Easy & Flavorful Ground Pork Enchilada Recipe: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Discover the ultimate weeknight hero with this incredible Pork Enchilada Recipe! Combining robust, savory flavors with straightforward steps, these enchiladas are destined to become a staple in your family’s meal rotation. Imagine perfectly spiced ground pork, rich melty cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce, all lovingly wrapped in soft tortillas and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Whether you’re planning ahead with meal prep or searching for a crowd-pleasing dinner that truly satisfies, these homemade pork enchiladas are an absolute must-try. They offer a comforting embrace with every bite, making even the busiest days feel a little more special.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need for Flavorful Pork Enchiladas

Crafting the perfect pork enchiladas starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this savory dish to life, along with some helpful tips and substitutions.

• Tortillas: For best results, use soft flour tortillas as they are pliable and hold the filling beautifully without tearing. They contribute to the comforting texture of the enchiladas. If you prefer a gluten-free option or a more traditional Mexican flavor, corn tortillas work wonderfully, but remember to gently warm them before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Ground Pork: The star of our filling, ground pork browns quickly and infuses the dish with a rich, savory flavor. It’s a versatile protein that absorbs spices and sauces beautifully. Alternatively, you can substitute with pre-cooked pulled pork using this slow cooker barbecue pulled pork recipe, or simply use leftover pork from another dinner for an even quicker assembly.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic staples form the flavor base of our pork filling. I recommend using sweet or red onion for a balanced, slightly pungent kick. Minced garlic adds a depth of savory aroma that is essential to Mexican-inspired dishes. While optional, incorporating both greatly enhances the overall taste profile.
• Spices: A carefully selected blend of cumin, chili powder, paprika, a pinch of cayenne, and oregano creates a warm, earthy, and smoky flavor profile that perfectly complements the pork. Cayenne pepper is optional, allowing you to adjust the heat level to your preference, making the dish family-friendly.
• Salsa: Incorporating salsa into the pork mixture adds a bright, tangy, and fresh component. It helps to moisten the filling and meld the flavors. Opt for a thicker salsa to ensure your enchiladas don’t become watery or soggy. For an authentic homemade touch, try this Homemade Salsa or a vibrant Salsa Verde.
• Enchilada Sauce: This is the critical component that ties everything together. You can prepare a delicious homemade enchilada sauce for a truly authentic experience, or use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience. Whether you choose traditional red enchilada sauce or a zesty green sauce is entirely up to your taste preferences.
• Cheese: A generous blend of freshly shredded cheddar and mozzarella provides a classic gooey, melty texture. For an extra layer of flavor and a slight kick, consider using pepper jack cheese. Other excellent choices include creamy queso fresco or Monterey Jack, which melt beautifully and add a rich, savory layer to the enchiladas.
• Garnishes: The finishing touches truly elevate the dish. Freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous flavor, while diced red onion and tomatoes provide a refreshing crunch and acidity. For those who enjoy a little heat, finely chopped jalapeños are a great addition. A dollop of cool sour cream or a drizzle of Mexican crema offers a creamy contrast to the spiced filling.

Endless Possibilities: Recipe Variations and Customizations

One of the best aspects of this pork enchilada recipe is its incredible flexibility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor it to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some exciting ways to customize your enchiladas:

• Beans: Adding beans to your pork mixture is a fantastic way to boost fiber and make the meal even heartier. Consider incorporating black beans, creamy refried beans, red beans, pinto beans, or even cannellini beans for a different twist. Just remember to drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly before adding them to the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
• Vegetables: Increase the nutritional value and add more texture by stirring in extra vegetables to the pork filling. Great options include sweet corn kernels, diced bell peppers (any color), mild poblano peppers for subtle heat, fiery jalapeños for a kick, tender zucchini, or earthy mushrooms. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for maximum flavor.
• Spices: Beyond the core spices, you can deepen the flavor profile with additional seasonings. Try a pinch of Mexican oregano for an authentic touch, crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat, smoky chipotle chili powder, a dash of smoked paprika for a richer aroma, or fragrant ground coriander.
• Grains: To make your enchiladas even more filling, especially if stretching the meal, you could stir cooked grains into the pork mixture. Mexican rice, brown rice, fluffy quinoa, or simple white rice can absorb the delicious flavors and add satisfying bulk.
• Heat: If you crave more heat, there are many ways to turn up the spice. Incorporate your favorite hot sauce into the filling, add diced green chiles (canned or fresh), or, for the truly adventurous, finely chopped habaneros. A dash of cayenne pepper (as already listed) is a great start.
• Sauce: While a classic red enchilada sauce is used here, feel free to explore other options. A bright and tangy green sauce (salsa verde) offers a different flavor dimension, or for a more complex and rich taste, a traditional mole sauce can be truly spectacular.
• Cheese: Experiment with different melting cheeses to find your perfect combination. Besides cheddar and mozzarella, consider crumbled queso fresco for a salty, crumbly texture, cotija cheese (often used as a topping but can be mixed in), or creamy Monterey Jack cheese for an extra gooey finish.
• Toppings: The garnishes are arguably the best part of any enchilada experience! Elevate your dish with sliced avocado or creamy guacamole, vibrant green onions, a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, juicy diced tomatoes, crisp diced red onion, fresh or pickled jalapeños. For unique twists, try quick pickled red onions, assorted quick pickled vegetables, zesty curtido, a refreshing jalapeño coleslaw, or a flavorful scoop of cowboy caviar. Each topping adds its own burst of flavor and texture.

How to Make This Easy Pork Enchilada Recipe

Get ready to create a delicious and satisfying meal with these simple, step-by-step instructions for making ground pork enchiladas. Each stage is designed to be straightforward, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve perfect results.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your enchiladas are assembled. This initial step is crucial for even cooking and a beautifully melted cheesy topping.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics. In a large, sturdy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced garlic and onion. Sauté these aromatics for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and begin to soften. This builds the foundational flavor for your pork filling.

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Pork. Add the ground pork to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Break up the pork with a spoon. Season generously with cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook the pork, stirring and crumbling it, until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Salsa & Prepare Dish. Stir the salsa into the browned, spiced pork mixture until well combined. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Crucially, drain any excess juices from the pork mixture to prevent soggy enchiladas. Set the filling aside. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray and place it nearby. In a small bowl, set aside 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for the enchilada filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas. Arrange your tortillas on a large, clean plate or work surface. For each enchilada, place approximately 2 tablespoons of the flavorful pork mixture into the center of a tortilla. Sprinkle a small amount of the reserved cheddar cheese over the pork filling. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed. Place it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish. Continue the assembly process, filling and rolling the remaining tortillas. Arrange them side by side in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly. A tight arrangement helps the enchiladas hold their shape and keeps them moist during baking. You should be able to fit 8-10 enchiladas in a standard 9×13 inch dish.

Step 6: Smother with Sauce and Cheese. Evenly pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish, ensuring each one is well coated. Follow this by generously sprinkling the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the full 1 cup of mozzarella or pepper jack cheese over the top. This creates that irresistible, bubbly, cheesy crust everyone loves.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection. Place the uncovered baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through, the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese topping is melted, golden, and slightly crispy around the edges. This baking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the enchiladas set, making them easier to serve.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve. Once rested, your pork enchiladas are ready to be served. Add your favorite fresh toppings generously, such as a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a scattering of diced red onion, and fresh tomatoes. A dollop of sour cream or a slice of avocado would also be excellent. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade, flavorful creation!

Expert Tips for the Best Pork Enchiladas Every Time

Achieving perfectly delicious and well-textured enchiladas is simple with a few key tricks. Follow these tips to ensure your pork enchiladas are a standout success:

• Prevent Soggy Enchiladas: The secret to a firm, flavorful enchilada lies in managing moisture. Always drain any excess liquid from your cooked pork mixture before filling the tortillas. Additionally, avoid over-saturating the tortillas with enchilada sauce. A gentle, even coating is sufficient to add flavor without making the tortillas mushy.
• Roll Tightly for Structure: When assembling your enchiladas, ensure you roll the tortillas as tightly as possible. A snug roll not only keeps the delicious filling neatly intact but also contributes to a more appealing presentation on the plate. This prevents the enchiladas from falling apart when serving.
• Achieve Crispy Edges: For that desirable textural contrast, bake your enchiladas uncovered. This allows the edges of the tortillas and the top layer of cheese to become wonderfully golden and slightly crispy, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to each bite. If you prefer softer tortillas, you can cover them with foil for the first 10-15 minutes of baking, then uncover for the last few minutes to melt and brown the cheese.
• Warm Tortillas for Flexibility: Especially when using corn tortillas, gently warm them before rolling. A quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds per stack) or a brief pass over an open flame will make them more pliable and significantly reduce the chances of them tearing or cracking during assembly.

Delicious Serving Tips for Your Pork Enchiladas

These flavorful pork enchiladas are a meal in themselves, but pairing them with the right side dishes, appetizers, and drinks can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complement your enchiladas:

• Spanish Cauliflower Rice: A lighter, yet equally flavorful alternative to traditional rice. This vibrant side dish, infused with tomato, garlic, and onion, is excellent for soaking up any extra enchilada sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Hearty Black Bean Dip: Creamy black beans provide a substantial and earthy counterpoint to the spiced enchiladas. Serve it with tortilla chips for a delightful starter or a textural side.
• Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote): A vibrant and popular choice, this grilled corn salad is mixed with cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, and a hint of chili powder. Its bright, tangy, and slightly spicy notes are a perfect complement to the rich enchiladas.
• Refreshing Avocado Salad: A light and fresh salad featuring creamy avocado, crisp kale, and spinach can cut through the richness of the enchiladas, offering a refreshing balance to your meal.
• Crunchy Tortilla Chips with Salsa or Guacamole: No Mexican-inspired meal is complete without these classics. Perfect for munching before the main course or serving alongside to scoop up any delicious sauces and fillings.
• Crisp Mexican Coleslaw: A fresh and tangy coleslaw provides a cool, crisp texture that beautifully contrasts the warm, soft enchiladas, adding a delightful crunch to your plate.
• Signature Beverages: For a refreshing drink, try my creamy and sweet Horchata, a traditional Mexican rice drink. If you’re looking for something with a kick, this delicious Pomegranate Margarita offers a festive and fruity option.

Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered

More Delicious Pork Recipes to Explore

If you loved this pork enchilada recipe, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic pork dishes:

• BBQ Baked Pork Chops: Tender pork chops baked to perfection with a tangy BBQ glaze.
• Air Fryer Pork Taquitos: Crispy taquitos filled with savory pork, made effortlessly in your air fryer.
• Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: A quick and healthy way to cook a perfectly juicy pork tenderloin.
• Easy Ground Pork Tacos: A simple and flavorful weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
• Slow Cooker Pork Pozole: A hearty and comforting Mexican stew, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Slow Cooker Cuban Pork Rice Bowls: Flavorful slow-cooked pork served over rice with vibrant toppings.

This Pork Enchilada Recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your meal rotation. From the rich, perfectly spiced ground pork filling to the irresistibly cheesy, saucy topping, every single bite is profoundly satisfying and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a festive meal for a hungry crowd, planning your week of family dinners, or strategically stocking your freezer with convenient, homemade options, these incredible enchiladas offer a truly delicious and versatile solution for any occasion. Their ease of preparation combined with their unforgettable taste makes them a perfect choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

If you try this delightful recipe, please take a moment to leave me a star rating and a comment below, sharing your experience and any unique twists you added! I always love hearing from you. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, be sure to follow me on Instagram @acedarspoon!

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Pork Enchilada Recipe

By
Julia Jolliff

Prep:
15 minutes mins

Cook:
20 minutes mins

Total:
35 minutes mins

Servings:
8

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This Easy Pork Enchilada Recipe is the perfect weeknight meal or meal to prep on the weekends for the week ahead.

Ingredients

• ▢ 8 – 10- inch flour tortillas
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup sweet onion or red onion,, diced
• ▢ 2 garlic cloves,, minced
• ▢ 1 pound of ground pork,, cooked and drained
• ▢ 1 teaspoon cumin
• ▢ 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper {optional}
• ▢ 3 tablespoons salsa
• ▢ 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese,, shredded {divided in half}
• ▢ 1 cup mozzarella or pepper jack cheese,, shredded
• ▢ 2 cups enchilada sauce
• ▢ Fresh cilantro,, chopped for garnish
• ▢ Red onion,, diced for garnish
• ▢ Fresh tomato,, chopped for garnish

Instructions

• PREHEAT THE OVEN: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for baking your enchiladas to perfection, resulting in melted cheese and heated filling.
• SAUTE GARLIC AND ONION: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes, or until the onions begin to soften and become fragrant. This step builds a foundational flavor for the pork filling.
• BROWN THE PORK AND SEASON: Add the ground pork to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook until the pork is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, then add the salsa and mix well. Make sure to drain any excess juices from the pork mixture at this stage to prevent soggy enchiladas.
• PREPARE BAKING DISH: Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside. This will prevent the enchiladas from sticking.
• SET ASIDE CHEESE: Measure out 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into a small bowl and keep it next to your pork mixture. This portion will be used inside the enchiladas.
• ASSEMBLE THE ENCHILADAS: Lay out your tortillas on a large plate or clean surface. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the seasoned pork mixture into the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle with a small amount of the reserved cheddar cheese. Roll each tortilla tightly, ensuring the seam side is placed down in the baking dish. Continue this process until all tortillas are filled and arranged snugly side by side in the baking dish.
• ADD SAUCE AND CHEESE TOPPING: Slowly and evenly pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas in the dish. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese along with the 1 cup of mozzarella or pepper jack cheese over the entire surface. This creates a delicious, bubbly, cheesy crust.
• BAKE AND COOL: Bake the enchiladas uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are heated through, the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is melted and golden-brown. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the enchiladas set and makes them easier to handle.
• GARNISH AND SERVE: Garnish your freshly baked enchiladas with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and chopped fresh tomatoes. Additional toppings like sour cream or avocado are also fantastic. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade feast!

Notes

• STORAGE: Leftover baked enchiladas can be kept in a sealed, airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• MAKE AHEAD: If you wish to prepare enchiladas ahead of time for future convenience, you can assemble the enchiladas (fill and roll the tortillas and arrange them in the baking dish) but omit adding the enchilada sauce and cheese. Wrap the pan tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to cook, simply add the sauce and cheese, then bake as directed. You also have the option to freeze the assembled-but-unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months; just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator for 24 hours before adding sauce and cheese and baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 531kcal,
Carbohydrates: 43g,
Protein: 23g,
Fat: 29g,
Saturated Fat: 12g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 11g,
Cholesterol: 66mg,
Sodium: 1292mg,
Potassium: 334mg,
Fiber: 4g,
Sugar: 8g,
Vitamin A: 837IU,
Vitamin C: 3mg,
Calcium: 294mg,
Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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