If you’re looking for a rich and comforting dish that blends the elegance of French cuisine with hearty, slow-cooked flavors, French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the perfect choice. This recipe combines caramelized onions, tender beef short ribs, and a savory broth, finished with crusty bread and melted cheese for that classic French onion flair.
It’s a luxurious yet rustic meal that’s ideal for dinner parties, special occasions, or when you want to treat yourself to a warm, flavorful bowl of gourmet comfort.
Ingredients
Serves 6–8
- 3 pounds beef short ribs
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total time: About 2 hours 50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Season short ribs generously with salt and pepper.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, sear the ribs in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In the same pot, melt butter and add sliced onions.
- Cook slowly over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and deeply caramelized.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Broth
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up browned bits.
- Return short ribs to the pot and add beef broth, balsamic vinegar, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours, until beef is tender and falling off the bone.
Step 4: Finalize the Soup
- Remove ribs, shred meat, and discard bones. Return shredded beef to the soup.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
- Toast baguette slices until crisp.
- Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread, and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
- Place bowls under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad for balance.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine that matches the richness of the broth.
- Serve as a show-stopping starter at a dinner party or as a full main course with bread.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 1 bowl) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 32 grams |
| Total Fat | 32 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 28 grams |
| Sugars | 7 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 860 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Beef short ribs provide high-quality protein and iron.
- Caramelized onions add natural sweetness and antioxidants.
- Gruyère cheese and bread topping add richness, but can be reduced for a lighter version.
Tips for Best Results
- For deeper flavor, cook onions low and slow until they are deeply caramelized.
- Use bone-in short ribs for maximum richness in the broth.
- For a lighter version, skip the cheese topping and serve with whole-grain bread.
- Make a day ahead—the flavors intensify after resting overnight.
This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a luxurious twist on the classic French onion soup. With its tender beef, deeply flavored broth, and golden cheesy topping, it’s both elegant and soul-satisfying. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights at home, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.