Description
Imagine a bowl of soul-warming comfort layered with deeply caramelized onions, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs, and bubbling Gruyère cheese atop toasted bread. This Rich French Onion Soup with Tender Short Ribs & Gruyère Bread is a luxurious twist on the classic, perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner that truly impresses. Ideal as a quick dinner prep (once made ahead), or an easy recipe for special occasions, it checks every box for hearty, satisfying, and unforgettable flavor. Whether you're searching for dinner ideas, a comforting fall meal, or a soup that doubles as a main course, this one’s your new go-to.
Ingredients
4 bone-in beef short ribs
6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
8 cups beef broth
1 cup dry white wine
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 baguette, sliced
2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
Instructions
1. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven and sear short ribs on all sides until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply caramelized.
3. Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits.
4. Return short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 2.5 to 3 hours.
5. Remove the short ribs, discard bones, and shred the meat. Return shredded meat to the pot. Discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning.
6. Toast baguette slices until golden. Top with Gruyère cheese and broil until melted and bubbling.
7. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a cheese toast on top. Broil briefly if desired, or serve as-is.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting layers of flavor in every bite.
Notes
Take your time with the onions—caramelization is key to the flavor foundation.
Use fresh Gruyère for optimal melt and flavor; pre-shredded just doesn’t cut it.
For a make-ahead version, store the soup and toast separately, assembling fresh when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with toast
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: French onion soup, short rib soup, gruyère bread, comfort food, dinner ideas, easy recipe, cozy meal