This is the Best Way to Make Huevos Rancheros & No One Can Change My Mind
Feast on this 90-year-old authentic Mexican recipe.
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This hearty huevos rancheros recipe is what my grandmother made for the rancheros working on her family farm in 1930âs Mexico. Sunny side up eggs, refried beans and melty cheese are served on a crispy corn tortilla, then topped with pico de gallo, sour cream and diced avocado.
Huevos rancheros is one of those recipes that every family makes their own unique way. Some serve it with a spicy red sauce on top, others with green tomatillo salsa, and yet others do a mix of both. Each of these variations is no doubt delicious, but for me, they are not huevos rancheros.
In my mind, huevos rancheros will forever be made exactly the way my grandmother prepared them for the men working on her familyâs farm in 1930âs Mexico. Itâs also the way she made them for my cousins and I growing up. You know how it is -when youâre raised eating something a certain way, any other preparation just isnât as satisfying.
I only know snippets of Nanaâs childhood. Born in 1924, I know she was married at 14-years-old and that her mother - my great-grandmother - had 22 children. I also know they lived on a farm in rural Mexico, and that there was a legend of buried treasure somewhere on the property. According to Nana, one summer a maid and a farmhand disappeared, leaving a mysterious hole dug in the ground. My great-grandmother was convinced theyâd found the treasure and absconded together. She never forgave them.
Everyone on the farm worked, and as soon as Nana was old enough her task was cooking meals for the farmhands. This huevos rancheros recipe was one of her most popular breakfasts. Itâs hearty, filling, and flavorful - all important qualities when youâre preparing for a hard day working the land.
Many years later, the efficiency with which she made this breakfast was apparent to me as a young girl. I watched her heat up tortillas and fry eggs in a giant skillet, all while a big pot of frijoles simmered on the back burner. Her efficiency was a sight to behold. I relished the sound of eggs gently frying in butter, and the nutty smell of corn tortillas crisping up on the stove. Nana didnât even use a griddle; she toasted her tortillas over an open flame.
Before she passed away, Nana taught my husband how to make her huevos rancheros recipe. Every year he cooks it up for Motherâs Day and for my birthday. Itâs my favorite breakfast. And even though I can make it myself, itâs always nice to have someone else cook for you, isnât it?
If you have never made huevos rancheros, fear not: there is nothing complicated about this recipe. Warm a few tortillas, top them with beans, and fry up some eggs. Then layer everything together, sprinkle cheese on top, and heat in the oven until the cheese is melty. You can use store-bought refried beans and salsa if you like, but Iâm including links to Nanaâs recipes for both below. The combination of beans + eggs packs a big protein punch, plus you get some carbs from the tortillas.
Every bite of this huevos rancheros recipe is full of texture and flavor, too. You have the crisp tortilla, the creamy beans, the soft eggs, then your favorite fixings on top. I like to add a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado and lots of pico de gallo salsa.
I hope you give this recipe a try! If you do, I'd love to hear about it. And if your family has their own special way of making huevos rancheros, Iâd be thrilled to hear your stories in the comments.
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What Are Huevos Rancheros?
Huevos rancheros are a traditional Mexican dish that was originally served for breakfast on rural farms. They were filling, cheap, and most importantly, delicious. Over time, this humble farm workersâ breakfast became so popular that it is now served at some of the finest restaurants.
So, what exactly are huevos rancheros made of? Picture a sunny side up egg on top of a crispy corn tortilla that's been spread with flavorful refried beans. Add melty cheese, fresh pico de gallo, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream on top. Thatâs huevos rancheros in a nutshell!
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Ingredient Notes
Youâll only need a few ingredients to make this huevos rancheros recipe. Hereâs a quick look at what youâll need, along with my notes. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe for printable instructions.
Corn tortillas â I recommend those made at your local Mexican market or closest tortillerĂa (the place where tortillas are made). My favorite brand of store-bought corn tortillas is La Tortilla Factory Yellow Corn & Wheat Tortillas. They come the closest to homemade tortillas.
Refried beans â I like to use homemade frijoles refritos, but you can also use your favorite store-bought brand. I quite like El Pasoâs refried beans and have some tips below on how to spruce up canned beans so they have more flavor.