French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Name: French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef short ribs; 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups beef broth; 1 cup dry red wine; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 baguette, sliced; 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Published: April 29, 2025

by Hailey parker

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This French onion beef short rib soup is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
The flavor profile is bold and savory, with rich beefy goodness and sweet caramelized onions.
Visually, the soup is a feast for the eyes with its deep brown color and bubbling cheese on top.
It’s versatile enough to enjoy on its own or pair with crusty bread for dipping.

I vividly remember serving this dish during a blustery winter night, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Beef Short Ribs: Look for well-marbled ribs; they’ll become tender and flavorful as they cook.
Yellow Onions: Sweet yellow onions work best; they caramelize beautifully for maximum flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; be generous but not overwhelming.
Beef Broth: A good quality broth enhances the overall richness of the soup.
Dry Red Wine: Adds acidity and complexity; choose one you enjoy drinking.
Thyme: Fresh thyme brings an aromatic touch that complements the beef perfectly.
Baguette: Slices of toasted baguette topped with cheese create a delightful crust.
Gruyère Cheese: Use shredded Gruyère for topping; it melts beautifully to form a cheesy layer.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sear the Ribs: Start by heating oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season your beef short ribs with salt and pepper before adding them to the pot until browned on all sides.

Carmelize the Onions: Remove the ribs and add sliced onions to the same pot, stirring occasionally until golden brown and soft—about 20 minutes of sweet magic happening right there.

Add Garlic and Wine: Toss in minced garlic for a minute before deglazing the pot with dry red wine. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom while letting it simmer down.

Add Broth and Herbs: Return those glorious short ribs to the pot alongside beef broth and fresh thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low for slow simmering.

Simmer Until Tender: Allow your soup to simmer uncovered for about two hours until those short ribs are meltingly tender—don’t forget to occasionally check on them like an eager parent at a school play.

Create Your Cheesy Topping: While waiting, slice your baguette into thick pieces. Toast them until golden brown, then sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese, broiling until bubbly—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

After all that hard work (and smelling goodness), it’s finally time to serve your French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup! Ladle it into bowls, place your cheesy baguette slices on top, and watch everyone’s eyes light up as they dive in. serve with cornbread hoecakes enjoy with honey butter cornbread Enjoy every comforting bite!

You Must Know

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a comforting dish packed with flavor.
The rich beef broth mingles perfectly with caramelized onions, creating a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen.
This soup is perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests at dinner parties.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the beef short ribs first to lock in flavors, then sauté the onions until golden before simmering everything for tender perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out short ribs for chuck roast or add herbs like thyme for extra depth in flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain quality.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use a heavier pot like a Dutch oven for even heat distribution while cooking.
Don’t rush the caramelization of onions; patience yields sweeter flavors.
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure optimal deliciousness.

Sharing this soup recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone’s bowl was bottomless.

FAQ

What can I use instead of beef short ribs?

You can substitute chuck roast or brisket for a similar flavor and texture.

How long does it take to caramelize onions?

Caramelizing onions usually takes about 30-40 minutes over low heat for best results.

Can I freeze French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup?

For more inspiration, check out this Easy Healthy Lentil Curry recipe.

Yes, this soup freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

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📖 Recipe Card