French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

 French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup – A Comforting, Rich & Flavorful Delight

Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of rich, savory soup, and French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Combining the deep, umami-rich flavors of caramelized onions, slow-braised beef short ribs, and a deeply flavorful broth, this soup is a showstopper. Topped with garlic-infused, cheesy bread, each spoonful is a perfect balance of tender beef, sweet onions, and a luxurious broth.

This dish is perfect for cold evenings, special family dinners, or when you need a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you're a fan of classic French onion soup or slow-cooked beef short ribs, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔️ Deep, rich flavors – Slow-cooked beef short ribs infuse the broth with a robust, meaty depth.

✔️ Perfectly caramelized onions – A signature sweet and savory balance that makes this soup irresistible.

✔️ Garlicky, cheesy bread topping – The ultimate crunchy, gooey companion to soak up all the delicious broth.

✔️ Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

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Ingredients & Their Role

For the Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps brown the short ribs, adding depth to the broth.

500g (1.1 lbs) beef short ribs – The star of the dish, providing incredible flavor and tenderness.

4 large onions, thinly sliced – The base of a true French onion soup, adding natural sweetness.

4 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the broth with a rich, aromatic depth.

6 cups beef broth – Forms the backbone of the soup, carrying the flavors of the short ribs and onions.

1 cup dry red wine – Deglazes the pan and adds a touch of acidity and complexity.

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – A secret weapon for umami-packed depth.

2 bay leaves – Infuses the soup with a subtle herbal aroma.

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme) – Adds earthy warmth to balance the sweetness of the onions.

Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances all the flavors.

For the Garlicky, Cheesy Bread

1 baguette, sliced – The perfect crunchy vessel for the cheese topping.

2 tablespoons butter, melted – Adds richness and a crispy texture.

2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the bread with bold garlicky flavor.

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese – Melts beautifully, delivering the classic French onion soup experience.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Short Ribs

1. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them until deep golden brown on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).

3. Remove the ribs and set them aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

4. In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.

5. After about 10 minutes, add a pinch of salt and continue cooking until they become golden brown and deeply caramelized (this takes 30-40 minutes).

6. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.

Step 3: Deglaze & Build the Broth

7. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until the wine reduces by half.

8. Return the short ribs to the pot.

9. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.

10. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlicky, Cheesy Bread

11. While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

12. Brush the baguette slices with melted butter and sprinkle with minced garlic.

13. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.

14. Remove from the oven, top with shredded Gruyère cheese, and return to the oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

15. Discard the bay leaves, then remove the short ribs from the soup. Shred the meat and discard the bones.

16. Return the shredded beef to the soup.

17. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with a slice of garlicky, cheesy bread.

18. Serve immediately and enjoy every deeply flavorful bite!

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Pro Tips for Perfect French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

✔️ Take your time caramelizing the onions – This is the key to the soup’s deep, sweet-savory flavor. Rushing this step will lead to bland onions.

✔️ Sear the short ribs well – A deep brown crust on the meat means more flavor in the broth.

✔️ Use high-quality beef broth – A rich, homemade broth (or a high-quality store-bought one) makes a huge difference.

✔️ Let it simmer low and slow – The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the short ribs will be.

✔️ Toast the bread just right – You want crunchy edges but a soft center to soak up the soup perfectly.

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Serving Suggestions

To turn this dish into a complete meal, consider serving it with:

A fresh green salad – Something crisp like an arugula salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.

Roasted vegetables – A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus complements the soup beautifully.

A glass of red wine – The same dry red wine used in cooking pairs wonderfully with the dish.

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Why This Recipe Stands Out

This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup takes the classic flavors of French onion soup and elevates them with tender, fall-apart short ribs and a deeply rich broth. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, caramelized onions, hearty beef, and bold, umami-packed broth.

Paired with garlicky, cheesy bread, this dish is not just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this soup is guaranteed to impress.

So grab your Dutch oven, a 

good bottle of red wine, and get ready to enjoy the best bowl of soup you’ve ever had!

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