If you love the deep flavors of classic French onion soup but want something heartier, this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is exactly what you need. It combines melt-in-your-mouth tender beef short ribs with caramelized onions, a savory broth, and gooey melted cheese on top. It’s the ultimate cozy comfort food that feels both rustic and luxurious.
Why This Recipe Works
Tender beef short ribs: Slow-cooked until they fall right off the bone. Deep flavor: Caramelized onions give this soup its signature richness. Cheesy topping: Just like traditional French onion soup, it’s finished with bread and melted cheese. Perfect for cold days: It warms you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
For the Soup
3 pounds beef short ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sugar (to help caramelize onions)
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 bay leaf
8 cups beef broth (low sodium if possible)
½ cup dry red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
For the Topping
Baguette slices (toasted)
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Short Ribs
Season ribs with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven.
Sear ribs on all sides until browned (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions
In the same pot, add sliced onions.
Cook slowly over medium heat, stirring often.
Add sugar and a pinch of salt to help them caramelize.
This takes about 25–30 minutes until onions are deep golden brown.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
3. Build the Broth
Pour in red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
Add seared short ribs back into the pot along with thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2.5–3 hours, until the short ribs are fork-tender.
4. Assemble the Soup Bowls
Remove short ribs, shred the meat, and discard bones.
Return meat to the pot.
Taste broth and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.
Top each with a toasted baguette slice and a generous sprinkle of Gruyère cheese.
5. Broil and Serve
Place bowls under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
Patience is key when caramelizing onions – don’t rush! If you prefer, you can cook this in a slow cooker (8 hours on low) or Instant Pot (45 minutes on high pressure).
Gruyère is traditional, but mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss work too.
Serving Suggestions
This rich soup pairs beautifully with:
A fresh green salad Crusty bread on the side (extra dipping never hurts!) A glass of red wine
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup takes the best of two worlds: the comfort of French onion soup and the richness of braised short ribs. It’s warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying – perfect for when you want to treat yourself or impress your guests with a restaurant-worthy dish at home.