There's nothing better than waking up to a plate of perfectly crispy, flavor-packed Huevos Rancheros. This classic Mexican breakfast is everything you need to kick off your day with a little spice and a whole lot of comfort.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Huevos Rancheros literally translates to "rancher's eggs," and it’s the kind of meal that brings that hearty, farm-fresh vibe right into your kitchen. It’s got all the layers of flavor you could ever want—crispy tortillas, creamy refried beans, smoky chipotle salsa, perfectly fried eggs, and a little avo for that fresh, buttery finish. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a lazy Sunday morning but fancy enough to impress brunch guests. You can’t go wrong!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chipotle Salsa - Roasted tomato salsa for smoky-sweet vibes, or salsa verde for a tangy kick.
- Avocado oil - Olive oil for a fruity richness, or canola oil for a neutral stand-in.
- Corn tortillas - Flour tortillas for soft and chewy, or crispy tostadas for extra crunch.
- Refried beans - Store bought is fine, but this deserves The Best Homemade Refried Beans
- Butter - olive oil for a dairy-free option
- Avocado - Guacamole for a creamy, seasoned version
- Queso fresco - Feta for a tangy bite, or shredded Monterey Jack for a melty finish
- Flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper
*For a full list of ingredients and instructions please see recipe card below
How to Make
Step 1: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the corn tortillas, two at a time, and fry for 60 to 90 seconds on each side until golden brown and crisp.
Step 2: Remove the tortillas from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
Step 3: Smear ¼ cup of the warmed refried beans onto each tortilla and add ¼ cup of the salsa on top.
Step 4: Once the tortillas are fried, drain the oil from the skillet and add the butter. Let it melt over medium heat. Carefully crack three eggs into the skillet, evenly spaced to give them room to cook. Cook until the egg whites are set, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the fried eggs from the skillet and place one on each tortilla. Repeat this process for the remaining three eggs.
Step 6: Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Scoop the avocado from the skin and place it on a cutting board. Cut six thin slices from each half of the avocado and place two slices on top of each fried egg.
Step 7: Sprinkle the queso fresco on top of the Huevos Rancheros and season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Tortilla Perfection: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the tortillas—if it’s not sizzling when you add the tortilla, wait a bit longer. This ensures they get super crispy and not greasy.
- Eggs: For perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs, let the whites set fully while keeping the yolks runny. You can cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to gently steam the tops. If you'd rather have a scrambled egg on top of your Huevos Rancheros, here's my go to scrambled egg step by step!
- Let's talk beans: Warming up your refried beans is key! If they’re too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to make them extra creamy.
- Customize It: Feel free to add extra toppings to your Huevos Rancheros like chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Make it your own!
FAQ's
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that flour tortillas won’t get as crispy as corn when fried, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the components—like frying the tortillas and warming the beans—ahead of time, but this dish is best when the eggs are cooked fresh.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Swap the chipotle salsa for a mild red or green salsa, or even pico de gallo if you want a fresher, milder flavor.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes! Shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or even chorizo would be amazing additions if you want a little extra protein.
Similar Recipes
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today
Huevos Rancheros
Ingredients
- 10 ounces store bought chipotle salsa or your favorite brand / flavor of salsa
- ½ cup avocado oil
- 6 small corn tortillas
- 14 ounces refried beans warmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 eggs
- 1 avocado
- ½ cup grated queso fresco
- Flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the corn tortillas, two at a time, and fry for 60 to 90 seconds on each side until golden brown and crisp. Remove the tortillas from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
- Smear ¼ cup of the warmed refried beans onto each tortilla and add ¼ cup of the salsa on top.
- Once the tortillas are fried, drain the oil from the skillet and add the butter. Let it melt over medium heat. Carefully crack three eggs into the skillet, evenly spaced to give them room to cook. Cook until the egg whites are set, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the fried eggs from the skillet and place one on each tortilla. Repeat this process for the remaining three eggs.
- Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Scoop the avocado from the skin and place it on a cutting board. Cut six thin slices from each half of the avocado and place two slices on top of each fried egg.
- Sprinkle the queso fresco on top and season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Tortilla Perfection: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the tortillas—if it’s not sizzling when you add the tortilla, wait a bit longer. This ensures they get super crispy and not greasy.
- Egg Game Strong: For perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs, let the whites set fully while keeping the yolks runny. You can cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to gently steam the tops.
- Beans, Beans, Beans: Warming up your refried beans is key! If they’re too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to make them extra creamy.
- Customize It: Feel free to add extra toppings like chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Make it your own!
Nutrition Information
Recipe from my cookbook - Absolutely Avocados!
Breakfast of Champions!!!!
Best brunch food ever!
YUM YUM YUM!!! I could eat them all!!
Yum! That salsa sounds delicious.
We make these every time family is in town! Love
Your version. Saving to try with your salsa.
I still need to try your salsa! I haven't seen it at our WS yet! Looks amazing!
Ooh, I love Huevos Rancheros and I bet it's so good with your chipotle salsa - yum!!
I think this meal is great for any season! Bring it on!
If Huevos is on the menu, I order it! Need to pick up your salsas and whip this baby up!!!
A morning with this breakfast means a good day.
Huevos Rancheros are always the right answer! Those look and sound delicious! Have a fabulous day, love!
Perfection, Gaby! Absolutely LOVE these and yours look delicious!!!
What a great breakfast, Gaby! Delicious and absolutely ah-MAZING 🙂
I would love to start every day with these! Huevos rancheros is one of those breakfasts that gets your day going great every time 🙂