Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings together rich flavors, comforting textures, and a nostalgic twist on a Mexican classic, this Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. Combining tender, juicy shredded carnitas with a luscious enchilada sauce wrapped in soft corn tortillas, all topped with melted cheesy goodness, every bite is a celebration of vibrant tastes and satisfying indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the heart of creating this Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe. Each item is simple, yet crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish so special and inviting.

• 2 cups cooked carnitas (shredded): These provide the tender, flavorful filling that makes every bite memorable.
• 8 corn tortillas: Softened just right to wrap your filling without breaking, adding authentic texture.
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green): Choose your favorite color for a vibrant and tangy base that ties the dish together.
• 1½ cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar): Melts to bubbly perfection, adding richness and that irresistible gooey factor.
• ½ cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle, savory crunch that brightens the filling.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for softening tortillas so they roll easily and stay tender.
• Chopped cilantro and sour cream (for garnish): Fresh herbs and cool creaminess that make every serving pop with color and freshness.

How to Make Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly so your enchiladas don’t stick. Having the oven ready is key to getting that delightful bubbling cheese on top just right.

Step 2: Soften the Tortillas

In a skillet over medium heat, warm each tortilla for about 10 seconds per side with a little vegetable oil. This step makes them perfectly pliable, so they roll without cracking, ensuring your enchiladas stay neat and delicious.

Step 3: Prepare Enchilada Base

Spread half a cup of your chosen enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. This tasty layer prevents sticking and infuses the bottom enchiladas with wonderful moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a bowl, combine the shredded carnitas with the chopped onion. This blend helps distribute the onion’s crispness evenly throughout the savory pork, elevating the overall taste.

Step 5: Roll and Assemble

Place about a quarter cup of the carnitas mixture onto each softened tortilla, sprinkle a little cheese on top, and roll tightly. Position each roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and rolled.

Step 6: Sauce and Cheese Topping

Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously on top. This coats them in a luscious layer that will melt into a golden crust once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes uncovered. This step melts the cheese to bubbly, slightly browned perfection and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh herbal note and a burst of color. Add a generous dollop of sour cream to mellow the heat and add creamy tang that complements the spicy, cheesy enchiladas.

Side Dishes

Serve your Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a zesty corn salad. These classic accompaniments add brightness and balance, making your meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the enchiladas on a colorful platter garnished with lime wedges and extra cilantro. You can also offer salsa varieties or pickled jalapeños on the side to customize the spice level for your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for easy next-day meals.

Freezing

If you want to save time later, assemble the enchiladas but do not bake them. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a bit more time to ensure they heat through evenly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain that fresh-baked texture and keeps the cheese luscious and melty.

FAQs

Can I use leftover carnitas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover carnitas is not only convenient but adds even more depth of flavor as the seasoned pork has had time to meld. It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and enjoy a delicious meal quickly.

Can I substitute flour tortillas instead of corn?

While flour tortillas can work, corn tortillas provide the traditional texture and taste that make Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe truly authentic. If using corn tortillas, be sure to warm and soften them properly to prevent cracking.

Which enchilada sauce is better: red or green?

This depends on your flavor preference! Red sauce is often richer with smoky tomato notes, while green sauce is tangier with fresh tomatillo brightness. Both pair wonderfully with carnitas and cheese, so feel free to experiment.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, when using certified gluten-free corn tortillas and enchilada sauce, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with sensitivities, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Adding black beans, roasted peppers, or corn to the carnitas mixture can boost texture and nutritional value, while adding even more color and variety to this already amazing dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about rolling up tender carnitas in warm tortillas, smothering them with enchanting enchilada sauce, and layering on melted cheese. This Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe is not only a celebration of flavors but also an easy way to bring loved ones together around a memorable meal. I cannot wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to dinner!

Carnitas Enchiladas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 24 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Carnitas Enchiladas are a delicious and easy Mexican main course featuring tender shredded pork wrapped in soft corn tortillas, smothered in flavorful enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for using leftover carnitas or slow-cooked pulled pork, this recipe combines savory meat, gooey cheese, and a tangy sauce baked to bubbly perfection. Garnished with fresh cilantro and sour cream, these enchiladas bring a comforting and festive meal to your table in under an hour.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 2 cups cooked carnitas (shredded)
• ½ cup chopped onion

Tortillas and Sauce

• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for softening tortillas)
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)

Toppings and Garnish

• 1½ cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Warm the Tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat the pan with vegetable oil and warm each corn tortilla one at a time for about 10 seconds on each side until soft and pliable. Set them aside carefully to prevent tearing.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish to add moisture and flavor to the base of the enchiladas.
4. Mix Carnitas and Onion: In a bowl, combine the shredded carnitas with the chopped onion to create a flavorful filling mixture.
5. Assemble the Enchiladas: Place about ¼ cup of the carnitas mixture onto each warmed tortilla. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese over the filling. Roll each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
6. Repeat Assembly: Repeat the process with all remaining tortillas, fitting them snugly side by side in the baking dish.
7. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the assembled rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This will heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
9. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream before serving for an authentic and fresh finish.

Notes

• Use leftover carnitas or slow-cooked pulled pork for best flavor and convenience.
• Add black beans or roasted peppers to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
• Either red or green enchilada sauce works well depending on your taste preference.
• To keep this recipe gluten-free, ensure your tortillas and enchilada sauce are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican