Rib Soup Recipe – Hearty, Flavorful & Comforting
When you’re craving something warm, rich, and deeply satisfying, few dishes can compete with a comforting bowl of short rib soup. This hearty recipe blends tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs with fresh vegetables and a savory broth that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.
The best part? It’s beginner-friendly yet impressive enough to serve to family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or preparing a make-ahead meal, this soup will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Short Rib Soup
Comforting – Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nourishing pick-me-up.
Rich in Flavor – Slow-simmered short ribs create a deep, savory broth.
Nutritious – Packed with protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients.
Even Better the Next Day – Flavors develop beautifully as it rests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll want on hand before getting started:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in recommended for maximum flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup potatoes, diced (optional, for extra heartiness)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Short Ribs
Pat the short ribs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps them brown beautifully. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to build flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until beautifully golden brown. This caramelization not only locks in the juices but also creates a rich, savory base for the broth. Once browned, transfer the ribs to a plate and set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, letting it cook for another minute to release its aroma.

Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (that’s pure flavor!). Add thyme, bay leaf, and the seared short ribs back into the pot.
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender.

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Step 6: Add Potatoes (Optional)
About 30 minutes before the soup is done, add diced potatoes for extra heartiness. They’ll soak up the broth and make the soup even more filling.

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Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Remove the bay leaf and short ribs. Shred the meat off the bones, discard the bones, and return the meat to the pot. Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Cooking Tips for the Best Short Rib Soup
- Use bone-in short ribs for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skip searing—it’s what gives the broth richness.
- Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Freezer-friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Variations You Can Try
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Asian twist: Swap thyme for ginger and soy sauce.
- Grain boost: Add barley or rice for a thicker soup.
Summary
The Best Short Rib Soup Recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish made with tender bone-in short ribs, fresh vegetables, and a rich beef broth. The process involves searing the ribs for maximum flavor, sautéing vegetables, and simmering everything low and slow until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. Optional potatoes can be added for extra heartiness. The soup is versatile, freezer-friendly, and tastes even better the next day. With tips, variations, and easy step-by-step instructions, this recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep.
FAQs about Short Rib Soup Recipe
How long does it take to cook short rib soup?
It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours for the ribs to become fall-off-the-bone tender.
Can I make short rib soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Can I freeze short rib soup?
Absolutely—store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Do I need bone-in short ribs?
Bone-in ribs add more flavor, but boneless short ribs can also be used.