Warm your soul with this luxurious, hearty soup featuring melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, deeply caramelized onions, and bubbling cheese. Whether you’re making it for family or to impress guests, this dish delivers unforgettable comfort with every spoonful. Learn more about short rib-based recipes you’ll also enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup
Comfort food meets gourmet
This soup combines two cozy classics—beef short ribs and French onion soup—into one elegant dish. It’s rich, warming, and perfect for cold evenings.
The depth of beef short ribs
Using bone-in short ribs ensures a bold, savory broth. The meat becomes fork-tender after slow simmering, adding a layer of richness that plain onion soup lacks.
Tools You Need to Make It Right
Must-have kitchen essentials
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Wooden spoon
- Oven-safe soup bowls
Why the right tools matter
A Dutch oven retains heat evenly for slow cooking, while oven-safe bowls help achieve that bubbly cheese crust under the broiler.
Ingredients Breakdown
Soup ingredients list
- 2 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in)
- 3 large yellow onions, sliced thin
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt & black pepper
Toppings
- 6 toasted baguette slices
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sear the beef short ribs
Season ribs and brown on all sides in olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the onions
Lower heat to medium, add butter, then cook onions 25–30 minutes until deeply golden. Stir occasionally. Add garlic in the last 2 minutes.
Step 3: Build your broth
Return ribs, add broth, Worcestershire, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer covered for 2–3 hours until ribs are tender. Remove ribs, shred meat, and return to pot.
Step 4: Broil the topping
Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with toasted bread and cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chef’s Tips for Flavorful Perfection
Don’t rush the onions
Caramelizing onions slowly builds sweetness and depth. High heat will burn them—be patient!
Flavor hacks
Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry while caramelizing onions for a sophisticated twist.
Make It Your Own – Variations
Cheese swaps
Mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan all melt beautifully. Try a combo for a richer flavor.
Meat substitutes
Not a fan of beef? Substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken or seared mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Serving and Storage Ideas
Serving suggestions
Serve hot from the oven, paired with a simple green salad or roasted veggies. Looking for inspiration? Try our creamy ravioli soup for another comforting bowl.
Storing leftovers
- Fridge: Up to 3 days (airtight container)
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (without bread and cheese)
Final Thoughts on This Hearty Delight
French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is what comfort food dreams are made of. The caramelized onions bring sweetness, the short ribs give richness, and the melted cheese on crusty bread adds that perfect finish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving cozy food, don’t miss our mediterranean lemon chicken soup or mushroom rice for more savory inspiration.