Easy Weeknight Dinners

I love to cook, as you have learned from following this blog. I love trying new things and building our repertoire of favorite recipes. But I am also a busy mom and sometimes we just need a speedy delicious dinner on those nights we are running here and there.

Huevos Rancheros suits the bill quite nicely. Huevos Rancheros means Rancher’s eggs, and this dish originated on Mexican farms, served as a hearty breakfast or a substantial mid-morning meal. It is packed with protein and flavor and comes together quickly.

I have had Huevos Rancheros in restaurants and discovered that they can take many forms. But the basic recipe is a corn tortilla topped with beans, a fried egg, cheese and salsa.

We like to use tostadas, which are corn tortillas already fried and crispy. You can buy a big ol’ bag of them anywhere you find Mexican foods. I like the brand they carry at Aldi, Pueblo Lindo.

Then you simply mash up some black beans with some spices and lime juice. You spread a nice layer on top of each tostada and this makes a great foundation for the rest of the toppings.

The cheese you use is up to you, but I like to use a shredded Mexican cheese blend. Sprinkle some evenly on each tostada and pop in the oven just until the cheese is melted. Then remove them from the oven and set aside while you prepare your eggs.

An over-easy egg is ideal here, as the yolk blends so nicely with the beans and cheese. But some folks in my house prefer a firm egg, so I cook to order. Cook each egg and place them on top of the tostada, then pop the whole thing back in the oven until your eggs are set to your liking and the beans are warmed back up. That’s it!

The fun part is topping them with your favorite Mexican toppings. Of course, salsa is a major flavor component here. If you have the time, fresh homemade salsa is always best, but a good store-bought salsa also works just fine. You can use red salsa or salsa verde.

Add some sour cream, some fresh cilantro and avocado, if desired.

This simple dish is the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy, making it extremely satisfying. It makes a great breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It also works well as a vegetarian throw-together meal because it’s packed with protein.

The next time you are flying in the door from work or your shift as a Mom Uber, try throwing together these yummy Huevos Rancheros that will please the whole family.