If there’s one soup that can warm both your body and your soul, it’s this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup. It combines deep, savory flavors from slow-cooked beef short ribs with the sweet, mellow tang of caramelized onions. The result is a bowl that’s comforting yet elegant, with a richness that makes it feel like a true special occasion meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its layered complexity. Each spoonful delivers a bit of everything: tender shreds of beef, the silkiness of onions stewed to perfection, and that golden cheesy toast bobbing at the surface, soaked just enough to hold its structure while melting in your mouth. This isn’t just soup. It’s a rustic French bistro in a bowl.

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

It brings together two comfort food icons: French onion soup and slow-braised short ribs. The onions offer that signature mellow sweetness, but it’s the beef short ribs that elevate this dish into something utterly crave-worthy. They give it a depth and richness that traditional versions often lack. You also get that luxurious mouthfeel without needing any cream or thickener—it’s all from the bones and marrow of the ribs. The longer it simmers, the better it gets.

What Kind of Beef Short Ribs Should I Use?

You can go with either English-cut or flanken-style short ribs, but for this soup, English-cut tends to work best. These are the thick, meaty cuts with bone-in, which slowly release marrow and flavor into the broth as they cook down. The meat becomes fall-apart tender and absolutely packed with flavor. Look for well-marbled ribs from your butcher or local grocery store—they’re worth the splurge for a dish like this.

Ingredients for the French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

This soup builds its depth from the ground up. A few basic ingredients simmered slowly create the kind of flavor that tastes like it took days to develop.

Beef short ribs – The star of the show. They bring incredible flavor and richness to the broth.
Yellow onions – Lots of them, sliced thin and caramelized until golden brown and sweet.
Garlic – Just a few cloves to add a subtle base note.
Beef broth – Go for a low-sodium, good-quality broth or make your own if you can.
Thyme – Fresh is best, but dried works too. It brings a fragrant herbal lift.
Bay leaves – Add earthy depth that pairs perfectly with the slow-cooked beef.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
French bread or baguette – Toasted slices that soak up the soup and hold that gooey cheese.
Gruyère cheese – The classic melt for French onion soup; nutty and melty perfection.

How To Make the French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Pat the short ribs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, sear them in batches until all sides are browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Add sliced onions to the pot with a bit of butter or oil. Cook slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and deeply caramelized. This can take up to 45 minutes, but it’s essential.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Broth

Stir in garlic and cook briefly, then pour in a splash of wine or a bit of the broth to deglaze. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the short ribs to the pot along with beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves.

Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow

Cover and let the soup simmer for at least 2.5 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart. Remove the short ribs, discard bones and fat, and shred the meat before returning it to the soup.

Step 5: Toast and Broil

Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a toasted baguette slice and a mound of shredded Gruyère. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot.

How to Serve and Store This Soup

This hearty French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup can feed about 4 to 6 people, especially when served with crusty bread or a side salad. It makes a wonderfully cozy main course for a winter dinner or special Sunday meal.

Leftovers keep beautifully. Once cooled, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the bread and cheese topping) for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop and prepare fresh cheesy toast for serving.

What to Serve With French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup?

Crusty Sourdough Bread

Something simple, crunchy, and rustic pairs perfectly. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or olive oil.

Caesar Salad

The fresh, garlicky dressing and crisp romaine cut through the richness of the soup.

Roasted Garlic Green Beans

Light, flavorful veggies balance the deep beefy broth without overpowering it.

Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole

For a more indulgent pairing, this seafood bake is a beautiful contrast to the soup’s earthy tones.

Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake

Comfort food meets veggie goodness in this creamy side that adds a lovely texture.

Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

A little sweet, a little savory, and completely addicting. These make a fun sidekick.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and golden on top, this is perfect for an all-out comfort food feast.

Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf

Savory and rich with sharp cheese and tender crumb—a match made in cozy heaven.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup, you’ll probably enjoy these other soul-warming bowls:

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for ultra-rich cheesy goodness.
Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup with bright, briny depth.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup for classic flavor in spoonable form.
Boilermaker Tailgate Chili if you want hearty spice and beefy bite.
Cheesy Chicken Fritters that go great dipped right into your soup bowl.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup or comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use red wine to deglaze or stick to broth? Try a different cheese on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and cozier.

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