French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

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French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup – Comfort in a Bowl

If you love the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup and the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of braised beef short ribs, this recipe will become your new favorite. French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup combines slow-cooked, fall-apart beef with sweet caramelized onions, a rich broth, and a cheesy toasted bread topping that’s simply irresistible.

It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly nights, special dinners, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor.

Why This Soup is So Special

  • Two classics in one – The elegance of French onion soup meets the heartiness of beef short ribs.
  • Deep, complex flavors – Long, slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dish.
  • Restaurant quality at home – You can easily make this in your own kitchen.
  • Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for prepping in advance for guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup:

  • 3 pounds beef short ribs – Bone-in for the richest flavor.
  • 3 large yellow onions – Thinly sliced for caramelizing.
  • 4 tablespoons butter – For richness and depth.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sear the meat beautifully.
  • 6 cups beef broth – Low-sodium works best.
  • 1 cup dry red wine – Adds depth (optional but highly recommended).
  • 2 cloves garlic – Minced.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves – Or 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • 2 bay leaves – For aromatic depth.
  • Salt and pepper – To taste.
  • Baguette slices – For the cheesy topping.
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese – The traditional choice for French onion soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Short Ribs

Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions

In the same pot, add butter and sliced onions. Cook slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown, about 30–40 minutes. This step builds the soup’s signature flavor, so don’t rush it.

3. Deglaze the Pot

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Simmer the Soup

Return the short ribs to the pot along with beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 2.5–3 hours, until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.

5. Shred the Beef

Remove short ribs and discard the bones. Shred the beef into bite-sized pieces and return it to the soup. Discard bay leaves.

6. Prepare the Cheesy Topping

Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice or two of baguette, and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese. Broil until bubbly and golden brown.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove bowls from the oven (they’ll be hot!) and serve immediately, making sure to get plenty of broth, onions, and beef in every spoonful.

Tips for the Best French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

  • Use bone-in short ribs for the richest, most flavorful broth.
  • Be patient with the onions – Proper caramelization is key.
  • Deglaze with wine – This adds depth, but you can use beef broth if you prefer alcohol-free.
  • Gruyère is traditional – But Swiss or provolone are great substitutes.
  • Make ahead – This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Variations to Try

  • French Onion Beef Stew – Add carrots, potatoes, and parsnips for a heartier meal.
  • Slow Cooker Method – Sear beef and caramelize onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
  • Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) – Cook short ribs on high pressure for 50 minutes, then follow the topping steps.
  • Mushroom Twist – Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy richness.

What to Serve with It

This soup is a full meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

  • A crisp green salad with vinaigrette.
  • Roasted vegetables.
  • A glass of red wine for a cozy dinner experience.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months (without bread/cheese topping).
  • Reheat – Warm gently on the stovetop. Add fresh bread and cheese before serving.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is comfort food at its finest. With tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich broth topped with cheesy toasted bread, it’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for cold nights, holiday dinners, or impressing guests, it’s a recipe worth savoring again and again.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this soup is the ultimate blend of French bistro elegance and hearty home cooking.

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