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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix Carnitas and Onion: In a bowl, combine the shredded carnitas with the chopped onion to create a flavorful filling mixture.
- 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.
- Repeat Assembly: Repeat the process with all remaining tortillas, fitting them snugly side by side in the baking dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- 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