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Cozy French Onion Short Rib Stew

French Onion Short Rib Stew - featured image

A hearty and soul-warming stew combining caramelized onions, tender short ribs, and a rich savory broth for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 pounds beef short ribs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 6 large yellow onions, sliced thinly
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • A few sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Crusty bread (optional, for serving)
  • Gruyère cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from short ribs and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower the heat to medium, add butter, and toss in the sliced onions. Stir frequently and cook until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir until fully incorporated to thicken the stew.
  5. Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in the beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Nestle the short ribs back into the pot.
  7. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
  8. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Serve hot with crusty bread and a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese if desired.

Notes

Caramelizing onions takes time, so be patient. Sear the ribs well for added flavor. Use homemade broth if possible for a richer taste. The stew tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion stew, short rib stew, comfort food, caramelized onions, beef stew, hearty dinner, cozy recipe