"This huevos rancheros recipe is a take on the Mexican dish of eggs and spicy tomato sauce on tortillas. Capsicum gives sweetness, and the chorizo lends a lovely smoky flavour. It’s brilliant for a late brunch. I like to throw in some beans to make it super-hearty and add even more goodness. Try any kind – black, kidney, whatever you have in the pantry." – Jamie Oliver

What you need to know before you start

This simple recipe comes together in just under an hour, making it a fantastic weekend breakfast or brunch option. You will need basic cooking equipment like a large frypan with a lid and a spoon, as well as access to an oven to crisp up the tortilla pieces. 

Why is this the best huevos rancheros with beans recipe?

Created by foodie legend Jamie Oliver, this take on the classic Mexican breakfast recipe is hearty, filling and packed full of flavour. While traditional versions of this dish are meat-free, Jamie adds chorizo for a kick of spice and depth of flavour. The dish is easy to make and is loaded with goodness thanks to the beans, capsicum, spinach and eggs. 

What is the difference between shakshuka and huevos rancheros?

The two dishes share a number of similarities, including eggs and a tomato base, however they originate from different parts of the world. Shakshuka is popular in Northern Africa and the Middle East, and is flavoured with Middle Eastern spices like cumin and paprika. On the other hand, huevos rancheros is a Mexican dish featuring beans, tortillas and spicy salsa.

What countries eat huevos rancheros?

This popular dish is eaten around Mexico as well as parts of America. Its widespread appeal also means you may have seen it on menus around Australia, too. 

What ingredients you’ll need 

Wholemeal tortillas: Tortillas are cut into small triangles and baked until crispy. They’re served alongside the huevos rancheros to dip and scoop up all the goodness. 

Olive oil: Oil is added to the pan to stop foods from sticking. 

Dried chorizo: Chorizo imparts a beautifully smoky and spicy flavour that isn’t typically seen in a huevos rancheros recipe.

Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic adds a savoury, robust and aromatic layer to enhance the dish with depth and complexity.

Red and yellow capsicum: Both red and yellow capsicums are sweeter than their green counterparts. This balances out the acidity of tomatoes and adds a textural crunch. But you can use whatever colour capsicum you have to hand. 

Long green shallots: The onion-like flavours of spring onions provide a crispness and freshness to lighten and brighten the dish.

Long red chillies: Mild in their spicy aroma, long red chillies impart a subtle kick of heat. The heat level of these chillies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to test the chilli before adding. 

Canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes form the foundation of huevos rancheros. They deliver a deep savoury tomato flavour while creating a thick and luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with eggs. 

Canned beans: The creamy and slightly firm texture of canned beans adds a contrast to the soft eggs with a mild, earthy flavour. You can use whatever canned beans you have at home, or go for black beans or red kidney beans for a more traditional feel. 

Baby spinach leaves: The dish is given a nutritional boost thanks to the spinach leaves. 

Eggs: Another crucial component to the recipe, eggs are a good source of protein for a filling breakfast, with a rich and mild flavour that pairs beautifully with tomatoes. 

Lime: A squeeze of lime juice is drizzled to the finished dish for brightness. 

Avocado: Avocado slices add creaminess, freshness and balance to the dish. 

How do you prepare huevos rancheros?

This simple dish is prepared all in one pan. While the tortillas crisp up in the oven, the remainder of the ingredients are gradually added to a large frypan to allow the luscious tomato sauce to thicken and deepen in flavour thanks to the capsicum, chilli and garlic.

Once the tomato and bean mixture has simmered, make four wells directly in the pan and crack an egg into each opening. The trick here is to cover the pan after adding the eggs, as this will help to cook the whites faster, while ensuring you still end up with a nice, runny yolk. When the eggs are set, serve with your favourite sides, the golden tortillas and a fresh squeeze of lime. 

How to store leftover huevos rancheros with beans

Huevos rancheros is best served fresh, as the tortillas will stay crispy and the eggs will be beautiful and runny. However, if you have any leftovers, transfer the components separately to airtight containers in the fridge for 1-2 days, to prevent the tortilla triangles from going soft and soggy. 

What to serve with huevos rancheros with beans

Huevos rancheros is best served with plenty of accompaniments to complement the rich flavours of the dish. Dish up this hearty breakfast with crispy tortilla triangles, fresh avocado slices and lime wedges. To take things up a notch, spoon over your favourite salsa, pickled radish and fresh coriander leaves. If you really want to make it a special brunch, you could also serve with a frozen margarita or a paloma cocktail. 

If you love our huevos rancheros with beans recipe, try this 

Ready to level up your Mexican flavours? Experiment in the kitchen with these flavour-packed Mexican-inspired recipes:

•  Pescadillas (crispy fish tacos)
• Tostadas de Salpicon (shredded beef tostadas)
• Pastel Azteca (Mexican lasagne)