Huevos rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish featuring crispy tortillas, perfectly fried eggs, and a rich, flavorful ranchero sauce. Topped with fresh ingredients like avocado, queso fresco, and cilantro, this dish is the perfect way to start your day with bold, satisfying flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic & Flavorful – A traditional Mexican breakfast packed with bold spices.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Protein-Packed – A hearty and nutritious meal to keep you full.
- Customizable – Add beans, meat, or extra toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Ranchero Sauce:
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Jalapeño, diced (optional for heat)
- Canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- Tomato paste
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
For the Huevos Rancheros:
- Corn tortillas
- Eggs
- Refried beans (optional, for serving)
- Avocado, sliced
- Queso fresco or crumbled feta
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Directions

Make the Ranchero Sauce:
- Sauté Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté until softened.
- Simmer the Sauce – Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Blend & Finish – Blend for a smoother texture (optional). Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
Prepare the Huevos Rancheros:
- Fry the Tortillas – Heat a little oil in a pan and fry corn tortillas until crispy. Set aside.
- Cook the Eggs – In the same pan, fry eggs sunny-side up or to your preferred doneness.
- Assemble – Spread refried beans (if using) on tortillas, top with fried eggs, then spoon warm ranchero sauce over the top.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with queso fresco, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Loaded Huevos Rancheros – Add chorizo, black beans, or roasted peppers.
- Cheesy Version – Melt shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the eggs.
- Crunchier Tortillas – Bake tortillas in the oven for extra crispiness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store leftover ranchero sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Warm sauce and tortillas separately before assembling.
- Not Recommended for Freezing – Eggs and tortillas don’t freeze well.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but corn tortillas provide a more authentic flavor and texture.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge and reheat when needed.
What’s the best way to get crispy tortillas?
Fry in oil, bake in the oven, or air fry for a healthier option.
Can I scramble the eggs instead?
Absolutely! Scrambled eggs work great as a variation.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure all ingredients, including seasonings, are gluten-free.
What toppings go well with huevos rancheros?
Sour cream, pickled onions, sliced radishes, or hot sauce add extra flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Roast fresh tomatoes for a richer homemade sauce.
How do I make it milder for kids?
Reduce or omit jalapeños and add more cheese and avocado for a milder taste.
Can I serve this dish for lunch or dinner?
Yes! Huevos rancheros is great any time of day.
Conclusion
Huevos rancheros is a bold, flavorful breakfast that brings together crispy tortillas, savory eggs, and a rich ranchero sauce. Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or loaded with toppings, this dish is a satisfying way to start your day. Try it today for a delicious homemade Mexican breakfast!
PrintHuevos Rancheros
This Huevos Rancheros recipe features crispy tortillas topped with refried beans, perfectly fried eggs, and a bold, zesty ranchero sauce. It’s a classic Mexican breakfast that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
For the Ranchero Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 small jalapeño, diced (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For the Huevos Rancheros:
- 4 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans (black or pinto)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for frying eggs)
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- ½ avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
Make the Ranchero Sauce:
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until soft.
-
Simmer the Sauce:
- Stir in diced tomatoes, jalapeño, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cilantro and lime juice.
Prepare the Tortillas & Eggs:
-
Crisp the Tortillas:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each corn tortilla for 30 seconds per side until slightly crisp.
-
Warm the Beans:
- Heat refried beans in a small pan or microwave until warm.
-
Fry the Eggs:
- Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Crack in eggs and cook sunny-side up for 2-3 minutes, or to desired doneness.
Assemble the Huevos Rancheros:
-
Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread refried beans over each tortilla.
- Top with a fried egg.
- Spoon ranchero sauce over the eggs.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with cotija cheese, avocado slices, and extra cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!
Notes
Make it spicy: Add extra jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.- For a smoky flavor: Use fire-roasted tomatoes in the sauce.
- Meal prep tip: Ranchero sauce can be made ahead and stored for 3 days in the fridge.