There are soups that warm the soul, and then there’s French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup—a masterpiece of flavor and comfort. This dish takes the classic richness of French onion soup and amplifies it with melt-in-your-mouth tender short ribs, slow-simmered to perfection. Topped with golden, cheesy baguette slices, it’s a bowl of pure savory bliss.

With each spoonful, you get the sweet complexity of caramelized onions, the robust depth of red wine broth, and the luxurious texture of shredded beef. It’s the kind of soup you make for a cozy night in, when only something hearty and homemade will do. Trust us, your kitchen will smell like a five-star bistro.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use for the Cheese Topping?

For the cheesy crown of this soup, opt for a crusty French baguette or sourdough. Slice it thick enough to hold up under the broiler but not too chunky that it dominates the bowl. Toasted lightly before adding the cheese ensures the slices stay crispy on the bottom while gooey on top. Gruyère cheese is the traditional pick, but a blend of Gruyère and mozzarella gives you that ideal pull and golden-brown finish.

Ingredients for the French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Beef Short Ribs – The star of the show. These provide that rich, fall-apart meatiness that elevates the soup far beyond ordinary.

Yellow Onions – Caramelized low and slow for sweetness and depth.

Garlic Cloves – Adds essential aroma and warmth to the broth.

Red Wine – Deepens the broth with a fruity, acidic punch that balances the beef.

Beef Stock – Forms the flavorful base, carrying all the richness.

Bay Leaves & Thyme – Classic herbs that bring earthy notes and fragrance.

Worcestershire Sauce – Boosts umami and adds subtle tang.

Salted Butter & Olive Oil – Used for sautéing and building that luxurious mouthfeel.

French Baguette – Toasted slices become the perfect platform for melted cheese.

Gruyère Cheese – Melts like a dream and adds a nutty, savory punch.

How To Make the French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

Pat your short ribs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot and sear the ribs until deeply browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

In the same pot, melt butter and add sliced yellow onions. Cook low and slow, stirring often, until they’re deep golden brown—this can take up to 40 minutes but it’s worth every second.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up all the browned bits. Let it reduce by half. Return the short ribs to the pot, add beef stock, bay leaves, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then cover and let it braise on low for 2.5 to 3 hours.

Step 4: Shred and Return

Remove the short ribs, discard the bones, and shred the meat. Return it to the pot and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Cheese Toast Topping

While the soup simmers, toast baguette slices in the oven. Top with Gruyère and broil until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with cheesy toasts. You can even place the whole bowl under the broiler for a true French onion finish.

How to Serve and Store This Soup

Serve your French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup hot, topped with one or two slices of cheesy baguette. For an extra touch, broil the bowls briefly to let the cheese melt over the edge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

What to Serve With French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup?

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and smooth, the perfect cozy pairing.

Garlic Roasted Broccoli

A bit of crunch and green to balance the richness.

Caesar Salad

Crisp, tangy, and refreshing.

Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli

Comforting and hearty, especially in cooler weather. Try our Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli

Red Wine

Pair with the same wine used in the soup for perfect harmony.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and crispy for a modern twist.

Cheese Board

Add some elegance to the table with a few wedges of aged cheese and fruit.

Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes

Yes, really. A playful appetizer that everyone will love. Grab the recipe here

Want More Soup Ideas?

If this cozy French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup hits the spot, you’ll definitely enjoy these warm, soul-soothing recipes:

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup when you want cheesy comfort in a bowl.
A Hearty Bowl of Comfort: Tuscan Bean Soup for rustic Mediterranean warmth.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a one-dish variation on classic flavors.
Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup for easy weeknight comfort.
Creamy Spicy Rotel Dip if you’re leaning into the cozy snack zone.

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