Description

A deeply flavorful soup of tender, braised short rib and sweet caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with crusty bread and melted cheese—elegant, hearty comfort in every bowl.

Ingredients

2–3 pounds beef short ribs, cut into individual pieces

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

4 large onions, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1 cup dry red wine (optional)

6 cups beef broth (homemade or high quality)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Baguette slices or crusty bread

1–2 cups grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven or stovetop to medium-high heat. Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat oil or butter and brown short ribs on all sides in batches. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
Add garlic and thyme in the last minute and stir until fragrant.
Return short ribs to the pot along with bay leaf. If using wine, pour in to deglaze, scraping up browned bits; reduce by half.
Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, cover, and braise gently for 2–2½ hours until meat is fork-tender.
Remove ribs, shred the meat, discard bones and excess fat. Skim fat from broth if needed and return shredded meat to the pot. Adjust seasoning.
Preheat broiler. Toast baguette slices until crisp.
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a slice of toast and generous layer of cheese.
Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden—watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

Add sliced mushrooms during onion cooking for umami depth.

Use beef chuck roast or oxtail if short ribs aren’t available—adjust braise time accordingly.

Serve with rye or sourdough bread instead of baguette for different flavor.

Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving for brightness.

Prepare the ribs and onions ahead of time and finish assembly just before serving to streamline.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl with toast and cheese
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 130mg