When you’re craving a breakfast that’s both filling and packed with flavor, nothing beats classic Huevos Rancheros. This Mexican breakfast staple combines crispy tortillas, perfectly cooked eggs, and zesty toppings that’ll wake up your taste buds and get your day started right!
Ingredients
The ingredients in this dish create layers of flavor and texture when combined. Plus, they’re all easy to find at the grocery store!
- Corn Tortillas – These make the perfect base, holding all the goodness together. Warming them in oil gives them a slightly crisp edge and helps them stay sturdy.
- Vegetable Oil – Oil is great for lightly toasting the tortillas and cooking the eggs.
- Eggs – You can’t have huevos rancheros without eggs! Go for sunny-side-up or over-easy to get that irresistible runny yolk.
- Restaurant-Style Salsa – Using fresh, high-quality salsa makes all the difference. You can choose your favorite at the grocery store, or whip up some homemade salsa in a matter of minutes.
- Black Beans – These add creaminess and protein to the dish. Lightly mashing them creates a soft layer that blends beautifully with the eggs and salsa.
- Queso Fresco – This mild cheese balances out the heat in the dish with its creaminess.
- Cilantro – This herb adds a fresh, herbal note. Be sure to chop it just before serving so that it adds a bright pop of color to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper – A little seasoning goes a long way to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Jalapeno Slices (Optional) – These are perfect for anyone who has a hankering for a bit more heat.
- Avocado Slices (Optional) – Creamy and rich, avocado balances out the spicier elements of the dish.
Variations
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to mix it up! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Tortillas – Swap out the corn tortillas for flour tortillas for a slightly softer base.
- Chorizo – Add spicy sausage for a meatier version of this breakfast.
- Beans – Use refried beans or pinto beans instead of black beans.
- Pepper Jack Cheese – Try this instead of queso fresco if you want a melty, spicy cheese topping. Be sure to shred your own for the best flavor!
- Pico de Gallo – Use in place of salsa for a chunkier, fresher topping.
- Fried Plantains – Serve alongside or as a topping for a sweet-savory twist.
- Sour Cream – Add a dollop or two on top for extra creaminess. Or jazz it up with sour cream-based sauces like crema Mexicana or sweet Sriracha sour cream.
How to Make Huevos Rancheros
This breakfast favorite comes together in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to whip it up:
- Toast the tortillas. Heat a little oil in a pan and lightly cook each tortilla until golden and slightly crisp. Set aside on a plate and keep warm.
- Cook the eggs. Add half of the eggs to the pan and cook until they reach the doneness you prefer. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
- Assemble the base. Spread the black beans evenly over the warmed tortillas. Gently mash them with a fork.
- Top with eggs. Place one cooked egg onto each tortilla.
- Add toppings. Spoon salsa over the eggs, sprinkle queso fresco, and scatter chopped cilantro across the top.
- Season and garnish. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and finish with jalapeno slices and avocado if you like.
What to Serve with Huevos Rancheros
Huevos rancheros pairs perfectly with a variety of sides for a complete breakfast or brunch spread. We love crispy home fries or a side of Mexican rice to add heartiness. Or a fresh fruit salad brings a light, sweet balance to the savory flavors.
For the adults, you can also serve a classic Orange Crush, a bloody Mary, or an espresso martini.
Common Questions about Huevos Rancheros
Huevos rancheros is traditionally made with corn tortillas, fried eggs, salsa, and beans, often with optional toppings like cheese, avocado, and cilantro. However, you can add meat to it — chorizo is a great option as is sliced chicken or steak.
The primary difference is that huevos mexicanos is made with scrambled eggs that are mixed with salsa before cooking while huevos rancheros features fried eggs that are often still runny.
This recipe, which translates to “rancher’s eggs,” is a classic for farmhands in rural areas of Mexico.
Storage and Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge if you have leftovers.
To save time, heat up the tortillas and prep the beans ahead of time. Keep them warm in an oven on a low temperature until you’re ready to fry the eggs.
How to Store
Keep leftover components separate in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat the beans and tortillas separately before assembling.
Can I Freeze Huevos Rancheros?
Tortillas and black beans freeze well, but eggs and toppings don’t. Prep the tortillas and beans in advance, and freeze them for up to 1 month. Allow them to thaw overnight before warming them and assembling fresh huevos rancheros.
More Breakfast Recipes
If you’re on the search for more flavorful recipes to kick off the day, take a look at some of these other popular breakfast and brunch dishes that we love!
Ultimate Huevos Ranchoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil , divided
- 4 eggs , divided
- ½ cup restaurant style salsa
- ½ cup black beans , rinsed and drained
- 4 tablespoons queso fresco , crumbled
- 2 tablespoons cilantro , leaves only
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- Jalapeno slices , for garnish (optional)
- Avocado slices , for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add one of the corn tortillas, heating for 30-60 seconds on each side, or until lightly browned and starting to bubble. Remove the tortilla to a plate and repeat with the remaining tortillas. Keep them in a warm oven while you prepare the rest of the food.
- In the same pan, crack 2 of the eggs, cooking to desired doneness. I nice runny yolk with cooked whites will be about 3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining 2 eggs.
- Divide the black beans among the tortillas, lightly mashing with a fork. Place one egg on each of the corn tortillas.
- Evenly top with the salsa, cilantro, queso fresco, salt and pepper and then garnish with the jalapeno and avocado, if desired.
- If you've tried this recipe, make sure to come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Nutrition
So delicious! My new favorite breakfast!
I love these Mexican-flavored eggs, and can’t wait to try them.
Great recipe, will try soon. Thanks for sharing
Truly amazing in taste and flavors in this recipe.
My new favorite easy breakfast to make. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Love love love it! Definitely a favorite, especially on a Sunday morning!
I love this! I love all the colors on this dish!