Huevos Rancheros Skillet is the perfect Cinco de Mayo breakfast or brunch dish! Full of vibrant Mexican flavors, this skillet brings together crisp tortillas, creamy beans, zesty ranchero sauce, and perfectly cooked eggs. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a delicious morning meal, this one-pan wonder delivers all the flavors of Mexico in a fun, easy-to-serve style. Here’s everything you need to make this savory, satisfying dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into quarters or left whole
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ranchero sauce (recipe below, or use enchilada sauce or salsa roja)
- 4–6 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
- Chopped tomatoes
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce (chipotle, jalapeño, or habanero for spice lovers )
Homemade Ranchero Sauce
(Makes about 1 cup — rich, smoky, and quick!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo (or 1 tsp sauce)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a small saucepan.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until soft (3–4 min).
- Stir in tomatoes, chipotle, and spices.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend until smooth.
Directions
1. Toast the Tortillas
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add tortilla pieces and cook until golden and crisp.
- Remove and set aside.
2. Build the Base
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- Stir in beans and ½ cup ranchero sauce, warming through for 2–3 minutes.
- Nestle the crispy tortillas into the mixture.
3. Add the Eggs
- Make small wells in the skillet and crack eggs into them.
- Spoon a little extra ranchero sauce around the eggs.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cheese.
4. Cook
- Option 1 (stovetop): Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes until whites are set and yolks are slightly runny.
- Option 2 (oven): Transfer skillet to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Top with avocado, cilantro, queso fresco, and crema.
- Serve straight from the skillet with warm tortillas or chips for scooping.
Tips & Variations
- Add chorizo or bacon for extra richness.
- Swap black beans for refried beans for a creamier texture.
- For a veggie version, add sautéed peppers, onions, or spinach.
- Top with pickled jalapeños for a spicy Cinco de Mayo kick!
Perfect Pairings
- Mexican rice or roasted sweet potatoes
- Fresh fruit with chili-lime tajín
- Margaritas, micheladas, or horchata on the side!
What is Huevos Rancheros Skillet?
Huevos Rancheros Skillet is a delicious Mexican breakfast or brunch dish that combines hearty elements like crispy tortillas, creamy beans, eggs, and flavorful ranchero sauce. This savory dish is perfect for a celebratory Cinco de Mayo meal or any day when you’re craving something bold and satisfying.
The Origin of Huevos Rancheros
This traditional Mexican dish hails from the rural farms of Mexico. “Huevos rancheros” means “ranch-style eggs,” referring to the classic dish served by ranch workers to start their day. It was designed to be hearty and filling, packed with fresh, local ingredients that kept workers fueled through long days of labor.
Ingredients and Their Role
- Corn Tortillas: These serve as the crispy base for the dish and provide a lovely contrast to the creamy beans and eggs.
- Black Beans: These provide a rich, earthy flavor and are a staple in many Mexican dishes.
- Ranchero Sauce: This sauce is the heart of the dish, infusing it with smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Eggs: Eggs add richness and make the dish even more satisfying, cooked to your preference.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese, like cheddar or queso fresco, adds a creamy texture and balances out the heat from the sauce.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Toast the Tortillas: Start by crisping up the tortillas in hot oil. This will help them hold their shape and add a satisfying crunch.
- Build the Base: Layer the beans and sauce, then nestle the crispy tortillas in to absorb all the flavors.
- Add the Eggs: Crack eggs into small wells in the mixture, and spoon ranchero sauce over them to help them cook.
- Cook: Use your choice of stovetop or oven methods to cook the eggs to your desired level of doneness.
- Garnish: Add fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and crema to elevate the dish and add layers of flavor.
Variations of Huevos Rancheros
There are endless ways to customize Huevos Rancheros Skillet. You can add chorizo for a rich, spicy kick or top it with refried beans for a creamier texture. Vegetarians can swap in sautéed peppers or spinach for a fresh, veggie-packed version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Huevos Rancheros Skillet
Q1: Can I make this dish in advance?
- You can prepare the ranchero sauce and beans in advance. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to cook the eggs fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q2: Can I make Huevos Rancheros Skillet in a regular skillet?
- Yes, any large oven-safe skillet will work. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook the eggs stovetop as well.
Q3: What if I don’t like spicy food?
- You can adjust the level of heat in the ranchero sauce by using less chipotle or opting for a milder salsa roja. You can also skip the hot sauce garnish.
Conclusion: Huevos Rancheros Skillet
Huevos Rancheros Skillet is the ultimate Cinco de Mayo dish, blending bold, colorful Mexican flavors into one satisfying meal. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a festive breakfast with family. With its layers of crispy tortillas, creamy beans, zesty ranchero sauce, and perfectly cooked eggs, this dish will surely become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or a cozy brunch, Huevos Rancheros Skillet delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. Enjoy!
[tasty-recipe id=”16188″]
