If you are a fan of Mexican comfort food with a hearty, homemade touch, you are going to adore these Carnitas Enchiladas: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Recipe. This dish takes tender, juicy shredded pork carnitas and wraps it lovingly in soft tortillas, all smothered with rich, vibrant enchilada sauce and melted cheese. It’s a perfect balance of savory, juicy, and cheesy that feels both nostalgic and excitingly fresh. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe brings a warm, satisfying experience that simply bursts with authentic flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe, and luckily, these are all simple staples that come together harmoniously to create a memorable meal. Each component adds an essential layer—whether it’s the smoky carnitas, the tangy sauce, or the melty cheese, the flavors and textures will have your taste buds celebrating.
- 3 cups cooked pork carnitas: Tender shredded pork provides the hearty, flavorful filling.
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce: Choose homemade or store-bought for that rich, spicy base that ties everything together.
- 8 corn or flour tortillas: Softened for easy rolling and delicious bites that hold the fillings perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: A melty, gooey topping that adds creaminess and depth.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Adds a subtle crunch and sharp sweetness to the carnitas mix.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh, vibrant herbaceous note that lifts the whole dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warm earthiness that enhances the pork’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle kick of savory depth throughout the mix.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Used to soften tortillas and help them roll without cracking.
- Sour cream, avocado, and lime wedges (optional): Classic garnishes that add creaminess, richness, and fresh citrus zest.
How to Make Carnitas Enchiladas: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Carnitas Filling
Start by mixing your shredded pork carnitas with ground cumin, garlic powder, diced onion, cilantro, and a few spoonfuls of your enchilada sauce. This allows each bite of pork to be infused with layers of spice and freshness before rolling it in the tortillas. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper — it’s the little details that make the filling sing.
Step 2: Soften the Tortillas
Soft tortillas are essential for rolling without breakage. Warm them carefully in a skillet with a little oil, or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel until pliable. This simple step guarantees tender rolls that hold your savory filling snugly.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish — this prevents sticking and adds moisture from the start. Then, spoon roughly 1/3 cup of the carnitas mixture into each tortilla, roll it tight, and place it seam-side down in the dish. The sauce and cheese go on top, ensuring the enchiladas bake into bubbling, golden perfection.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes to warm through and meld flavors. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, letting the cheese develop a golden, bubbly crust. This final step ensures the classic melty topping that makes enchiladas irresistible.
How to Serve Carnitas Enchiladas: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Recipe
Garnishes
You can enhance your plate with simple, classic garnishes like sour cream, creamy slices of avocado, and fresh lime wedges. Sour cream adds cool creaminess, avocado brings buttery texture, and lime wedges offer a burst of bright acidity. Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds a lovely aromatic finish, elevating every bite.
Side Dishes
Perfect companions for these enchiladas include Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp, refreshing cabbage slaw. The rice absorbs the rich sauce, the beans add an earthy heartiness, and the slaw provides a crisp contrast, balancing the richness of the cheese and meat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up, serve these Carnitas Enchiladas: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Recipe in individual ramekins for impressive single servings or roll smaller tortillas to make bite-sized appetizers for a festive gathering. Adding a drizzle of crema or chipotle sauce on top can also bring a new dimension of flavor and flair to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest overnight, making for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked enchiladas by wrapping the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying, for about 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick microwave zap also works if you are short on time but might compromise texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use leftover pulled pork instead of making carnitas?
Absolutely! Leftover pulled pork works wonderfully in this recipe and makes it a great way to repurpose tasty meat without any extra effort.
What’s the difference between corn and flour tortillas for enchiladas?
Corn tortillas offer a more traditional, slightly firm texture with distinctive flavor, while flour tortillas tend to be softer and more pliable. Either works well, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free too, making this dish a safe and delicious option.
Is it possible to use green enchilada sauce instead of red?
Definitely! Swapping in green sauce gives the dish a tangier, zestier twist that pairs beautifully with the pork carnitas for a different flavor profile.
How spicy are these enchiladas?
The spiciness depends on the enchilada sauce used; you can select a mild, medium, or hot sauce to control the heat level. The cumin and garlic add warmth without overwhelming spice.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about homemade enchiladas done right, and these Carnitas Enchiladas: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Recipe deliver just that with big, bold flavors and that perfect melty cheese finish. Whether for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try and watch your family and friends ask for seconds with smiles all around!
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Carnitas Enchiladas: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Carnitas Enchiladas offer a delicious twist on a classic Mexican dish, combining tender shredded pork carnitas with a flavorful enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and aromatic spices. This baked casserole is perfect for a comforting main course, garnished with fresh cilantro and served with creamy avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges for extra zest.
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 cups cooked pork carnitas (shredded)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Assembly
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 tablespoon oil (for softening tortillas)
Optional Garnishes
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded pork carnitas with ground cumin, garlic powder, diced onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and a few spoonfuls of the enchilada sauce. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly coated and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Tortillas: Lightly heat the tortillas to make them pliable, either by briefly warming them in a skillet with a bit of oil or microwaving them wrapped in a damp paper towel.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the carnitas mixture onto each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place each seam-side down in the prepared dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend generously on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the enchiladas with additional chopped cilantro, and serve warm, accompanied by sour cream, sliced avocado, and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute green enchilada sauce for a tangier flavor.
- Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese can be used instead of the Mexican cheese blend.
- Leftover pulled pork is an excellent alternative to freshly cooked carnitas.
- For gluten-free servings, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
