Name: French Onion Short Ribs Bake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons salted butter; 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc; Black pepper to taste; 2 shallots, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage; Chili flakes to taste; 6-8 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs; 2 bay leaves; 1 star anise (optional); 2 cups baby carrots; 6 slices French bread; 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 37 reviews

If you’ve ever had a long day and craved something cozy, rich, and downright soul-soothing, then you’re going to love this French Onion Short Ribs Bake Recipe. It’s like the comforting embrace of French onion soup but taken up a notch with tender, fall-apart short ribs and a cheesy, toasty topping that will make everyone at the table sigh with happiness. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for Sunday dinners or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.

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Why This Recipe Works

Deep, caramelized flavors: Slowly cooking onions in butter and wine builds an incredible savory base.
Tender short ribs: Slow roasting or crockpot cooking makes the meat melt-off-the-bone tender.
Perfectly crispy cheesy topping: Toasting the bread before adding Gruyère gives you that classic French onion soup crunch and gooey melt.
Versatile cooking method: Whether you prefer oven roasting or slow cooking, this recipe fits your style without sacrificing taste.

French Onion Short Ribs Bake, French Onion Short Ribs, braised short ribs with onion, cheesy short ribs casserole, comforting beef recipes - 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

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe hinges on layering flavors that complement each other beautifully. The mix of sweet onions, aromatic herbs, and savory broth gives the short ribs an unbeatable richness. When you shop, grabbing quality short ribs and fresh herbs will set you up for success here.

French Onion Short Ribs Bake, French Onion Short Ribs, braised short ribs with onion, cheesy short ribs casserole, comforting beef recipes - 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: Helps caramelize the onions richly without needing extra oil.
Yellow onions: Their natural sweetness makes a perfect base for this French onion-inspired bake.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and brightness, balancing out the deep meat flavors.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked gives just the right kick.
Shallots and garlic: Boost the aromatic complexity.
Fresh thyme & sage: Earthy herbs that pair wonderfully with beef.
Chili flakes: Just a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
Low sodium chicken broth: Provides a savory, lighter base, making the dish hearty without overpowering saltiness.
Tamari or soy sauce: Adds umami depth—you can’t skip this!
Bone-in beef short ribs: The star of the show—rich, flavorful, and tender when cooked right.
Bay leaves and star anise (optional): Infuse subtle aromatic notes for a gourmet touch.
Baby carrots: Add natural sweetness and texture during the last part of cooking.
French bread: Toasted dry to hold up under the melty cheese topping.
Gruyère cheese: The classic choice for that nutty, melty finish.

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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

One of the things I love most about this French Onion Short Ribs Bake Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily change things up based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Swap the cheese: If you want a twist, try sharp cheddar or fontina; I once threw in a bit of smoked mozzarella for a smoky vibe that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Vegetarian variation: Skip the short ribs and use hearty mushrooms, with vegetable stock instead of chicken broth—I promise it’s just as comforting.
Spice it up: Add more chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika if you love that gentle heat.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread for the toasts—I’ve done this plenty and it works perfectly.

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

Step 1: Brown the Onions and Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven over high heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften. Next, pour in the white wine—this helps deglaze the pan and brings a bright acidity to balance the rich meats. Cook them for another 5 to 8 minutes until the wine evaporates and the onions take on a light golden color. This step is crucial because it builds the foundational flavor of the entire dish.

Step 2: Layer Aromatics and Add Short Ribs

Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the shallots, garlic, thyme, sage, and chili flakes. These aromatics elevate the dish with freshness and a little heat. Then nestle the short ribs right into this fragrant bed and pour over about 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Add tamari (or soy sauce), bay leaves, and if you’re feeling fancy, star anise for a subtle licorice note. Cover and transfer the pot to the oven to roast low and slow at 325°F for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is ridiculously tender.

Step 3: Add the Carrots and Finish Cooking

About halfway through the cooking time, toss in the baby carrots. They soak up all those rich juices and add a sweet, tender bite. Once done, remove the bay leaves and star anise, shred the meat gently, and skim off any excess fat. At this point, you can keep it warm on low heat as you prepare the cheesy toast topping.

Step 4: Perfect the Cheesy Toast

Switch your oven to 425°F and lay the French bread slices on a baking sheet. Toast them for about 10 minutes until they’re dry and a bit crispy. Then, turn your oven’s broiler on and pile the Gruyère cheese on top of each slice. Broil until the cheese melts and bubbles, usually 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye here—Gruyère can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Finally, ladle the luscious short ribs and onion mixture into your bowls. Pop a cheesy toast on top, sprinkle with a bit of cracked black pepper and fresh thyme leaves, and you’re ready to dive in. I usually make a second batch of toasts because they tend to go fast around here!

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Pro Tips for Making French Onion Short Ribs Bake Recipe

Don’t rush the onions: Patience here really pays off—caramelizing slowly deepens flavor beyond quick sautéing.
Use bone-in short ribs: They give far better flavor and the marrow enriches your broth beautifully compared to boneless.
Toast bread twice: Once dry to hold up, then again with cheese for max crispiness and melt.
Watch the broiler carefully: Gruyère melts quickly but can burn fast, so stay close!

How to Serve French Onion Short Ribs Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a few extra fresh thyme leaves—just enough to brighten the richness without overpowering. Sometimes, a little finely chopped parsley works beautifully for added color if you want something fresh and herby.

Side Dishes

This dish stands out on its own, but if you want sides, I like serving it with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. Roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a crusty baguette on the side also make great companions for soaking up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I’ve served the bake in individual mini cast iron skillets topped with personal cheesy toasts—it feels fancy but is so simple. Another fun idea is to offer a “build your own” toast bar alongside for guests to add their own cheese or herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually shred the meat before refrigerating, which makes reheating and serving much easier the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I freeze it without the bread to prevent sogginess, and then toast fresh bread with cheese when I’m ready to eat. Just portion into freezer-friendly containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat so the meat stays tender and doesn’t toughen up. You can also reheat in the oven covered with foil at 300°F until warmed through. Freshly toasted cheesy bread makes all the difference in reviving this dish.

FAQs

Can I make the French Onion Short Ribs Bake Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be flexible. Just brown the onions and aromatics on the stove, then transfer everything, including the short ribs and broth, into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours until the short ribs are tender. Add carrots during the last hour or two.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

If you can’t find Gruyère, good alternatives are Emmental, fontina, or even a mild Swiss cheese. These will melt well and give you a similar nutty flavor. Sharp cheddar works too but expect a slightly different taste.
Do I need to use star anise?

Star anise is optional but adds a subtle, unique flavor to the broth that elevates the dish. If you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand, you can omit it without losing much—the dish will still be delicious.
How can I tell when the short ribs are done?

The ribs are perfectly done when the meat is so tender it easily falls off the bone with little resistance. It should shred gently with a fork without any tough or chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Short Ribs Bake Recipe really feels like a hug in food form. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want to treat myself and my loved ones to something extra special but not complicated. The melding of sweet onions, tender beef, savory broth, and melty cheese is just unbeatable. I hope you give it a whirl and find it as comforting and satisfying as I do—don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your favorite meals to share!