg

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 8g

(Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used.)

Final Conclusion

This Mediterranean French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a hearty, deeply flavored twist on the classic French onion favorite. The slow-simmered beef short ribs enrich the broth, while caramelized onions and a touch of balsamic vinegar create a sweet-savory balance. Topped with cheesy toasted bread, it’s both rustic and elegant—a perfect choice for cozy dinners or impressing guests without fuss.