French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich flavors of tender beef short ribs with the sweet, caramelized essence of onions. This deeply savory and soul-warming soup is perfect for cozy nights in, offering not just a meal, but an experience that warms the soul. The slow-cooked beef melds beautifully with the robust broth, while exquisite French bread topped with gooey Gruyère cheese elevates this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Whether it’s a blustery winter evening or a special occasion, this hearty soup is ideal for gathering loved ones around the table. The ingredients might sound simple, but the process brings out an abundance of flavor that tells a story. As the short ribs roast and the onions caramelize, they create a tantalizing aroma that beckons you to serve up a steaming bowl, inviting everyone to dig in. Plus, with the optional addition of star anise, you can introduce an unexpected and delightful depth.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Comforting and Hearty: This soup is a meal in itself, packed with nutrients and flavors that satisfy cravings.
Rich Flavor Profile: With caramelized onions and tender beef, the flavors meld beautifully for a dish you won’t soon forget.
Simple Preparation: Although it may seem fancy, you can easily whip it up with minimal effort, especially considering the slow-cooking time allows you to go about your day.
Impressive Presentation: The cheesy toast on top not only adds texture but makes for a beautiful presentation.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and workspace effectively. Start by gathering the necessary tools: a heavy-duty Dutch oven for roasting, a cutting board, and sharp knives for slicing the onions and garlic. A good quality cheese grater will come in handy for shredding the Gruyère cheese, ensuring it melts perfectly over the toasted bread.

Organizing your ingredients beforehand is also beneficial. Measure out the broth, tamari, and spices in separate bowls to streamline the cooking process. This not only keeps the kitchen tidy but also allows you to focus on each step without fumbling. Preheating the oven to 325°F (165°C) is also essential, as you’ll need it ready for the slow roast of the short ribs and onions. Finally, keep a pot on the stove to warm additional broth, should you need to adjust the soup’s consistency later on.

Ingredients

4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 shallots, sliced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp chopped sage
½ cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
6–8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
6 tbsp salted butter
2 cups baby carrots
2 bay leaves
1 star anise (optional)
Red chili flakes, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
6 slices French bread
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is critical for the slow-roasting method that will allow the flavors to develop in the beef and vegetables.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In your Dutch oven, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, introduce the thinly sliced yellow onions into the pot. It’s essential to stir them continuously for about 10 minutes until they achieve a beautiful golden color and become soft. This caramelization step is crucial as it imparts a deep, sweet flavor to the soup.

Step 3: Add Aromatics & Short Ribs

Once your onions are caramelized, it’s time to add complexity to the flavor. Stir in the sliced shallots, chopped garlic, fresh thyme, sage, and red chili flakes to introduce a hint of spice. Then, carefully nestle in the beef short ribs. Pour in the tamari or soy sauce along with 6 cups of chicken broth. Don’t forget to toss in the bay leaves and the optional star anise for a more aromatic experience.

Step 4: Roast the Soup

Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in your preheated oven. Let the soup slowly roast for 2½ to 3 hours. During the last hour of cooking, add in the baby carrots to let them cook through and soak up all the flavors.

Step 5: Shred the Beef

When the cooking time is complete, remove the pot from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and any rib bones. Shred the tender beef using two forks and return the meat to the pot. Simmer on the stove, and if you find the soup too thick, add more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency. Season with freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 6: Make Cheesy Toast

While your soup simmers, it’s time to prepare the cheesy bread. Set the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and toast the French bread slices for about 10 minutes to get them golden. Then, top each slice with a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese and broil them until melted and bubbly. This will create a beautifully crispy, cheesy topping for your soup.

Variations

Protein: Substitute the short ribs with other cuts such as brisket or chuck for a different texture and flavor.
Vegetables: Add more vegetables such as mushrooms or leeks for additional flavor profiles and nutrients.
Spices: Experiment with different spice combinations such as smoked paprika or cumin to deepen the flavor even further.

Cooking Notes

Make sure to brown the onions well; it enhances the sweetness of the soup.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—this soup reheats beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with freshly chopped thyme sprinkled on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Tips

For extra depth, consider deglazing the pot with a splash of red wine after caramelizing the onions.
If you prefer a kick, feel free to add more chili flakes to the broth.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
Protein: 40g
Sodium: 900mg

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of Gruyère?

Yes! You can substitute with other melting cheeses such as Swiss, fontina, or Monterey Jack.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow the soup to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! Portion the soup into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with this soup?

It pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette, side salad, or even a cheese platter for an appetizer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup is a soul-satisfying dish that combines comfort with elegance. The rich flavors of beef, caramelized onions, and toasted cheese make it an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Not only is it delicious, but the aroma as it cooks is something truly special. We hope you give this recipe a try and make your own variations, too! Please share your experience in the comments below, and consider sharing this recipe with fellow culinary enthusiasts. Enjoy every spoonful!