Mediterranean 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.