Huevos Rancheros
A classic Mexican breakfast dish featuring crispy fried corn tortillas topped with creamy refried beans, perfectly cooked eggs, chipotle salsa, fresh avocado, and crumbled queso fresco. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast.
COOK TIME: 15 minutes
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
SERVINGS: 6
INGREDIENTS
10 ounces store-bought chipotle salsa
½ cup avocado oil
6 small corn tortillas
14 ounces refried beans, warmed
2 tablespoons butter
6 large eggs
1 avocado
½ cup grated queso fresco
Flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add two tortillas at a time and fry for 60–90 seconds on each side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer fried tortillas to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Spread ¼ cup of warmed refried beans on each fried tortilla. Spoon ¼ cup of chipotle salsa evenly over the beans.
Drain the oil from the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Carefully crack three eggs into the skillet, spacing them evenly. Cook until the whites are set and yolks remain slightly runny, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and place one egg on top of each prepared tortilla. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh onto a cutting board. Slice into six thin slices per half and place two slices atop each fried egg.
Sprinkle the queso fresco over the top and season with flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tortilla Perfection: Ensure the oil is hot before frying to achieve crispy, non-greasy tortillas.
Egg Cooking Tip: For sunny-side-up eggs with runny yolks, cover the skillet for the last minute to gently steam the tops.
Creamy Beans: If the refried beans are too thick, stir in a splash of water or chicken broth.
Customize It: Add fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or extra hot sauce to your taste.
Storage & Food Safety
Store leftover huevos rancheros components separately (tortillas, eggs, beans) in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat tortillas in a skillet and eggs to at least 165°F before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use black beans instead of refried beans for a lighter version.
Swap queso fresco for cotija or feta if desired.
Olive oil can replace avocado oil for frying.
Disclaimer
Eggs should be cooked to at least 160°F to ensure food safety. Follow USDA guidelines for handling and storing cooked eggs, beans, and tortillas.