Description
This Huevos Rancheros breakfast casserole is a bold and flavorful take on a Mexican classic. With layers of seasoned chicken sausage, black beans, ranchero sauce, cheese, and perfectly baked eggs on top of tortillas, this dish is perfect for brunches, weekend breakfasts, or meal prep. It’s easy to make, full of protein, and guaranteed to please a crowd!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken sausage (or chorizo, if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 8 ounces ranchero sauce
- 4 medium tortillas (use low-carb if preferred)
- 14.5 ounces black beans (1 can, rinsed and drained)
- 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain!)
- 8 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 8 eggs
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ cup rough chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage (or chorizo) and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Let the spices cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set the sausage mixture aside.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Lay the tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping to create a solid base.
- Spread the black beans evenly over the tortillas.
- Add the seasoned sausage mixture on top of the beans.
- Pour the canned tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain) evenly over the sausage layer.
- Drizzle the ranchero sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly across the entire dish.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
- Use a spoon to create 8 small wells in the cheese layer.
- Crack one egg into each well, being careful not to break the yolks. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the eggs.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set and the yolks reach your desired doneness.
- For firmer yolks, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.
- Slice into portions and serve warm with your favorite toppings such as avocado, salsa, or sour cream.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the eggs) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add the eggs just before baking.
- Freezing: Cool the casserole completely, then slice it into portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Customizations: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage, ground beef, or plant-based crumbles.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne and chili powder to suit your spice preference. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired