Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Quick

If you’re craving a dish that embodies the rich, bold flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine, look no further than these carnitas enchiladas. This recipe combines tender, slow-cooked pork carnitas with savory enchilada sauce, wrapped in soft corn tortillas and baked to perfection.

The result is a comforting, flavorful meal that bursts with layers of texture and spice, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these enchiladas offer a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors with a twist.

What makes this recipe truly special is the harmony between the crispy edges of the enchiladas and the juicy, flavorful pork inside. The homemade carnitas bring a smoky, melt-in-your-mouth quality that elevates the dish beyond your average enchiladas.

Plus, the recipe is versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings and sides. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests with these irresistible carnitas enchiladas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a celebration of textures and flavors. The carnitas are slow-cooked until tender and then slightly crisped for that perfect bite.

Combined with a rich, homemade enchilada sauce and melty cheese, these enchiladas offer a comforting yet exciting meal that’s easy to prepare.

Because the pork is cooked ahead of time, assembling these enchiladas is quick and hassle-free. They’re also incredibly adaptable—swap out the pork for chicken or beef if you prefer, or add black beans and corn for a vegetarian twist.

Plus, these enchiladas reheat wonderfully, making them perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, diced onions, lime wedges

Equipment

• Slow cooker or large heavy pot for cooking carnitas
• Large skillet for warming tortillas
• Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

1. Prepare the carnitas: In a slow cooker or large pot, add pork shoulder, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add enough water or broth to cover the pork halfway. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until pork is tender and easily shredded.
2. Shred the pork: Remove pork from the pot and shred with two forks. Discard large pieces of fat and any bones. Return shredded pork to the pot with a small amount of cooking liquid to keep it moist.
3. Preheat your oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
4. Warm the tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Quickly warm each tortilla for about 10 seconds per side until soft and pliable. This prevents them from breaking when rolling.
5. Assemble the enchiladas: Pour 1 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each tortilla with a generous spoonful of shredded pork and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll up each tortilla and place seam-side down in the dish.
6. Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Add optional toppings such as sliced avocado, sour cream, diced onions, and lime wedges for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy carnitas edges, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes before assembling the enchiladas.

You can make your own enchilada sauce using dried chiles and spices if you prefer a more authentic flavor. Feel free to add black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños inside the enchiladas for added texture and heat.

For a creamy twist, mix some cream cheese or sour cream into the filling before rolling. To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the pork with sautéed mushrooms and beans.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your carnitas enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. A fresh green salad with a zesty lime dressing pairs beautifully to balance the richness of the pork and cheese.

Complement the meal with traditional sides like guacamole, pico de gallo, or pickled jalapeños. A cold cerveza or a refreshing agua fresca makes a perfect beverage pairing.

Conclusion

Carnitas enchiladas are a delicious way to bring the heart of Mexican comfort food to your table. With tender, flavorful pork and a rich enchilada sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

The best part is that you can customize it to suit your taste, whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or loaded with fresh toppings.

Making carnitas from scratch may seem intimidating, but the slow-cooker method simplifies the process and rewards you with melt-in-your-mouth pork. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and leftovers taste incredible reheated.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a vibrant, satisfying meal that everyone will love!

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