|

French Onion Short Ribs Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving something that feels cozy, luxurious, and downright irresistible, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite French Onion Short Ribs Recipe. This dish melds the deep sweetness of caramelized onions with melt-off-the-bone short ribs, all cozying up in a rich broth that you’ll want to savor slowly. Trust me, once you get this in your kitchen, it’ll become one of those recipes you just have to make again and again.

🧡

Why This Recipe Works

  • Flavor layering: The slow caramelization of onions combined with fresh herbs and tamari builds an undeniably rich, deep flavor profile.
  • Perfect tenderness: Low-and-slow cooking makes the short ribs incredibly tender, falling off the bone effortlessly.
  • Simple yet impressive: Despite its luxurious feel, the recipe uses accessible ingredients and straightforward methods.
  • Crunch meets gooey: Topping with toasted French bread and bubbly Gruyère cheese perfectly balances textures.
French Onion Short Ribs, braised short ribs with caramelized onions, hearty beef short ribs recipe, tender short ribs in onion broth, comforting French onion short ribs - A close-up of a dark pot filled with a rich stew bubbling gently. Inside the stew, there are thick pieces of raw red meat, soft orange baby carrots, caramelized brown onion slices, and visible spices including two whole bay leaves and a star anise floating on top along with some red pepper flakes. The surface of the stew has frothy bubbles and a creamy brown texture from the cooking liquid. The pot sits on a stove, with the focus clearly on the hearty ingredients simmering inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this French Onion Short Ribs Recipe plays a special role to build layers of flavor and texture—so choosing them well makes all the difference. I always pick sweet yellow onions because they caramelize beautifully, and fresh herbs like thyme and sage add that bright, earthy note that cuts through richness.

French Onion Short Ribs, braised short ribs with caramelized onions, hearty beef short ribs recipe, tender short ribs in onion broth, comforting French onion short ribs - Flat lay of six whole uncracked brown eggs, a small pile of thinly sliced yellow onions, two whole fresh shallots sliced, four cloves of fresh garlic chopped, a small white bowl of golden salted butter, a small white bowl of dry white wine, a small white bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a few fresh sprigs of thyme with leaves, a sprig of fresh sage with chopped leaves, a few dried red chili flakes scattered, two fresh bay leaves, one whole star anise pod, four large bone-in beef short ribs with natural marbling, a small bunch of baby carrots, six slices of rustic French bread, and a small white bowl filled with shredded Gruyère cheese, all placed in a perfectly balanced symmetrical arrangement on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Salted butter: This is the foundation for caramelizing your onions and shallots; the salt and fat help bring out sweetness.
  • Yellow onions: Use thin slices for that rich caramelization that gives the soup its signature flavor.
  • Dry white wine: Something like Pinot Grigio adds a touch of acidity and lifts the onions off the pan flavors.
  • Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best to add subtle heat and depth without overpowering.
  • Shallots and garlic: These aromatics deepen the savory base without stealing the show.
  • Fresh thyme and sage: Earthy and fragrant herbs that complement beef beautifully.
  • Chili flakes: Just a pinch to add a gentle warmth and complexity.
  • Low sodium chicken broth: This lets you control the saltiness while adding body and moisture.
  • Tamari or soy sauce: Brings needed umami and saltiness, especially when balanced with the sweetness of onions.
  • Bone-in beef short ribs: The star ingredient—plenty of connective tissue and fat to break down into tender, flavorful meat.
  • Bay leaves: Subtle herbal notes that work as a backbone during braising.
  • Star anise (optional): Adds a gentle, unexpected hint of licorice that plays nicely with the sweet onions.
  • Baby carrots: Added for sweetness and texture contrast toward the end of cooking.
  • French bread: For crisping up into the perfect crostini base.
  • Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully and brings that nutty, savory topping for finishing the dish.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this French Onion Short Ribs Recipe is super adaptable—whether you want to turn up the heat, switch up herbs, or make it a bit lighter, it’s easy to tweak. Here’s what I’ve played around with to suit different moods or seasons:

  • Variation: Swapping star anise for a cinnamon stick adds a cozy warmth I adore during fall dinners.
  • Make it spicy: Adding extra chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika gives it a pleasant kick without overpowering the dish.
  • Dietary: For a gluten-free version, I replace French bread with gluten-free baguette or just skip the toast topping.

Step-by-Step: How I Make French Onion Short Ribs Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize Onions and Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter in a large oven-safe Dutch oven over high heat. Toss in those thinly sliced yellow onions—cooking them gently and patiently is key here. You want them soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes, before adding white wine to deglaze the pan. This step is where magic happens—the wine evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated, sweet flavor that makes this recipe sing. Then add the shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of chili flakes. Stir well so everything smells amazing and evenly coated.

Step 2: Brown the Short Ribs and Add Broth

Next, nestle the bone-in short ribs right into that onion and herb mix. Pour the chicken broth over everything, then add tamari, bay leaves, and the optional star anise. Cover the pot tightly with a lid to trap all the steam and flavor. The low and slow roast in the oven—325°F for 2 ½ to 3 hours—is where the magic deepens; the meat turns buttery soft and falls apart easily. Throw in those baby carrots during the last couple of hours so they cook perfectly tender but not mushy.

Step 3: Prep the Toppings While Short Ribs Finish

Once the ribs are fork-tender, remove the bay leaves and star anise, discarding any bones and extra fat. Lightly shred the meat and keep the mixture on low heat on the stove to absorb flavors. Meanwhile, crank your oven up to 425°F and toast the French bread slices until they’re dry and crisp—around 10 minutes. Then switch to broil mode and pile on Gruyère cheese until bubbly and golden, usually 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the luscious French onion broth with tender short ribs into bowls, top with your cheesy toasts, a little fresh thyme, and a crack of black pepper. There’s something so satisfying about that melty cheese paired with the rich, savory broth and soft beef—it’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level.

💡

Pro Tips for Making French Onion Short Ribs Recipe

  • Patience with onions: Don’t rush caramelizing; slow and steady yields that golden, sweet flavor.
  • Brown your meat lightly: I learned that fully searing isn’t necessary here; the roasting does the heavy lifting for tender meat.
  • Adjust broth quantity: If you like it soupier, keep an extra cup of broth handy to add after cooking.
  • Don’t skip the cheese toast: It adds that vital crunchy-and-melty contrast that makes this dish memorable.

How to Serve French Onion Short Ribs Recipe

French Onion Short Ribs, braised short ribs with caramelized onions, hearty beef short ribs recipe, tender short ribs in onion broth, comforting French onion short ribs - A close-up image of a large bowl of soup with two pieces of toasted bread on top, each covered with melted light yellow cheese and sprinkled with small green herb leaves and black pepper. The soup has a rich brown broth with visible chunks of dark brown cooked meat, small green herbs, and bits of vegetables like orange carrots. The bowl has a textured gray outer rim and is placed on a soft brown cloth on a white marbled surface. A woman’s hand is gently holding the edge of the bowl from the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of brightening up my bowl with fresh thyme leaves scattered on top, plus a good crack of black pepper right before serving. Sometimes, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a hint of freshness, but I tend to keep it simple so the rich flavors shine.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic mashed potatoes also make great companions, especially when you want a hearty, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the French onion short ribs in individual cast-iron skillets topped with the cheesy toast—it makes the meal feel a little fancier and keeps everything piping hot. Adding a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil around the edges also gives a lovely aroma when you bring them to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let my leftovers cool before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, the flavors actually deepen overnight—if they last that long! The broth may thicken a bit, so just stir in a splash of broth or water upon reheating.

Freezing

This French Onion Short Ribs Recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion it out, skipping the bread and cheese toppings, and freeze in sturdy containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the texture of the meat and veggies.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat to keep the meat tender and avoid drying out the broth. Add extra broth if needed to loosen things up. Toast fresh bread and melt Gruyère while reheating to recreate that perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

  1. Can I make French Onion Short Ribs Recipe in a slow cooker?

    Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully in a slow cooker. After caramelizing the onions and aromatics on the stove, transfer everything into your slow cooker with the ribs and broth. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours, adding carrots in the last hour or two.

  2. What cut of short ribs is best for this recipe?

    Bone-in beef short ribs are best because the bones add flavor and the fat breaks down during cooking to make the meat incredibly tender and juicy.

  3. Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?

    Yes, you can swap chicken broth for beef broth if you want a more robust beef flavor, but keep it low sodium to control the salt level.

  4. Is tamari necessary, or can I use regular soy sauce?

    Either works! Tamari is gluten-free and has a slightly richer flavor, but low sodium soy sauce is a fine substitute. Just watch the salt levels as you go.

  5. How do I get the best caramelized onions?

    Cook your onions over medium-low heat slowly until they turn deep golden brown; stirring occasionally but not constantly, so they have time to develop natural sweetness without burning.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this French Onion Short Ribs Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love serving it when friends are over because it’s impressive without being intimidating, and the compliments keep rolling in. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s comforting but has that wow factor, dig into this recipe—you won’t regret it. Give it a go, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen the same way it did in mine.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

French Onion Short Ribs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
Print Recipe

Description

A rich and comforting French Onion Short Ribs recipe that combines tender, slow-cooked beef short ribs with caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and a savory broth. Finished with toasted French bread topped with melted Gruyère cheese, this dish is perfect for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Meat and Broth

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

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 shallots, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 2 cups baby carrots
  • Chili flakes (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Liquids and Bread

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 6 slices French bread
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 325° F. In a large oven-safe Dutch Oven over high heat, melt the butter and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook the onions for about 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Caramelize Onions and Add Aromatics: Pour in the white wine, season with black pepper, and cook for another 8 minutes until the wine has evaporated and onions are lightly golden. Stir in the shallots, chopped garlic, fresh thyme, chopped sage, and chili flakes.
  3. Add Short Ribs and Broth: Place the bone-in beef short ribs into the Dutch Oven, then pour in 6 cups of the low sodium chicken broth. Add tamari (or soy sauce), bay leaves, and star anise if using. Cover the pot with a lid.
  4. Roast the Short Ribs: Transfer the Dutch Oven to the preheated oven and roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone. Add the baby carrots during the last 1 to 2 hours of cooking to ensure they are tender.
  5. Shred Meat and Adjust Seasoning: Remove the bay leaves and star anise, discard bones and excess fat, and lightly shred the meat. Place the Dutch Oven on low heat on the stovetop and taste the broth; add salt if needed.
  6. Prepare Cheesy Toast: Increase the oven temperature to 425° F. Arrange the French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until very dry. Then switch the oven to broil, top the toasted bread slices with shredded Gruyère cheese, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
  7. Serve: Ladle the rich French onion short rib soup into bowls. Top each serving with a cheesy toast slice, a sprinkle of black pepper, and additional fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • For a quicker method, use a crockpot following the alternate instructions for slow cooking.
  • Star anise is optional but adds a subtle licorice flavor that complements the broth.
  • If tamari or soy sauce is not available, use Worcestershire sauce or additional salt cautiously.
  • Use low sodium broth and soy sauce to control saltiness.
  • French bread can be substituted with sourdough or any crusty bread you prefer.
  • Ensure to dry the bread well before adding cheese to prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl with toast
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star