French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup – Deeply Flavorful, Hearty, and Unforgettable 🥣💛

If you could take everything you love about French onion soup — caramelized onions, savory broth, gooey cheese — and make it heartier and more satisfying, you’d get this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup.

Tender, slow-cooked beef short ribs fall apart in a rich, onion-infused broth, layered with melted Gruyère cheese and toasted bread. It’s comfort food with elegance — the kind of dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas and warms you right to your core.

Perfect for chilly nights or special dinners, this soup is a meal all on its own.

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🧅 French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup Recipe

Ingredients

For the Short Ribs:

• 2 lbs beef short ribs, bone-in

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Soup Base:

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp sugar (helps caramelize the onions)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup dry red wine (optional but highly recommended)

• 6 cups beef broth

• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 bay leaves

• 2–3 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• 4 slices of French bread or baguette

• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear the Short Ribs

   • Pat short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

   • In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

   • Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side).

   • Remove and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions

   • In the same pot, melt butter and add the sliced onions.

   • Sprinkle with sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 30–40 minutes until deeply golden brown.

   • Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

3. Deglaze the Pot

   • Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

   • Simmer until the liquid is mostly reduced, about 3–5 minutes.

4. Build the Soup

   • Return the short ribs to the pot.

   • Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.

   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2–2½ hours, or until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.

5. Shred the Meat

   • Remove the short ribs from the soup and discard bones.

   • Shred the beef and return it to the pot. Adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Assemble and Broil

   • Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.

   • Top each with a slice of toasted baguette and a generous handful of cheese.

   • Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 2–4 minutes.

7. Serve

   • Garnish with parsley and serve hot — ideally with extra crusty bread for dipping.

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🌟 Tips for the Best Flavor

• Caramelize slowly: Take your time with the onions — that deep golden color is key to flavor.

• Use good broth: A rich, homemade or high-quality beef broth makes all the difference.

• Try a splash of sherry or cognac for an extra French touch.

• Make ahead: The soup tastes even better the next day!

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🍷 Serving Ideas

• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

• Serve alongside a glass of red wine (Cabernet or Merlot works beautifully).

• Add a side of mashed potatoes or garlic bread for a full, hearty meal.

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💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Deep, rich flavor from caramelized onions and slow-cooked beef
✔️ Melty, cheesy topping just like classic French onion soup
✔️ Hearty enough for a main course
✔️ Perfect make-ahead comfort food

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💬 Final Thoughts

This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is everything you love about cozy, homemade cooking — slow-simmered flavor, melt-in-your-mouth meat, and that irresistible layer of bubbling cheese. Each spoonful feels luxurious and comforting at the same time.