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Easy Huevos Rancheros

Easy Huevos Rancheros Recipe


  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Description

Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that is both hearty and flavorful. The name “Huevos Rancheros” translates to “Rancher’s Eggs,” reflecting its rustic, farm-style origins. Traditionally, this dish features crispy tortillas, sunny-side-up eggs, and a rich, homemade ranchero sauce, creating the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and spicy flavors.

This Easy Huevos Rancheros recipe is a simplified version that still delivers authentic flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner, this dish is vegetariangluten-free, and can be easily customized with toppings like avocado, cheese, and refried beans.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Ranchero Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity, optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For the Eggs & Tortillas:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 small corn tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for frying eggs)

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 cup refried beans (for extra heartiness)
  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Hot sauce (for extra spice)

Instructions

1: Prepare the Ranchero Sauce

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and jalapeño (if using), and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
  5. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in the chopped cilantro, then remove from heat and set aside.

 2: Crisp the Tortillas

  1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds per side, until slightly crispy but still pliable.
  2. If you prefer crunchier tortillas, lightly fry them in 1 teaspoon of oil until golden and crisp.
  3. Set them aside on a plate.

 3: Cook the Eggs

  1. In a nonstick pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter or oil over medium heat.
  2. Crack the eggs into the pan, cooking them sunny-side-up until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny (about 3–4 minutes).
  3. For over-easy eggs, gently flip them and cook for 30 seconds more.

 4: Assemble the Huevos Rancheros

  1. Spread a layer of refried beans (if using) on each tortilla.
  2. Spoon warm ranchero sauce over the beans.
  3. Place a fried egg on top of each tortilla.
  4. Sprinkle with cheese, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.
  5. Drizzle with sour cream or Mexican crema, and serve with lime wedges and hot sauce on the

Notes

  • For the crispiest tortillas, fry them in a small amount of hot oil until golden brown.
  • Control the spice: If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before adding it to the sauce.
  • Use fresh tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas have the best texture and flavor compared to pre-packaged ones.
  • Make the sauce ahead: Ranchero sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 12g