Huevos Rancheros Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Featuring crispy tortillas topped with refried beans, sunny-side-up eggs, and a rich, spicy ranchero sauce, it’s a simple yet bold meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

corn tortillas
eggs
refried beans (canned or homemade)
olive oil or vegetable oil
salt
black pepper
queso fresco or cotija cheese (crumbled)
fresh cilantro (chopped)
avocado (sliced, optional)
lime wedges (for serving)

For the ranchero sauce:
olive oil
onion (chopped)
garlic (minced)
jalapeño or serrano pepper (chopped)
tomatoes (chopped or canned)
smoked paprika
ground cumin
salt
black pepper

directions

Make the ranchero sauce:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add tomatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, then blend for a smoother texture if desired.

Prepare the tortillas:
In a separate pan, lightly fry the tortillas in oil until crisp but still pliable. Drain on paper towels.

Heat the beans:
Warm refried beans in a small saucepan or microwave until hot.

Cook the eggs:
In a nonstick skillet, cook eggs sunny-side up or to your preference. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the huevos rancheros:
Spread a layer of refried beans on each tortilla.
Top with a fried egg, spoonfuls of warm ranchero sauce, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped cilantro.
Add avocado slices and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2–4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add chorizo or sausage for extra protein.
Swap refried beans for black or pinto beans.
Top with sour cream or a drizzle of crema.
Use flour tortillas if preferred.
Add sautéed spinach or roasted veggies for more nutrients.

storage/reheating

Store individual components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat beans and sauce before assembling. Eggs are best cooked fresh.
Tortillas can be crisped again in a hot skillet.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep the sauce and beans in advance. Assemble with fresh eggs just before serving.

Is this dish spicy?
It can be! Adjust the amount of jalapeño or use a milder pepper if preferred.

Can I use store-bought salsa instead of ranchero sauce?
Yes, for a shortcut, use your favorite chunky salsa.

What’s the best cheese for topping?
Queso fresco, cotija, or even shredded Monterey Jack works well.

Are huevos rancheros gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas and check labels on canned ingredients.

Conclusion

Huevos Rancheros is a rustic, flavorful dish that brings bold Mexican flavors to your breakfast table. With its combination of crispy tortillas, creamy beans, runny eggs, and spicy tomato sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love—any time of day.

Print