If you crave rich, soul-warming comfort food that feels both rustic and gourmet, you need to try French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup. This recipe combines the deep savory flavors of slow-braised short ribs with mountains of sweet, golden caramelized onions. Topped with bubbly Gruyère cheese toasts, every spoonful is a perfect marriage of French onion soup nostalgia and hearty beef stew—a total showstopper for cozy dinners or guests you want to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is how just a handful of straightforward ingredients can create such astounding depth of flavor. Each item has an important role—so let’s give them the star treatment they deserve!
- Beef short ribs (2 pounds, bone-in): The MVP—bone-in beef short ribs ensure your soup is full-bodied, meaty, and ultra-satisfying.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning your beef and waking up all the other flavors in the pot.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sear the short ribs until beautifully golden and starts the caramelization magic.
- Yellow onions (4 large, thinly sliced): The heart of the dish; slowly cooked to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Boosts flavor and helps the onions develop that irresistible golden color.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Just a pinch accelerates caramelization and adds depth to the onions.
- Thyme leaves (2 teaspoons fresh or 1 teaspoon dried): Adds an earthy, herbal aroma that melds beautifully with beef and onions.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Rounds out the aromatic base for a savory, truly mouthwatering finish.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup): For deglazing and imparting a bright note, which lifts the entire soup.
- Beef broth (6 cups): Forms the umami-rich backbone—use the best broth you can get your hands on.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): A little secret ingredient that brings even more complexity.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses a lovely, layered fragrance as everything gently simmers.
- Baguette (1, sliced): Classic for floating croutons—use gluten-free if needed.
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Melts into gooey, golden perfection for that signature French onion finish.
How to Make French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef Short Ribs
Start by sprinkling salt and black pepper generously over your beef short ribs. Then, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear each piece of beef on all sides until they’re deep brown and caramelized—the kind of crust you get from a hot pan signals big flavors are coming! Once browned, transfer the ribs to a plate and set them aside for a bit.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In the same pot (don’t wipe out those tasty brown bits!), lower the heat to medium and add the butter and all your sliced onions. Patience is key: let the onions cook slowly for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often, until they’re reduced, deep golden, and almost jammy. The transformation from sharp to sweet is pure kitchen magic.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Sprinkle in the brown sugar, thyme, and minced garlic. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough for the garlic to soften and the aromas to bloom. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and capture every flavor. Simmer for a minute or two so the alcohol evaporates and the liquid melds with the onions.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Carefully return your browned short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the bay leaf, gently stirring everything together. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for 2 and a half to 3 hours. The wait is worth it! Your kitchen will smell incredible as the beef becomes fork-tender and the flavors meld.
Step 5: Shred the Beef and Finish the Soup
Once the beef is meltingly tender, remove the ribs from the soup. Take out and discard the bones, shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces (it should fall apart easily). Return the glorious shreds of short rib back into the soup, discard the bay leaf, and give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Make the Cheesy Toasts
Heat your broiler while you slice the baguette. Toast the bread slices on a baking sheet, pile each one with a generous handful of shredded Gruyère, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely—their edges should turn golden and the cheese should bubble and brown beautifully. These will be the crowning jewels for your French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and float one of those cheesy toasts right on top. Let everyone break through the molten, savory crust and dive into the luscious, beefy-onion broth beneath. Bliss!
How to Serve French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
Garnishes
A scattering of extra thyme or a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper goes a long way. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a second sprinkle of cheese just before serving adds irresistible melty drama. The classic baguette slice broiled with Gruyère is a must—don’t skimp!
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but an herby green salad with a mustardy vinaigrette is a great counterpoint to the richness. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a crisp apple and walnut salad or a platter of roasted root vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup in oven-proof crocks with the cheesy toasts broiled right on top. Or try individual portions in small bread bowls for a show-stopping, edible twist! You can also top the soup with heart-shaped toasts for a romantic dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to three days—the flavors just get deeper and more delicious overnight.
Freezing
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup freezes beautifully (just skip the bread topping until serving!). Let the soup cool completely and pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months, perfect for cozying up on a whim.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until piping hot. If the broth seems too thick, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it up. Toast fresh bread and melt on Gruyère just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use boneless short ribs?
Absolutely! You can swap in boneless short ribs if that’s what you have. The soup will still be delicious, though bone-in ribs add a bit more richness and depth to the broth thanks to the marrow and connective tissue.
What if I don’t have Gruyère?
Swiss cheese is a great substitute and melts just as beautifully! You could also try a mix with some mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or even Provolone for a different twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is naturally gluten-free except for the bread. Use your favorite gluten-free baguette or omit the bread entirely for a hearty, cozy bowl.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! In fact, the flavors improve after resting for a day or two. Make the soup as directed, cool, and store in the fridge. Prepare your toasts right before serving to keep them crisp and cheesy.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you’d rather skip the wine, you can use a splash of apple cider or extra beef broth. The wine helps lift all the browned flavors, but you’ll still get plenty of depth with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a pot of French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup simmering on the stove—it’s comforting, impressive, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, don’t miss out on this flavor-packed gem. Your next cozy night in has a new superstar!
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French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup. Caramelized onions, tender beef short ribs, and gooey cheese toast come together in a comforting and hearty soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Beef Short Ribs:
- 2 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Caramelized Onions:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Soup Base:
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Cheese Toast:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper. Brown the short ribs in a large pot, then set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: Cook the sliced onions with butter, sugar, thyme, and garlic until caramelized.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Deglaze the pot with white wine, then add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Simmer until beef is tender.
- Finish the Soup: Shred the beef, return to the pot, and discard the bay leaf. Top baguette slices with cheese, broil until golden, and serve over the hot soup.
Notes
- For a richer broth, use a mix of beef and chicken stock.
- Using bone-in short ribs adds more flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with 1 slice of cheese toast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
