Huevos rancheros on a blue plate with fried eggs, crispy tortillas, refried beans, and salsa, presented on a dark wooden surface.
Breakfast

Ultimate Huevos Rancheros Breakfast

Huevos rancheros might be the most ultimate breakfast out there. Fried eggs, warm crispy tortillas, refried beans, and salsa come together in a beautiful medley of flavors and textures. So satisfying and truly the best way to start the day.

Like most beloved breakfasts, there are many, many ways to make huevos rancheros and every family has their own way. That being said, all huevos rancheros plates include sunny side up eggs, salsa, and tortillas. This iteration is our ultimate huevos rancheros, and it’s absolutely one of my all-time favorite breakfasts. Making huevos rancheros from scratch is one of the most satisfying breakfasts you can make, and it’s so easy, whether you use fresh made or store-bought salsa.

What are Huevos Rancheros?

Huevos rancheros is a Mexican breakfast that consists of lightly fried tortillas, refried beans, sunny side up eggs, and salsa. It can be spicy or mild and dressed up with cheese, avocados, cilantro, and all the extra toppings. Huevos rancheros means “ranch style eggs” and essentially, it’s a super hearty breakfast that ranch/farm hands ate to keep up their strength throughout the day.

Ingredients:

  • Salsa: Your favorite store-bought or homemade salsa, or make a simple homemade ranchero salsa with canned fire-roasted tomatoes, onion, and roasted green chile simmered in chicken broth.
  • Beans: Refried beans, either homemade, leftover, or store-bought.
  • Tortillas: Small corn tortillas lightly fried into tostadas, or use flour tortillas if preferred.
  • Eggs: Sunny side up eggs with crispy edges and creamy yolks.
  • Toppings and Sides:
    • Avocados (sliced or guacamole)
    • Cheese (Queso Fresco)
    • Mexican rice
    • Pico de gallo
    • Sliced jalapeños
    • Cilantro
    • Carnitas, Barbacoa, or Birria (optional)
Ingredients for huevos rancheros, including eggs, tortillas, salsa, refried beans, avocado, cheese, and cilantro, laid out on a dark wooden surface

How to Make Huevos Rancheros

  1. Make the Salsa: In a saucepan, lightly fry chopped onions and add fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped chiles, broth, cumin, and oregano. Simmer until slightly thick and aromatic.
  2. Fry the Tortillas: Lightly crisp up the tortillas in hot oil until golden and crunchy on the edges.
  3. Fry the Eggs: Fry the eggs sunny side up with firm whites and creamy yolks.
  4. Assemble: Lay out the crisp tortillas and top them with some warm salsa. Add a fried egg and top with even more salsa. Finish with a bit of queso fresco and cilantro and add a side of refried beans.
  5. Enjoy: Dig in, making sure to get a bite of everything: crispy tortilla, savory salsa, and creamy egg!
Close-up side view of frying sunny side up eggs in a pan on a dark wooden surface.

Helpful Hints:

  • Salsa: You can use your favorite salsa, either store-bought or homemade. Cooking store-bought salsa on the stove with added cumin and oregano can deepen the flavors.
  • Beans: Refried beans add creaminess to the dish but are optional.
  • Tortillas: Frying your own tortillas at home lets you control the texture.
  • Eggs: Sunny side up eggs are classic, but cook them to your preference.
  • Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings and sides for added flavor and texture.