Carnitas Enchiladas: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

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Introduction

Carnitas Enchiladas are a flavor-packed dish that transforms tender, juicy carnitas into a bold and comforting meal. Wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in zesty enchilada sauce, and topped with melty cheese, these enchiladas deliver layers of deliciousness in every bite. Whether for a casual dinner or a special gathering, Carnitas Enchiladas are sure to impress.

This dish is a personal favorite because it marries the savory richness of slow-cooked pork with the tangy punch of enchilada sauce. The process of assembling the enchiladas—filling the tortillas with carnitas, rolling them up, and arranging them in a baking dish—feels so satisfying. When the dish comes out of the oven, bubbling with cheese and oozing with sauce, it’s impossible to resist.

Carnitas Enchiladas are versatile and can be customized to suit any taste. They’re fantastic as they are, but adding toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onions, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime takes them to the next level. Serve them with Mexican rice, beans, or even a simple side salad for a complete, hearty meal.

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s equal parts comforting and full of bold flavors, Carnitas Enchiladas are the ultimate choice. They’ll leave everyone at the table satisfied and craving another plate!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Weeknight meals
Mexican food enthusiasts
Special celebrations
Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Carnitas Enchiladas will become a staple in your kitchen:

Perfectly Cooked Carnitas: The slow-cooked pork is infused with aromatic spices, tender and juicy, and falls apart easily, giving you the perfect filling for your enchiladas.
Rich Enchilada Sauce: Homemade or store-bought, the enchilada sauce adds a depth of flavor with its balance of heat and tang.
Melted Cheese: Topped with a generous layer of cheese that melts beautifully over the enchiladas, creating a deliciously creamy topping.
Customizable: Whether you prefer mild or spicy, you can adjust the heat and flavors to suit your tastes.
Family-Friendly: This dish is perfect for all ages, offering a comforting, filling meal that will please even the pickiest eaters.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 3 hours
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2.5 hours (includes carnitas cooking time)
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 600-650 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 45g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to prepare Carnitas Enchiladas:

For the Carnitas:

3-4 lbs bone-in pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 orange, quartered
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups chicken broth (or water)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

For the Enchiladas:

12 corn tortillas (or flour, if preferred)
2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
1 cup cooked carnitas (shredded)
1 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Pork Shoulder: Pork shoulder is the ideal cut for carnitas due to its marbled fat, which gives the meat its rich, juicy flavor when slow-cooked.
Spices and Aromatics: A combination of cumin, chili powder, oregano, and bay leaves infuses the pork with deep, aromatic flavors.
Enchilada Sauce: The tangy sauce is a must for enchiladas, providing a beautiful contrast to the savory, melt-in-your-mouth carnitas.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditionally used, but flour tortillas also work well for a softer, chewier texture.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack offers a creamy, melting texture and a balance of flavors.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, cilantro, red onions, and jalapeños add fresh, cool, and spicy elements to balance the richness of the enchiladas.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these steps to make Carnitas Enchiladas from scratch:

Prepare the Carnitas:

Brown the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and ground coriander. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the pork and set aside.
Add Aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Simmer the Pork: Return the pork to the pot and add the orange quarters and chicken broth (or water). Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 2-2.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the meat with two forks. Discard any bones and excess fat. Set the shredded carnitas aside.

Prepare the Enchiladas:

Prepare the Tortillas: Lightly heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave them to make them pliable. This prevents them from cracking when you roll them.
Fill the Tortillas: Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Take each tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of shredded carnitas in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all the tortillas are rolled and in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the enchiladas.
Bake the Enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Garnish:

Serve the Enchiladas: Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish: Serve with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, finely chopped red onion, and slices of jalapeño for a delicious contrast of flavors.

How to Serve

Carnitas Enchiladas can be served in a variety of ways to enhance the experience:

Family-Style: Serve the enchiladas straight from the baking dish for a warm, communal meal.
With Rice and Beans: Pair the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans to round out the meal.
On Their Own: These enchiladas are rich and filling enough to be enjoyed as a standalone dish.
With a Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with lime dressing can help cut through the richness of the enchiladas.

Additional Tips

For the best Carnitas Enchiladas, here are some tips:

Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh tortillas, either homemade or store-bought, will give you a better texture and flavor than pre-packaged ones.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the pork before slow-cooking helps lock in the flavors and adds a deep, savory richness to the carnitas.
Let the Meat Rest: Allow the pork to rest after cooking before shredding it. This helps retain its juices.
Use Quality Enchilada Sauce: Whether you make your own or buy it, using a high-quality enchilada sauce will make a significant difference in flavor.
Customize the Toppings: Adjust the level of spiciness and freshness with toppings like hot sauce, avocado, or diced tomatoes.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 Variations to tailor your Carnitas Enchiladas to your taste:

Vegetarian Enchiladas: Swap the carnitas for sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Spicy Carnitas Enchiladas: Add extra chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the pork while it cooks for a spicier kick.
Cheesy Carnitas Enchiladas: For an extra cheesy dish, add a layer of cheese between the tortillas before rolling them.
Green Enchiladas: Use green enchilada sauce (made with tomatillos) instead of the traditional red sauce for a tangier flavor.
Carnitas with Pineapple: Add pineapple chunks to the carnitas for a sweet, savory combination.
Creamy Enchiladas: Add a layer of sour cream or cream cheese to the filling for a creamier texture.
Baked Enchiladas with Avocado: Top the enchiladas with sliced avocado after baking for a fresh, creamy addition.
Carnitas Enchilada Casserole: Layer the tortillas, carnitas, cheese, and sauce like a casserole, baking it as one large dish.
Carnitas with Mole Sauce: For a rich, deep flavor, use mole sauce instead of enchilada sauce.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute the tortillas with low-carb wraps or lettuce for a lighter alternative.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: You can freeze the enchiladas before or after baking. For unbaked enchiladas, wrap the dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Storage: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Special Equipment

For preparing Carnitas Enchiladas, you’ll need the following:

Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker: Ideal for cooking the pork until tender and juicy.
Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works best for assembling the enchiladas.
Tongs: Useful for rolling the tortillas tightly and handling hot ingredients.
Sharp Knife: For shredding the pork and chopping vegetables.
Grater: To shred the cheese fresh for optimal meltability.
Can Opener: For opening canned enchilada sauce if using store-bought.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing without damaging the pot or pan.
Serving Plates: Ideal for presenting and serving the enchiladas attractively.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken for this recipe instead of pork?
Yes, chicken works great for a lighter version of carnitas enchiladas.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carnitas a day in advance and assemble the enchiladas the next day. Just bake them when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can use tomato sauce with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will work, though they may result in a slightly different texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of spice can be adjusted to your liking by varying the chili powder in the pork and enchilada sauce.
Can I use store-bought carnitas?
Yes, store-bought carnitas can save time, though homemade carnitas have a deeper flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure you use gluten-free tortillas and enchilada sauce.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt or crema can be used as a lighter alternative to sour cream.
Can I bake the enchiladas in advance?
Yes, you can bake the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
How can I adjust the flavor for kids?
Use mild enchilada sauce and skip the jalapeños for a kid-friendly version.

Conclusion

Carnitas Enchiladas offer a perfect balance of bold, savory flavors wrapped in warm, soft tortillas. The tender, slow-cooked carnitas provide a rich, juicy filling that pairs wonderfully with the zesty enchilada sauce. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor, from the succulent pork to the melt-in-your-mouth cheese and the satisfying crunch of the onions and cilantro.

This dish isn’t just about the flavors—it’s about the experience. Whether enjoyed as a family meal or served at a festive gathering, Carnitas Enchiladas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, too; feel free to adjust the spice levels and toppings to fit your preferences. Perfect for any occasion, Carnitas Enchiladas are sure to become a beloved favorite in your home. I’m excited for you to try this recipe and bring some Mexican-inspired magic to your table! Don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see how you make this dish your own! Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

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