There’s something magical about a bowl of warm, rich soup that fills your home with the deep, savory aroma of caramelized onions, slow-braised beef short ribs, and fragrant herbs. French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a luxurious twist on the traditional French onion soup, bringing in the deep, meaty flavors of tender beef short ribs to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Perfect for a cozy night in, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a hearty meal, this soup is packed with layers of flavor from slow-cooked onions, Gruyère cheese, and a hint of white wine. Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe step by step and bring a touch of French bistro magic to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Deep, Rich Flavor – Slow-cooked onions and beef short ribs create a broth that’s packed with umami.
✔ Restaurant-Quality Dish – Feels gourmet but is easy to make at home.
✔ Perfect for Special Occasions – Impress your guests with a warm, comforting dish.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
✔ Cheesy & Satisfying – Melted Gruyère on toasted French bread is the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salted butter | 6 tbsp |
| Yellow onions, thinly sliced | 4 medium |
| Shallots, sliced | 2 |
| Garlic, chopped | 4 cloves |
| Dry white wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc) | ½ cup |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh sage, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Chili flakes | A pinch |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 6-8 cups |
| Tamari (or low-sodium soy sauce) | ½ cup |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Star anise (optional) | 1 |
| Baby carrots | 2 cups |
For the Beef
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bone-in beef short ribs | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
| Black pepper | To taste |
For the Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| French bread, sliced | 6 pieces |
| Gruyère cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and shallots, stirring occasionally.
- Cook for 35-40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, sage, and chili flakes, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Step 2: Deglaze with White Wine
- Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer until most of the liquid evaporates (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 3: Brown the Beef Short Ribs
- While the onions are cooking, season the short ribs with black pepper.
- Heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat and sear the short ribs on all sides until browned.
- Transfer the short ribs into the pot with the caramelized onions.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Add the chicken broth, tamari (or soy sauce), bay leaves, and star anise to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover.
- Cook on low heat for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fall-off-the-bone tender.
Step 5: Remove the Short Ribs & Shred the Meat
- Take the short ribs out of the pot and remove the bones.
- Shred the beef into bite-sized pieces and return to the soup.
- Stir in the baby carrots and simmer for another 15 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Toasts
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the French bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle Gruyère cheese generously over each slice.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Assemble & Serve
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Place a cheesy French bread slice on top of each bowl.
- Garnish with extra fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
1. Get the Perfect Caramelized Onions
- Cook onions low and slow to develop deep, sweet flavors.
- Stir occasionally and don’t rush the process!
2. Use the Right Cheese
- Gruyère melts beautifully and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
- You can also use Swiss cheese or Comté for a similar effect.
3. Add Depth to the Broth
- Tamari or soy sauce gives an umami boost.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a touch of sweetness.
4. Make It Ahead of Time
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
5. Serve with the Right Sides
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich soup.
- Red Wine – Pairs beautifully with the deep flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 25g |
Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQs About French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! If you don’t have short ribs, try using beef chuck roast or brisket for a similar rich texture.
2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After caramelizing the onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
4. What’s the best bread for the topping?
French baguette works best, but sourdough or ciabatta also toast well.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter and swap the cheese for dairy-free alternatives like Violife.
6. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread and replace all-purpose flour (if using) with cornstarch.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup!
This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is rich, hearty, and bursting with deep, complex flavors. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening and impress guests with its gourmet appeal.
Now It’s Your Turn!
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out!
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