There’s just something about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day that makes everything feel right, isn’t there? And when it comes to comforting, totally soul-warming goodness, my Onion Beef Short Soup is an absolute champion. Forget those watery, bland broths – this recipe is packed with flavor. We’re talking ridiculously tender beef short ribs that just melt in your mouth and deeply sweet, caramelized onions that give it that signature rich taste. Honestly, this soup is my go-to when I need a delicious hug in a bowl, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Onion Beef Short Soup
This soup is just the best, and here’s why:
- So incredibly flavorful: Seriously, the short ribs get ridiculously tender, and those caramelized onions? Pure magic!
- Surprisingly easy to make: Trust me, most of the time is just hands-off simmering, which is perfect for busy evenings.
- Ultimate comfort food: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl – perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Always a crowd-pleaser: Everyone always asks for seconds, I swear!
Ingredients for the Perfect Onion Beef Short Soup
Alright, let’s talk about what goes into making this incredible soup. It’s really not a complicated list, but these ingredients are key to getting that amazing depth of flavor. Trust me on this!
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless Beef short ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 6 cups Beef broth (use a good quality one!)
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste

Essential Equipment for Making Onion Beef Short Soup
You don’t need a whole bunch of fancy gadgets for this soup, thankfully! Just a few trusty kitchen staples will do the trick. You’ll want a good-sized large pot – big enough to hold all that deliciousness. Plus, a reliable knife and a sturdy cutting board for getting your onions and beef prepped. That’s really it!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Onion Beef Short Soup
Okay, deep breaths! Making this soup is totally doable, and honestly, it’s where all the magic happens. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort food ready in no time. A little patience goes a long way here!
Searing the Beef for Deep Flavor
First things first, let’s get some serious flavor going. Heat up that olive oil in your big pot over medium-high heat – you want it nice and hot! Toss in your beef short ribs and sear them until they’ve got a beautiful, deep brown crust all over. Don’t overcrowd the pot; do it in batches if you have to. Once they’re nicely browned, scoop ’em out and set them aside. This step is crucial for that rich beefy taste! For more great beef ideas, check out this garlic butter beef recipe!
Caramelizing the Onions and Aromatics
Now, into that same pot, add your thinly sliced onions. Keep the heat about medium, and stir them pretty often. You want them to get soft and start turning a lovely golden-brown color. This can take about 10-15 minutes, so don’t rush it – that sweet onion flavor is developing! Once they’re looking good, toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute until you can smell its amazing aroma. Careful not to burn the garlic, though!

Simmering to Perfection: Tenderizing the Beef
Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! Gently put those seared short ribs back into the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in all that beef broth – make sure it covers the meat – and sprinkle in your dried thyme. Give it a good stir, then bring the whole thing up to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on the pot, and let it do its thing. We’re talking a good simmer for at least 45 minutes, or until the beef is super tender and practically falling apart. You can even let it go longer if you have the time; the longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful it gets. For more ideas on amazing beef dishes, check out this stew recipe!
Final Seasoning and Serving Your Onion Beef Short Soup
Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed until it’s just right for you. Ladle that gorgeous Onion Beef Short Soup into bowls and serve it up hot. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Onion Beef Short Soup
You know, a few little tricks really take this soup from good to absolutely *spectacular*. For starters, don’t skimp on browning those short ribs! That lovely crust is where so much of the deep beefy flavor comes from. Seriously, take your time with it. And when you’re slicing those onions? Try to keep them pretty uniform – this helps them cook evenly and caramelize beautifully. I also find that using a really good quality beef broth makes a noticeable difference, so grab the best you can find! If you love hearty soups, you should definitely check out this amazing roasted vegetable soup recipe too – it’s a winner!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
A few things worth mentioning about the ingredients in this Onion Beef Short Soup! For the beef, I really love using short ribs because they get so incredibly tender and add a fantastic richness. If you can’t find short ribs, though, don’t fret! A good chuck roast cut into similar sized pieces will also work wonderfully. Just make sure they’re well-marbled for the best flavor. When it comes to the onions, yellow or sweet onions are my go-to because they caramelize beautifully and give the soup that lovely sweetness. You could even try a mix of yellow and red onions for a slightly different hue and flavor profile. And for the broth? Really try to use a high-quality beef broth; it makes a world of difference! For another delicious soup idea, you have to check out this zucchini potato soup – it’s fantastic!

Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Soup
Oh, this Onion Beef Short Soup is so good all on its own, but it loves a little compañía, you know? My absolute favorite thing to pair it with is a big, crusty loaf of sourdough bread – perfect for dunking! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great idea to cut through the richness, or try something like this fresh chickpea feta salad for a nice, bright contrast. Whatever you choose, it’ll be a delicious meal!
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Properly storing this Onion Beef Short Soup is super easy. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good in there for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot all the way through. Avoid microwaving it if you can – the stovetop method really keeps that lovely texture from the short ribs.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, like all home cooks, my kitchen math isn’t always perfect! These numbers are rough estimates per serving of my Onion Beef Short Soup. Actual values can totally vary depending on exactly which brands you use and how generous you are with your portions. It’s generally a pretty hearty bowl, so expect a good amount of protein and satisfying goodness!
Share Your Onion Beef Short Soup Creations!
I just *love* hearing from you all! If you give my Onion Beef Short Soup a try, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Did you add anything special? How did your family like it? And if you snap a pic, I’d be thrilled if you tagged me on social media – you can find out more about me here! Your feedback and photos make my day!

Onion Beef Short Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef short ribs until browned on all sides. Remove beef from the pot and set aside.
- Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.