Description
Looking for a cozy, indulgent dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? This French Onion Short Rib Soup with Cheesy Gruyère Toast (No Wine) delivers a rich and savory experience without alcohol. Perfect as a quick dinner idea or a cozy meal prep favorite, this recipe blends slow-cooked short ribs, caramelized onions, and melted Gruyère cheese on toast into the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re after easy soup recipes, hearty fall meals, or no-wine dinner options, this one is your new go-to.
Ingredients
1.5 to 2 lbs beef short ribs
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
2 medium carrots, chopped (optional)
2 ribs celery, chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
6 slices crusty French baguette or sourdough
1.5 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions
1. Sear the Short Ribs: Season short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Sear ribs on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions: In the same pot, melt butter. Add sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat for 30–40 minutes until deeply golden, stirring frequently.
3. Build the Broth: Add minced garlic and balsamic vinegar. Stir to deglaze. Add bay leaves, thyme, carrots, celery, and beef broth. Return the ribs to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours until the ribs are tender.
4. Shred and Return the Meat: Remove ribs, discard bones, shred meat, and return it to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Make the Cheesy Toast: Preheat broiler. Toast the baguette slices, then top with grated Gruyère. Broil until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls, top each with a cheese toast slice, garnish with herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra depth without wine, balsamic vinegar is your best friend—it adds a sweet, tangy complexity.
Don’t rush caramelizing the onions; it’s the foundation of the flavor.
Make the cheese toast fresh just before serving so it stays perfectly crispy and melty.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Broiler
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with 1 toast)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: easy dinner, no wine recipe, cozy soup, fall meals, French onion, cheesy toast