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    Home » Recipes » Huevos Rancheros – An Authentic Mexican Breakfast Recipe

    Huevos Rancheros – An Authentic Mexican Breakfast Recipe

    Last Updated April 22, 2019. Originally Posted April 22, 2019 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Huevos Rancheros, or “Rancher’s Eggs,” is a popular Mexican breakfast. Eggs, refried beans, and salsa. Doesn’t that sound like a delicious way to start your day?
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    This Authentic Mexican Breakfast Recipe for Huevos Rancheros is a great way to start your day. Sunday brunch or just because, this dish will hit the spot. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    Huevos Rancheros on a plate topped with a rummy yolk and sitting on a bed of refried beans.

    I’ve seen some crazy, off-the-wall “you’ve-got-to-be-kidding” adaptations of Huevos Rancheros. I can be a stickler for the real deal and some Mexican food classics.

    That is why I’m sharing with you an authentic Mexican Breakfast recipe for this traditional favorite. If you jumped on a plane and landed in Mexico tomorrow, this is what you would expect.

    What are the Huevos Rancheros Ingredients?

    • Eggs
    • Fried Tortillas
    • Mexican Red Salsa
    • Refried Beans

    Tortilla frying in a metal skillet.

    Huevos Rancheros Translation

    Huevos Rancheros literally translated into English means “Rancher’s Eggs.”

    My dad’s family has a ranch in Durango, Mexico. The men who work on the ranch wake up really early… like roosters crowing early … to milk the cows, feed the animals, etc.

    They eat something very light, like a piece of bread and coffee. Then they come back mid-morning and have a BIG BREAKFAST. Most of the time, they have Huevos Rancheros, or Rancher’s Eggs.

    • Other authentic Mexican breakfasts you might see on my grandparents’ ranch are: Huevos a la Mexicana or Breakfast Gorditas.

    Two tortillas draining excess oil on paper towels.

    This is the way my grandma made them on the ranch in Durango, Mexico.

    How to Make Authentic Huevos Rancheros

    • Lightly fry the tortilla.
    • One to two minutes on each side.
    • Place the lightly fried tortillas on a paper towel.
    • Drain excess oil.

    Do not confuse these with tostadas. The tortillas are only lightly fried tortillas. You don’t use all the oil.

    I asked my grandma about this once, and she said, resources can be tight on the ranch. You want some oil to fry up the eggs.



    • Note: I’ve seen recipes for Huevos Rancheros Casserole where they do not fry the tortillas. Tortillas are simply layered in a large casserole dish with refried beans, salsa, and cheese and lastly topped with eggs.

    Huevos Rancheros Casserole is not authentic Mexican, but I gotta admit, I love an easy brunch recipe.

    Stock pot with tomatoes, onions, serrano chile waiting to be made into salsa.

    Make Huevos Rancheros easy for yourself and save an extra step in the morning: Have your Mexican Red Salsa ready to go and made the day before.

    Since I’m giving you an authentic Mexican Breakfast recipe for Huevos Rancheros, please almost everything on my dad’s ranch is made from scratch.

    However, I like the idea of an easy Mexican breakfast, or easy Mexican brunch, though. Less time cooking, more time eating.

    A thin layer of refried beans on a tortilla.

    I love creamy refried beans. In this dish, they act like glue to hold everything together. Make sure to add them on the tortilla first.

    How to Assemble Huevos Rancheros

    • Add a thin layer of refried beans to a lightly fried tortilla.
    • Then add some red salsa.
    • Top with a cooked egg.

    Here’s a yummy idea: There are many Mexican breakfast dishes that include chorizo like Chorizo con Huevos and Chorizo and Egg Tostadas. Naturally, you’ll see some people add cooked chorizo to this recipe.

    • Simply add cooked chorizo to the beans when they are warming up, adding another layer of flavor and depth.

    Huevos Rancheros with chorizo .. tell me that doesn’t sound delicious?!

    Two huevos rancheros on a white plate surrounded by cilantro leaves.

    For An Easy Huevos Rancheros Recipe


    • Make the salsa and the beans ahead of time.
    • That way you just have to fry the tortillas and make the eggs.

    My dad used to make us his huevos rancheros tacos. Totally different from the original version but just as delicious.

    You must try out my authentic Huevos Rancheros recipe for your next brunch get together. Or spoil your family with a hearty breakfast. You’ll hear them say “Muy Bueno” after the first bite.

    Huevos Rancheros on a plate topped with a rummy yolk and sitting on a bed of refried beans.

    Huevos Rancheros

    Huevos Rancheros, or “Rancher’s Eggs,” is a popular Mexican breakfast. Eggs, refried beans, and salsa. Doesn’t that sound like a delicious way to start your day?
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 532kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 8 corn tortillas
    • 1/2 cup oil (add more oil if necessary)
    • 3/4 cup refried beans
    • 8 eggs
    • For the red salsa:
    • 2 tomatoes
    • 1 serrano chile
    • ¼ onion chopped
    • 1 garlic clove
    • 1 tspn Salt

    Instructions

    • In a stock pot, add the tomatoes, serrano chile, onion, and garlic.
    • Boil for 5 minutes.
    • Discard water and add ingredients to the blender along with salt.
    • Set aside and let cool.
    • Heat oil in a frying pan.
    • Fry each tortilla for 1 minute on each side.
    • Drain excess oil on a paper towel.
    • In a separate pot, warm up the refried beans.
    • Cook eggs sunny side up in the oil.
    • How to Assemble Huevos Rancheros
    • Add a thin layer of refried beans to a fried tortilla.
    • Add cooled salsa on top of the refried beans.
    • Top with a cooked egg.
    • Continue assembling until you run out of tortillas. 
      Enjoy.

    Notes

    Have your Mexican Red Salsa ready to go and made the day before.
    You can add chorizo to this recipe.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 532kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 327mg | Sodium: 508mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1039IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!


    Other Authentic Mexican Breakfast Recipes:

    Mexican Breakfast Migas are great way to start the day. Mexican food. Sunday Brunch. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    These Mexican Breakfast Migas are great for a quick and delicious Sunday brunch. Use up leftover tortillas, mixed with eggs, and topped with a savory, spicy salsa. A Mexican breakfast idea that’s sure to hit it out of the park!

    Nopales con Huevo (Cactus with Eggs) is an easy and healthy breakfast. Add tortillas and enjoy this Mexican food favorite. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Nopales con Huevo (Cactus with Eggs) is an easy and healthy breakfast. Add tortillas and enjoy this Mexican Breakfast favorite.

    Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs, or Chilaquiles con Huevos Fritos, is a delicious and flavorful breakfast dish that’s a favorite in Mexico. by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs, or Chilaquiles con Huevos Fritos, is a delicious and flavorful breakfast dish that’s a favorite in Mexico. This dish makes a yummy Mexican breakfast, but you can also enjoy it for lunch and dinner.

    Filed Under: Breakfast, Mexican, Recipes

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle

      February 23, 2017 at 8:38 am

      Making that this weekend

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 1, 2017 at 3:52 pm

        You’re going to LOVE this dish!

        Reply
    2. Janel Berchielli

      February 23, 2017 at 8:47 am

      I bet I would love this! I need to try it next time I make eggs.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 1, 2017 at 3:51 pm

        Hope you do. This recipe is a keeper!

        Reply
    3. candy

      February 23, 2017 at 10:07 am

      For some reason I always thought these were hard to make. Following your instructions now I know different. Adding to the menu.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 1, 2017 at 3:51 pm

        So funny to see you comment on my dishes. I’m learning a lot about your traditional American dishes from your blog. Thanks for your comment.

        Reply
    4. hal

      February 23, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      this looks amazing & so easy to do!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 1, 2017 at 3:50 pm

        Yes! Best breakfast brunch dish ever! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Mama Munchkin

      February 24, 2017 at 12:43 pm

      My hubby LOVES Huevos Rancheros and we had some similar to your recipe at a restaurant that he flipped for. I am going to have to make him these this weekend.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 1, 2017 at 3:49 pm

        He will love you for it! .. but I’m sure he already loves you. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      February 24, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      I lived in San Diego for about 30 years. Huevos rancheros are one of my fave breakfast dishes!!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 1, 2017 at 6:59 am

        I’m sure you had some good Mexican food when you lived here. 🙂 This is one of my favorites!

        Reply
    7. Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen

      February 25, 2017 at 4:01 pm

      How can you go wrong with eggs, refried beans, and homemade salsa? Looks like this would make a great breakfast!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 1, 2017 at 6:58 am

        It does! Thank you. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Lindsey

      March 4, 2017 at 2:10 pm

      Yum! These look delicious and your pictures are gorgeous! We make Huevos a little bit different in New Mexico and smother them with red and green chile and add hash browns! It’s my favorite breakfast meal by far!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 7, 2017 at 8:51 am

        Your version sounds yummy too.

        Reply

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