A flavour packed Mexican breakfast recipe that will keep you full right up to lunch. This Huevos Rancheros recipe is an easy and healthy vegetarian breakfast dish that is ready in just 5 minutes.
This isn't necessarily an authentic huevos rancheros recipe, so we have included some non-traditional accompaniments too, including cheese, sour cream and lettuce. This is a protein packed breakfast thanks to the eggs and beans, with a whole lots of flavour.
If you are looking for some more egg recipes, then why not try our protein packed Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese, perfect Dippy Eggs recipe, easy Air Fryer Boiled Eggs, comforting Oven Egg and Chips or super quick Microwave Fried Eggs?
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What Is Huevos Rancheros?
Huevos Rancheros translates to "Rancher's Eggs" and is a traditional Mexican breakfast. The basic dish consists of fried eggs served on lightly fried or charred tortillas, topped with a tomato salsa. Common accompaniments are refried beans, rice, guacamole or sliced avocado.
Why You Will Love It
- Quick - These Mexican eggs are ready in 5 minutes.
- Something different for breakfast - If you are bored of having eggs the same way all the time, then this is something a bit different.
- Low in calories - Less than 300 calories per serving, and really filling.
- Easy to adapt - There are lots of ways to adapt this with different toppings.
Huevos Rancheros Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Eggs - Use fresh eggs for best results. We always choose high welfare eggs.
- Tortilla wraps - We use flour tortillas, as they are more flexible. But corn tortillas would still work.
- Refried beans - You could make your own, but we used a really good quality can. You can also use whole cooked black beans instead.
- Salsa - We have provided the recipe for our homemade salsa, however you could save yourself some time and use a good quality store bought one.
- Avocado - Make sure your avocado is ripe (but not too ripe) for the best flavour.
- Cheese - We used mature cheddar, as it has a strong flavour. But you could use Monterey jack instead.
Variations
Here are some suggestions for traditional (and non-traditional), ways to make huevos rancheros:
- Base: Use corn or flour tortillas and warm each one on both sides in a dry frying pan or skillet. You could use our Wholewheat Tortilla Wrap recipe, or even our Easy Flatbreads.
- Beans: Refried beans are the way to go in Huevos Rancheros, because they spread easily. You can use store bought or see below for instructions of how to make them.
- Salsa: The choice of salsa varies depending on how spicy you want to start your day. Again, you can use store bought, or use either our Pico de Gallo (mild), Restaurant Style Salsa (medium) or Salsa Picante (hot).
- Eggs: The fresher, the better. Fresh eggs hold together better and they also taste better. With eggs, you do get what you pay for, so make sure you use a good quality, free-range egg. They should be cooked so that the yolk is still runny. You could try our Microwave Fried Eggs too.
- Extras: Add some grated cheddar or crumbled feta. Slices of avocado or some of our Ultimate Guacamole always go well. Or maybe even some Spanish Rice. Make it more indulgent by adding some cooked chorizo.
How To Make Huevos Rancheros - Step By Step
- Step 1: Add the oil to a pan and then crack in 2 eggs. Cook for 3 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
- Step 2: Heat a separate dry pan and heat each tortilla on both sides.
- Step 3: Spread a tablespoon of refried beans on to each tortilla.
- Step 4: Add the egg and then top with salsa.
- Step 5: Add and extra toppings you like.
How To Make Refried Beans
- Cook a finely chopped onion until it has softened.
- Add garlic powder, chilli powder and cumin. Mix well. Add a can of drained pinto beans and 120ml (0.5 cup) of water. Stir and cover. Leave for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and remove the lid. Using a potato masher, mash the beans, until you are happy with the consistency. Continue to cook the beans, uncovered for another 3 minutes. Stir regularly.
- Remove from the heat and stir in chopped coriander (cilantro) and juice of a lime.
What To Serve With Huevos Rancheros
This is a nice filling start to your day, so nothing else is really needed. You could of course eat this for lunch (or dinner), so if you want to make it into a larger meal, try some of the following with it:
Storage
Huervos Rancheros is such a quick meal to rustle up (providing you have the salsa and beans already made), that you won't need to store it. Once made, it really should be enjoyed immediately.
Extra Tips
- You don't have to use a fried egg - scrambled or poached egg work just as well.
- You can use store bought refried beans or make your own using the method above.
- Either flour, wholewheat or corn tortillas will work.
- We used grated cheddar for this, but crumbled feta also works really well.
Frequently Asked Questions
The only thing not gluten free in this recipe is the flour tortilla. Simply swap for a corn tortilla and you will have yourself gluten free huevos rancheros.
Traditionally, huevos rancheros is a vegetarian breakfast, but there is nothing to stop you from adding meat if you wanted. Add some chopped bacon, chopped chorizo, shredded chicken or pulled pork to make this into a more filling meal. Not a meat eater? Add some mushrooms, grilled halloumi, tofu or extra beans.
More Mexican Recipes
If you’ve tried this huevos rancheros recipe, then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Huevos Rancheros
Ingredients
- 0.5 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Tortilla wraps
- 2 tablespoon Refried beans
- 4 tablespoon Salsa
- 0.5 Avocado - sliced (optional)
- 20 g (0.25 cups) Cheese - grated (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 0.5 tablespoon Olive oil in a pan and then crack in 2 Eggs. Cook for 3 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
- Heat a separate dry pan and heat 2 Tortilla wraps on both sides.
- Spread a tablespoon of 2 tablespoon Refried beans on to each tortilla.
- Add the egg and then top with 4 tablespoon Salsa.
- Add 0.5 Avocado, 20 g Cheese and any extra toppings you like.
Recipe Tips
- You don't have to use a fried egg - our microwaved scrambled eggs or perfect poached egg work just as well.
- You can use store bought refried beans or make your own using the method above.
- Either flour, wholewheat or corn tortillas will work.
- We used grated cheddar for this, but crumbled feta also works really well.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Mexican food for breakfast sounds so delicious, Dannii! I love this recipe. Sounds like the perfect start to my morning!
Dannii says
There really is no better way to start the day Gayle!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
Dannii - These look delicious! I can't wait to try these. Eggs and Mexican Food are my favorite.
Dannii says
I have plenty more Mexican recipes coming up, so look out for those :)
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
I am a sucker for runny eggs too - but, wow - this is beyond mouthwatering! What an interesting take on Huevos Rancheros - fit for breakfast, lunch AND dinner - if you ask me! :)
Dannii says
The yolk HAS to be runny.
Kaitlyn says
I would be very happy with Mexican for breakfast too. I have been eating a lot of eggs and avocado for breakfast.
Dannii says
Have you tried eggs baked in avocado? That's really good.
Victoria says
That looks like my kind of breakfast. I am
Putting salsa on almost everything at the moment, but I have never had it with eggs.
Dannii says
Salsa and eggs are perfect together. Especially with avocado :D
Sarah Mallinson says
I would loooove to see more Mexican recipes! This looks absolutely delish!
I sometimes make a similar dish but with scrambled eggs with some coriander mixed through + without the beans. This sounds like a great version for a weekend :)
Dannii says
Coriander goes so well in eggs. But salsa is even better ;)
Larry says
Hi, Dannii -- your huevos rancheros would be even better if you used Larry's Southwestern Ranchero Sauce which is made with fresh ingredients and is vegan, gluten free and contains no additives or artificial preservatives. I know. I'm Larry. Buen provecho!
Deborah says
This looks delicious!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
Would you believe I've never ever made Huevos Rancheros before? And I live in San Diego, of all places! Looks great.
HHHAdmin says
wow - you need to get on that! I LOVE San Diego. I went there when I was backpacking and I had the best Mexican food of my life. The memories of cheap potato tacos in this hole-in-the-wall little Mexican place will stay with me forever :)
Erin says
I could eat Mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
HHHAdmin says
Me too. I think I should live in Mexico. Or Texas at least.
Daphne says
What kind of eggs do you buy? Do you always buy free range?
HHHAdmin says
Yes, I buy free range :)
Paula says
I love Huevos Rancheros. We make this most Sundays for brunch. There might be some champagne and orange juice involved too on special occasions ;)
HHHAdmin says
Ooooh, champagne breakfast! I only ever have that on holiday, and then it is every day. I think I might have to treat myself to it at home once a month. It woul be rude not to!
Sarah says
I love eggs for breakfast, but they can get so boring. This definitely doesn't look boring, I can't wait to make them.
HHHAdmin says
I love eggs too. For breakfast or any time of the day. On the Facebook page I am posting a different breakfast every day to get out of a breakfast rut. I was bored with plain eggs or porridge every day.
Anna says
I would never have thought to have spicy food for breakfast. It would be good for the metabolism.
HHHAdmin says
You're right - it would be. It is a little strange having Mexican food for breakfast. But a good strange :)
Amber says
I find it so interesting how all different people have different tastes! As a Texas native following your blog I can't imagine not having spicy foods for breakfast! Scrambled eggs with salsa, onions & jalepeno's, spicy pork sausage, huevos rancheros, migas, the list goes on and on! I think I have more spicy breakfast recipes than I have savory or sweet.
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
Hi Danni! This looks delicious! Having just come back from New Mexico, I'm thinking about Mexican food (which I didn't actually have while I was there :-( ) This looks easy and delicious though! Thanks for the recipe!
HHHAdmin says
You didn't have any Mexican food? :o
I think about Mexican food every day - it's definitely one of my favourites. You're right, this recipe is really simple.