Huevos Rancheros

Introduction

You’ll love the vibrant, satisfying energy of this classic Mexican breakfast. It’s a perfect balance of saucy tomatoes, warm beans, crispy tortillas, and rich runny eggs, all coming together in under 15 minutes. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd any time of day.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil
1/2 of an onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (pressed or finely minced)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
salt and pepper (to taste)
14.5 ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
1 4 ounce can diced green chiles
6 small white corn tortillas
1 1/2 cups refried beans (heated)
6 eggs (over easy or fried)
1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
1 avocado (chopped)

Instructions

In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the garlic and cumin to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the can of fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices) and the can of diced green chiles. Stir to combine. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
While the sauce simmers, heat a separate large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Warm the corn tortillas one at a time until lightly browned and pliable, about 30 seconds per side. Keep them warm wrapped in a kitchen towel.
In the same skillet used for tortillas, fry the eggs to your desired doneness (over easy or fried is recommended).
To assemble each serving, place one warm tortilla on a plate. Spread about 1/4 cup of warm refried beans on the tortilla. Top with one fried egg.
Spoon a generous amount of the warm ranchero sauce over the egg. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and chopped avocado. Serve immediately.

Variations

Huevos Divorciados: Separate the ranchero sauce into two bowls. Add a spoonful of salsa verde to one bowl to make a green sauce. Serve one egg with red sauce and one with green sauce.
Casserole Style: Assemble the dish in a large baking dish, using a layer of tortillas, then beans, followed by the sauce. Crack the eggs on top and bake until the eggs are set.
Open-Faced: Use one large flour tortilla per person as a base instead of small corn tortillas.
Healthy Twist: Skip frying the tortillas and simply warm them, or use a spritz of cooking spray instead of oil for a lighter option.

Tips for Success

Keep your fried eggs warm by placing them on a warm plate in a low oven (200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.
For extra-crisp tortillas, fry them in a thin layer of hot oil until golden and slightly blistered.
Heat your refried beans with a splash of water or broth to make them easier to spread.
Prepare the ranchero sauce a day ahead to speed up the morning assembly.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce and beans reheat best on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water. Re-fry tortillas quickly in a hot skillet to restore crispiness, and it’s best to cook fresh eggs for each serving.

FAQ

Can I make the ranchero sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge, which makes morning assembly very quick.

What can I use instead of refried beans?

While refried beans are traditional, you can use any warmed, seasoned beans you like. Whole pinto or black beans, lightly mashed, work great.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and concentrate. You can also mash a few of the tomatoes with the back of your spoon to help thicken it.

Can I bake the eggs instead of frying them?

Yes. After assembling the tortilla and beans on an oven-safe plate or dish, top with sauce, create a well, and crack an egg into it. Bake at 400°F until the egg whites are set.

Are flour tortillas okay to use?

Yes, flour tortillas are a common variation. Warm them in a dry skillet until soft and pliable.

What does “over easy” mean?

An “over easy” egg is fried on one side until the white is set, then flipped and cooked very briefly just to set a thin film over the yolk, leaving the yolk completely runny.