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French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

The French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress at a dinner gathering. This recipe combines the rich depth of caramelized onions with tender, fall-apart beef short ribs, all topped with crusty bread and gooey melted cheese. Every spoonful delivers savory warmth that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Deep, Rich Flavor – Caramelized onions and slow-braised short ribs create a broth that’s savory, complex, and soul-warming.
  • Perfect Comfort Dish – Ideal for cold evenings or when you crave something hearty.
  • Customizable – Switch up the cheese or toppings to fit your taste.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Flavors intensify after a day in the fridge, making it even better the next day.
  • Restaurant-Worthy Presentation – Served in oven-safe bowls with bubbly cheese, it looks just as good as it tastes.

Essential Tools You’ll Need

  • Dutch oven – For browning and slow simmering.
  • Sharp knife & cutting board – To slice onions and prep meat efficiently.
  • Oven-safe bowls – For broiling the cheese topping to perfection.

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 2 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups beef broth (high quality for best flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping

  • 6 slices baguette or crusty bread, toasted
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Short Ribs

  • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side).
  • Remove and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions

  • Lower heat to medium, then add butter to the same pot.
  • Add onions and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
  • Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes more.

3. Build the Soup

  • Return short ribs to the pot.
  • Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme.
  • Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  • Remove short ribs, shred the meat, discard bones, and return shredded beef to the pot.

4. Add the Topping

  • Preheat broiler.
  • Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
  • Place a toasted baguette slice on top, sprinkle with cheese, and broil 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

5. Serve & Enjoy

  • Carefully remove bowls from oven.
  • Garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot with extra bread for dipping.

Serving Ideas

  • Classic Style – With toasted baguette slices on top, soaking up broth.
  • With a Side Salad – A light mixed greens salad balances the richness.
  • Extra Indulgence – Serve with roasted vegetables, potato gratin, or a cheese plate.
  • Pickled Contrast – Add pickled onions or vegetables to cut through the richness.

Tips for the Best Soup

  • Don’t Rush the Onions – Slow caramelization is key to developing flavor.
  • Use Quality Broth – It makes a huge difference in taste.
  • Cheese Matters – Gruyère melts beautifully, but Swiss or a blend works too.
  • Let It Rest – A short rest before serving helps flavors meld together.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef short ribs?
Yes—chicken thighs or drumsticks can be substituted for a lighter version.

What bread works best?
A crusty baguette or sourdough holds up well to the broth and cheese.

Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely—mushrooms or carrots add great texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is everything you love about French onion soup—with an even richer, heartier twist. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that warms the belly and delights the senses. Once you try it, it just might become your new favorite comfort food.