What Makes This Soup Special?
Depth of flavor from slow-braised short ribs and deeply caramelized onions
Savory, sweet, and rich—a sophisticated comfort food
Make-ahead friendly—tastes even better the next day
Elegant yet rustic—perfect for casual or formal dining
Melty cheese topping for that iconic French onion finish
Ingredients
For the Short Ribs:
2 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in for best flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Soup Base:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or use more broth)
8 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
1 baguette, sliced into rounds
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, or a mix)
Step-by-Step Instructions
