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Best Huevos Rancheros Recipe

Get ready for a breakfast fiesta with my Huevos rancheros recipe. It’s easy, customizable, and uses basic kitchen ingredients.

I love traditional Mexican recipes! Whether it’s Tres Leches cake or tilapia fish tacos, I could eat it daily!

Huevos rancheros with pico on top.
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Traditional Huevos Rancheros

Do you love Mexican food recipes as much as I do? Then you’re going to fall for this easy huevos rancheros recipe!

This classic dish, known as “rancher’s eggs,” is all about crispy tortillas, creamy beans, and perfectly cooked eggs topped with flavorful salsa. It’s kind of like my favorite tostada recipe with a breakfast twist!

Huevos Rancheros Recipe Ingredients

A few simple pantry staples are all you need to make huevos rancheros at home.

Huevos rancheros ingredients on the counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Eggs: Runny egg yolks from a sunny side up egg is my favorite!
  • Corn tortillas: Frying the corn tortillas gives a great crunch, which goes perfectly with the creamy beans and eggs. 
  • Refried beans: Adds a creamy, savory base. Canned or homemade refried beans are both great!
  • Cheese: Choose your favorite one or mix and match. Cheddar brings sharpness, Monterey Jack adds a mild creaminess, and Cotija cheese provides a salty kick.
  • Pico de gallo: This is a bright mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime that adds a zesty and tangy punch. You can also use your favorite salsa.
  • Optional toppings: Sliced avocados, sliced sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Substitutions and Variations

Let’s talk about spicing things up – literally! Here are some variations you might want to try:

  • Spicy kick: Add some diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or hot sauce to your pico de gallo for an extra kick.
  • Beans. Use black beans or pinto beans instead of refried beans, if preferred.
  • Veggie delight: Include sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
  • Protein: Add more protein like chorizo, bacon, or shredded chicken.

How to Make Huevos Rancheros

Let’s break down the art of making Huevos Rancheros into four simple steps.

Showing how to make huevos rancheros in a 4 step collage.
  • Fry tortillas: Heat oil in a skillet and fry corn tortillas until crispy (about 1 minute per side). Set aside.
  • Cook the eggs: In the same skillet, crack eggs, keeping the yolks intact. Cook to your desired doneness, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Warm refried beans: Heat the refried beans until hot and spread on each tortilla.
  • Assemble: Place a cooked egg on top and top with salsa, cheese, and cilantro. A squirt of lime juice is the perfect finish. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

  • Fresh is best! Use fresh ingredients, especially for the pico de gallo. The vibrant flavors will elevate your dish.
  • The crispy tortillas add a fantastic crunch to the dish. Fry them up just right for that perfect texture.
  • Cook your eggs to your liking, but a slightly runny yolk adds a luxurious creaminess to each bite.
Huevos rancheros with pico on top.

Recipe FAQs

What is huevos rancheros?

Authentic huevos rancheros are a classic Mexican breakfast dish featuring fried eggs on crispy corn tortillas, topped with refried beans, salsa, and cheese. Known as “rancher’s Eggs”, it’s known for its delicious mix of textures and vibrant flavors, capturing the essence of Mexican cuisine.

Can I make huevos rancheros ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some elements in advance like the beans and the pico de gallo. Just assemble right before serving to maintain that perfect balance of textures. You may want to try this overnight breakfast enchilada recipe, too!

Can I make them vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip optional meat toppings and load up on veggies for a satisfying meat-free version.

What’s the difference between huevos rancheros and breakfast tacos?

While both are Mexican breakfast delights, huevos rancheros typically feature fried eggs served on tortillas with beans and salsa, while breakfast tacos can have a variety of fillings wrapped in tortillas.

Best huevos rancheros on a plate.

More breakfast ideas? Check out these recipes for breakfast skillet, scrambled eggs, or easy breakfast burritos!

More Breakfast Recipes

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Huevos rancheros with pico on top.

Huevos Rancheros Recipe

5 from 4 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Easy, customizable and flavorful Huevos Rancheros is the best way to enjoy a Mexican breakfast fiesta.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Video

Ingredients 

  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 corn tortillas
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija
  • 1 cups pico de gallo , or your favorite salsa
  • chopped fresh cilantro optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sliced avocados, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream

    Instructions

    • Fry tortilla: Heat 2 Tablespoons oil in skillet. Fry the corn tortillas until they are crispy, working in batches as needed. This should take about 1 minute per side.
    • Cook the Eggs: In the same skillet, add the vegetable oil and heat over medium heat. Carefully crack each egg into the skillet, keeping the yolks intact. Cook the eggs to over-easy or your desired level of doneness. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    • Warm the Refried Beans: In a microwave or on the stovetop, warm the refried beans until hot. Season to taste.

    Assemble the Huevos Rancheros

    • Spread a spoonful of warm refried beans onto each tortilla.
    • Place a cooked egg on top of the beans on each tortilla. Then top with salsa, cheese and cilantro.
    • Serve the Huevos Rancheros immediately while they are hot. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 906mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 649IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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