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.
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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 of Olive oil
- 2 Eggs
- 2 Tortilla wraps
- 2 tablespoon of Refried beans
- 4 tablespoon of Salsa
- 0.5 Avocado - sliced (optional)
- 20 g (0.25 cups) of Cheese - grated (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 0.5 tbsp of 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 tbsp of Refried beans on to each tortilla.
- Add the egg and then top with 4 tbsp of Salsa.
- Add 0.5 Avocado, 20 g of 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
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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.
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
I really enjoy this for breakfast and I use El Paso products a lot in my cooking too.
Dannii says
It going to become even more of a regular in our house.
shobha says
Looks so delicious.. Mexican dishes are nice and spicy.. Love them.
Dannii says
The spicier the better I say!
Mina Joshi says
I love any combination in wraps. As I don't eat eggs, I would happily swap them some more cheese.
Dannii says
Just add more feta :)
Carla says
I would love to go to Mexico and eat something like this every day. We are hoping to go for our honeymoon.
Dannii says
Definitely go for your honeymoon. It is an incredible place.
MissPond says
Dannii I was the same! But I've never turned back since discovering mexican food! I also love that you can get wholewheat wraps now :) Love your salsa recipe- will definitely be making that to go with mexican food from now on!!!
Dannii says
If only they would start doing gluten free wraps!
Emily Leary says
Love that so many of your recipes are veggie. This looks yummy.
Dannii says
Vegetarian food is a big part of my life!
Helen says
I'm not sure I could manage this for breakfast, but I'd happily scoff the lot for lunch! YUM! I haven't had proper Mexican food in ages. You've inspired me to get on with it!
Dannii says
It is the perfect balanced breakfast :)
Sammy says
I am with you on the runny egg. It just has to be runny, otherwise what is the point in eating it?
Dannii says
Totally agree. A hard yolk is a waste.
Mark says
I eat a lot of spicy food, but bever for breakfast. I'm up for trying something new though.
Dannii says
It's the only way to start the day I think.
marcie says
I'll eat Mexican food any time of day, and this looks like a great way to start the day!
Dannii says
Me too Marcie. I love it!
Becky says
Those eggs look cooked to perfection.
Dannii says
Thanks Becky!
Katie says
I could eat Mexican food for breakfast every day.
Dannii says
Me too! I would never get bored.
Kelley says
Mexican food for breakfast is the best! Love that you added feta!
Dannii says
I think I add feta to almost everything ;)
Jen says
Yum, I don't think I go for savoury often enough at breakfast time, good one to have at the weekend :)
Dannii says
I am not a big fan of sweet breakfasts, so this is an easy choice for me.
David @ Spiced says
Yummm...I could totally get behind these for breakfast every single day of the week! I love Mexican food, but I've never thought about eating it for breakfast. In fact, now I think I need breakfast for dinner tonight. :-)
Dannii says
Oh, breakfast for dinner is the way forward. It's the best meal of the day.