French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup brings together the deep, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with melt‑in‑your‑mouth short ribs. Each spoonful offers rich, savory broth, tender beef, and sweet, slow‑cooked onions—perfect for cold evenings or whenever you crave a comforting, restaurant‑quality soup at home.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Depth of Flavor: Beef short ribs simmer in the broth, adding umami and richness beyond traditional French onion soup.
- Tender, Fall‑Off‑the‑Bone Beef: Slow cooking yields succulent short rib meat that practically dissolves in your mouth.
- Sweet & Savory Balance: Caramelized onions introduce natural sweetness that complements the hearty beef.
- One‑Pot Comfort: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps make this an easy weeknight or weekend project.
- Versatile Serving: Top with crusty bread and melted Gruyère for a classic finish, or enjoy as‑is for a lighter option.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef short ribs, trimmed of excess fat
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (low‑sodium recommended)
- 1 cup dry white wine or additional broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Optional for serving: slices of baguette, 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Brown the Short Ribs
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until deeply browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer ribs to a plate. - Caramelize the Onions
Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and soft, about 20–25 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Deglaze & Simmer
Pour in the white wine (or extra broth), scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Return short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. - Slow Cook
Cover and simmer for 2–2½ hours, or until short ribs are fork‑tender and falling off the bone. Remove ribs, shred the meat, discard bones and thyme sprigs, and return meat to the soup. - Season & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. For a classic finish, float baguette slices on top and sprinkle with Gruyère; broil until cheese melts and bubbles.
Tips for Success
- Patience with Onions: True caramelization takes time but rewards you with sweet, nutty flavor.
- Trim Fat: Removing excess fat from ribs prevents a greasy broth.
- Use Quality Broth: A rich beef broth elevates the soup’s depth without extra work.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Freezer: Freeze portions (without bread and cheese) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup as a cozy solo meal or impressive starter for family and friends!
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
About This Recipe
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup brings together the deep, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with melt‑in‑your‑mouth short ribs. Each spoonful offers rich, savory broth, tender beef, and sweet, slow‑cooked onions—perfect for cold evenings or whenever you crave a comforting, restaurant‑quality soup at home.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Depth of Flavor: Beef short ribs simmer in the broth, adding umami and richness beyond traditional French onion soup.
- Tender, Fall‑Off‑the‑Bone Beef: Slow cooking yields succulent short rib meat that practically dissolves in your mouth.
- Sweet & Savory Balance: Caramelized onions introduce natural sweetness that complements the hearty beef.
- One‑Pot Comfort: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps make this an easy weeknight or weekend project.
- Versatile Serving: Top with crusty bread and melted Gruyère for a classic finish, or enjoy as‑is for a lighter option.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef short ribs, trimmed of excess fat
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (low‑sodium recommended)
- 1 cup dry white wine or additional broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Optional for serving: slices of baguette, 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Brown the Short Ribs
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Season short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides until deeply browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer ribs to a plate. - Caramelize the Onions
Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and soft, about 20–25 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Deglaze & Simmer
Pour in the white wine (or extra broth), scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Return short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. - Slow Cook
Cover and simmer for 2–2½ hours, or until short ribs are fork‑tender and falling off the bone. Remove ribs, shred the meat, discard bones and thyme sprigs, and return meat to the soup. - Season & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. For a classic finish, float baguette slices on top and sprinkle with Gruyère; broil until cheese melts and bubbles.
Tips for Success
- Patience with Onions: True caramelization takes time but rewards you with sweet, nutty flavor.
- Trim Fat: Removing excess fat from ribs prevents a greasy broth.
- Use Quality Broth: A rich beef broth elevates the soup’s depth without extra work.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Freezer: Freeze portions (without bread and cheese) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup as a cozy solo meal or impressive starter for family and friends!