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French Onion Short Ribs Recipe

French Onion Short Ribs Recipe

5.1 from 5 reviews

This French Onion Short Ribs recipe combines tender, slow-cooked beef short ribs with rich caramelized onions and a savory broth enhanced by red wine and fresh herbs. Served with toasted French baguette topped with melted Gruyere cheese, it’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Short Ribs and Broth

  • 4 pounds beef short ribs
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 14 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced

Caramelized Onions

  • 4 onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons butter

For Serving

  • 1 loaf French baguette, sliced and toasted
  • 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded (or substitute)
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Short Ribs: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Season the short ribs generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then dredge them in flour until evenly coated.
  2. Brown the Short Ribs: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the floured short ribs and brown them on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until golden and crusty. Remove the ribs and set aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Deglaze: Reduce the heat to medium and add diced onion and carrots to the Dutch oven, cooking them in the leftover fat for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Add Tomatoes, Broth, Herbs, and Short Ribs: Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, minced rosemary, minced thyme, and browned short ribs back into the pot. Cover with a lid and place the Dutch oven in the preheated oven.
  5. Prepare Caramelized Onions: While the meat cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes until fully caramelized and golden brown.
  6. Incorporate Caramelized Onions: Remove the Dutch oven from the oven, stir in the caramelized onions carefully, then return the pot to the oven and continue cooking until the meat is tender and falling off the bone, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours total cooking time.
  7. Cool and Remove Meat: Take the meat out and place on a dish to cool. Once cooled slightly, remove the meat from the bones and cut it into serving-size portions.
  8. Chill and Skim Fat: Refrigerate the pot overnight if possible. This allows the fat to harden on top, making it easy to remove and discard the solid fat. This step improves the flavor and texture of the broth.
  9. Reheat: Warm the pot with meat and vegetables over medium-low heat prior to serving.
  10. Prepare Toasted Bread: Spread butter on slices of toasted French baguette, sprinkle evenly with shredded Gruyere cheese and a few thyme leaves, then toast until the cheese melts and browns slightly. Set aside.
  11. Broil and Serve: Portion the short ribs and broth into oven-safe bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheese and place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning. Serve immediately alongside the toasted, cheesy baguette slices.

Notes

  • For best results, refrigerate the dish overnight to meld flavors and easily remove excess fat.
  • Use a Dutch oven or heavy, oven-safe pot for even cooking.
  • Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Emmental or Swiss cheese if unavailable.
  • Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
  • Keep an eye on the cheese under the broiler to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion short ribs, braised short ribs, caramelized onions, beef short ribs recipe, slow cooker beef, French cuisine, comfort food