Savory Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe

Craving a soul-warming dish that’s both comforting and elevated? Look no further than the delectable Tasty Onion Short Rib Soup. This recipe takes the beloved French Onion Soup to new heights by infusing it with fall-apart braised beef short ribs and sweet, caramelized onions. The result? A deeply flavorful broth that’s worth every minute of cooking time. Each spoonful is a perfect harmony of rich wine-infused beef, sweet onions, and gooey melted Gruyère cheese atop crunchy bread.

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve made this Tasty Onion Short Rib Soup, and one thing remains clear – greatness cannot be rushed. The slow-cooked onions and tender meat truly shine when given the time they deserve. My secret? A splash of wine and a hint of cognac while deglazing the pot. Trust me, it’s these little details that make all the difference in the final flavor profile.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or simply craving a cozy night in, this soup is a winner. Make ahead tips? Absolutely. Prep the soup base in advance, store the components separately, and assemble when ready to enjoy. Trust me; this Tasty Onion Short Rib Soup will become a family favorite in no time, especially on chilly evenings.

Quick Benefits

• Elevates a classic comfort food to new heights with rich flavors and hearty ingredients
• Perfect balance of sweet caramelized onions, wine-infused beef, and gooey melted Gruyère on crunchy bread
• Can be prepared ahead of time for easy meal planning and tastes even better as flavors meld together
• Tip: Add wine and a splash of cognac when deglazing for an extra flavor boost

Why You’ll Love This Savory Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe Recipe

• Elevated Comfort Food: This recipe takes a classic French comfort dish and elevates it with the rich flavors of braised short ribs, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted Gruyère cheese on crunchy bread.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet caramelized onions, rich wine-infused beef, and the creamy goodness of melted Gruyère cheese, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender: The fall-apart braised short ribs and slow-cooked onions create a deeply flavorful broth, making every mouthful a tender and satisfying experience.
• Enhanced Flavors: Deglazing the pot with wine and a splash of cognac adds a layer of complexity to the soup, enhancing its overall flavor and making it a truly unforgettable dish.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the soup base up to three days before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together even better. Simply heat it up and assemble with fresh cheese toasts when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Family Favorite: This soup recipe has been perfected over time, and it has become a beloved dish in many households, making it a go-to meal for cozy and cold weather days.
• Versatile Troubleshooting Tips: With handy troubleshooting tips included, such as thickening a watery soup, tenderizing meat, or perfecting melted cheese, this recipe ensures that even beginners can create a delicious meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for entertaining, this soup can be kept warm in a slow cooker, with fresh cheese toasts made as needed. Pair it with a bold red wine and a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Savory Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe

Soup

• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 pounds beef short ribs with bone
• 1 tablespoon oil from olives
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup red wine, dry variety
• 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 2 tablespoons flour (if you want thicker soup)
• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, fresh
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 big yellow onions, cut into thin slices
• 1 bay leaf
• pepper and salt as needed

Gruyère Toast

• 6 slices of baguette
• 1 garlic clove, cut in half
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted down
• 1½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded

Pro Tips for Savory Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe

Pro Tip #1: Patience is key when making this Tasty Onion Short Rib Soup. Take your time to caramelize the onions perfectly and allow the meat to become tender. Rushing these steps will affect the overall flavor and texture of the soup.

Pro Tip #2: Deglaze the pot with a splash of wine and cognac for an extra flavor boost when making the soup. This small step adds depth and richness to the broth that elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Pro Tip #3: For easy meal prep, cook the soup base ahead of time and store the onions, meat, and broth separately in the fridge. Assemble and heat everything together when you’re ready to eat. This will save you time and ensure each component retains its best flavor.

How to Make Savory Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sear meat

Season ribs and brown in hot oil until all sides are nicely colored.

Step 2: Cook onions

Caramelize onions in butter over low heat for 25-30 minutes. Add garlic and wine, simmer until reduced by half.

Step 3: Make soup

Return the ribs to the pot with the liquids and herbs. Simmer gently for 2.5-3 hours until the meat is very tender. Shred the meat into chunks.

Step 4: Make toast

Brush bread slices with butter and toast in a 400°F oven. Rub garlic over each slice, top with cheese, and broil until melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and place cheesy toast on top to float.

Storage Tips

After making the Tasty Onion Short Rib Soup, it is important to store the soup and meat separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors of the soup actually develop and improve over time, making it even more delicious the next day. To store the soup for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and warm it slowly on the stove. It is recommended to make fresh cheese toasts when you are ready to serve the soup for the best texture and taste.

When serving the Tasty Onion Short Rib Soup, use deep bowls that can accommodate generous portions of soup with cheese toast on top. It is suggested to have extra crusty bread on the table for soaking up the flavorful broth. For leftovers that are being frozen, store the meat and broth together but prepare fresh onions separately later for optimal texture. This hearty and flavorful soup pairs well with a bold red wine and can be kept warm in a slow cooker when serving a larger group, with fresh cheese toasts made as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this Tasty Onion Short Rib Soup, you can substitute the beef short ribs with meat alternatives like seitan or tempeh to achieve a similar meaty texture and flavor. Additionally, replacing the beef stock with vegetable stock will maintain the depth of flavor in the broth while making it suitable for vegetarian diets.

If you prefer not to use alcohol in your cooking, you can substitute the red wine in this recipe with additional beef stock or vegetable broth. This swap will still provide richness and depth to the soup without the alcohol content. Additionally, for a gluten-free option, you can replace the flour used for thickening with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to achieve the desired consistency without compromising the taste of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation of this Tasty Onion Short Rib Soup, serve it in deep, rustic bowls with a generous portion of the soup. Top each bowl with a freshly made cheese toast, ensuring the Gruyère cheese is gooey and melted. Place extra crusty bread on the table for dipping into the flavorful broth, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. Pair this hearty soup with a bold red wine to complement the rich flavors of the beef and onions, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner party or a special family meal on a chilly evening.

To elevate the experience further, consider serving a simple green salad on the side to balance out the richness of the soup. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, keep the soup warm in a slow cooker and assemble the cheese toasts as needed to ensure they are fresh and crispy. By preparing the soup base, onions, and meat ahead of time, you can quickly heat everything up and enjoy a delicious and soul-warming dish without compromising on taste. This French-inspired soup is a labor of love, where patience and quality ingredients come together to create a memorable dining experience that will have everyone craving seconds.

FAQs for Savory Onion Short Rib Soup Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gruyère for this soup?

Absolutely! While Gruyère is traditional and adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or provolone for a slightly different taste.

Is it necessary to use red wine in this recipe?

Red wine adds depth and richness to the soup, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with beef broth or a combination of beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this soup, you can substitute the beef short ribs with mushrooms or seitan for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and skip the step involving deglazing with wine and cognac.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the short ribs and cook the onions on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender. Finish by assembling the cheese toasts under the broiler just before serving.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Tasty Onion Short Rib Soup becomes a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and comfort to your table with each delicious spoonful. Remember, great cooking is all about patience and using quality ingredients, so take your time to let the flavors develop and savor the process of creating a meal that will surely become a favorite.

Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this French-inspired soup is a labor of love that will be appreciated by all. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and immerse yourself in the wonderful aromas and rich flavors of this Tasty Onion Short Rib Soup. Enjoy every bite and share the warmth and goodness with those around you. Happy cooking!