French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich, deep flavors of French onion soup with tender, slow-braised beef short ribs. This recipe elevates the classic soup with succulent, fall-apart beef simmered in a savory, wine-infused broth, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyère cheese.
Why This Recipe Works
✔ Ultimate Comfort Food – A perfect blend of savory caramelized onions, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, and gooey cheese.
✔ Rich & Flavorful Broth – The combination of red wine, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce creates an incredibly deep, umami-packed taste.
✔ Perfect for Special Occasions – This dish feels elegant yet cozy, making it great for dinner parties or a comforting weekend meal.
✔ Slow-Cooked Perfection – The low and slow cooking process ensures the short ribs are fork-tender and infused with flavor.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Main Ingredients:
2 lbs beef short ribs
2 tbsp olive oil
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
6 cups beef broth
1 cup dry red wine
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
1 baguette, sliced
1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
How to Make French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the short ribs with salt and black pepper.
Sear the ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium, add butter, and let it melt.
Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown (about 35-40 minutes).
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine & Simmer
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Let it simmer for 3 minutes to cook off some of the alcohol.
Return the short ribs to the pot.
Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cover.
Cook on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the short ribs are fall-apart tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- While the soup is finishing, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, until crisp.
- Sprinkle Gruyère cheese on top of each slice and return to the oven until melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Remove the short ribs from the soup, shred the meat, and discard the bones.
Return the shredded beef to the soup and stir well.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the cheesy baguette slices.
Garnish with extra thyme leaves if desired.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
✔ Caramelize the onions slowly – This step builds rich, deep flavor. Don’t rush it!
✔ Use a good quality dry red wine – A Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot adds depth.
✔ For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for balance.
✔ Let the soup sit overnight – The flavors develop even more after resting!
✔ Make it in a slow cooker – Sear the ribs and caramelize the onions first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Serving Suggestions
This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup pairs well with:
✔ A side of mixed greens with balsamic dressing.
✔ A glass of red wine to complement the rich broth.
✔ Roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
How to Store & Reheat
✔ Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔ Freezer: Freeze without the bread topping for up to 3 months.
✔ Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Final Thoughts
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with deep caramelized onion flavor, tender beef, and melted Gruyère cheese. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, holiday meal, or special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Give it a try and let the rich flavors warm your soul!