French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a luxurious twist on the classic French onion soup, featuring tender, slow-braised beef short ribs in a rich, caramelized onion broth. Topped with crusty bread and melted Gruyère cheese, this hearty and comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a deeply flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and comforting – Deep flavors from slow-cooked beef and caramelized onions.
• Tender short ribs – Fall-apart beef adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Cheesy, crispy topping – Gruyère cheese and toasted bread make it irresistible.
• Great for special occasions – Impressive yet easy to make.
• Even better the next day – Flavors deepen, making it perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef Short Ribs

• Bone-in beef short ribs
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Beef broth
• Red wine (optional, for depth)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Thyme (fresh or dried)
• Bay leaf

For the French Onion Broth

• Yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• Butter
• Sugar (optional, to enhance caramelization)
• Flour (for thickening)
• Additional beef broth
• Dry sherry (optional, for depth)

For the Topping

• Baguette slices (toasted)
• Gruyère cheese (grated)
• Fresh thyme (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Braise the Short Ribs

1. Season and sear: Generously season short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sear ribs on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, cook onions and garlic until soft. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and red wine (if using).
3. Slow cook: Return ribs to the pot, add beef broth, and simmer covered for 2.5-3 hours until the meat is fork-tender.

Step 2: Make the French Onion Broth

1. Caramelize the onions: In a separate pan, melt butter and cook sliced onions over medium-low heat until deep golden brown (about 30-40 minutes). Stir occasionally and add sugar if needed.
2. Thicken the broth: Stir in flour, cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add beef broth and dry sherry. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Shred the beef: Remove ribs from the pot, discard bones, and shred the meat.
2. Assemble the soup: Add shredded beef to the caramelized onion broth and mix well. Simmer for 10 more minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Topping

1. Preheat broiler to high.
2. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with baguette slices, and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
3. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 hours

Variations

• Extra Hearty: Add mushrooms or roasted potatoes for a thicker soup.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free bread.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• No Alcohol: Skip the wine and sherry, using extra broth instead.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze soup (without bread and cheese) for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear the ribs first, then cook everything on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

What’s the best cheese for this soup?

Gruyère is traditional, but Swiss or provolone also work well.

Can I use boneless short ribs?

Yes! Boneless short ribs work but may cook slightly faster.

How do I get the best caramelized onions?

Cook them low and slow with occasional stirring—patience is key!

What type of bread works best?

A French baguette or sourdough provides the best crispy texture.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

What if my soup is too thick?

Add a little extra beef broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Chuck roast or brisket can also work but may need longer braising.

Should I remove the fat from the short ribs?

Yes, skim off excess fat after braising for a cleaner broth.

How do I get the cheese extra bubbly?

Use a hot broiler and place the soup bowls close to the heat source.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a rich, comforting dish that takes classic French onion soup to the next level. With melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, deeply caramelized onions, and a cheesy, crispy topping, this soup is pure indulgence in a bowl. Try it for your next cozy meal and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!

Print