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French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 72 reviews

A rich and comforting French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup featuring tender slow-cooked beef short ribs, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and a savory broth. Served with crispy toasted French bread topped with bubbly Gruyère cheese, this soup combines hearty flavors with elegant French-inspired elements, perfect for chilly days or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté Base

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 shallots, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • Pinch of chili flakes

Soup

  • 6–8 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup tamari or low sodium soy sauce
  • 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 2 cups baby carrots

Toasts

  • 6 slices French bread
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: In a large Dutch oven over high heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften.
  2. Add Wine and Seasoning: Pour in the white wine and season with black pepper. Continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes until the wine evaporates and the onions turn lightly golden.
  3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the shallots, garlic, fresh thyme leaves, chopped sage, and a pinch of chili flakes to the onions.
  4. Transfer to Crockpot: Transfer the onion mixture into the crockpot.
  5. Add Short Ribs and Broth: Place the beef short ribs into the crockpot and pour in 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Stir in tamari, bay leaves, and star anise if using.
  6. Cook Soup: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours until the ribs are tender.
  7. Add Carrots: During the last 1-2 hours of cooking, add the baby carrots to the crockpot.
  8. Prepare Meat: Once ribs are tender, remove bay leaves and star anise. Discard bones and excess fat, then lightly shred the meat. Keep the soup warm.
  9. Toast Bread: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes until dry and slightly crispy.
  10. Add Cheese and Broil: Switch the oven to broil. Top each toasted bread slice with shredded Gruyère cheese, then broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with cheesy toasts, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and black pepper to taste. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Use low sodium chicken broth and tamari to control the saltiness of the soup.
  • Star anise adds subtle aromatic notes but is optional.
  • Shredding the beef short ribs helps blend the meat into the soup for a hearty texture.
  • Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor to the toasted bread.
  • Adjust cooking time based on your crockpot model and heat settings.

Keywords: French onion soup, beef short rib soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, cheesy toast, Gruyère, caramelized onions

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/french-onion-beef-short-rib-soup-recipe/