What To Do With Leftover Carnitas? 8 Delicious Second-Day Ideas

Carnitas, a tasty Mexican dish with slow-cooked pork, often fills tacos, burritos, or stands alone. Yet, making a big batch might leave you with leftovers, needing ideas for their use.

Don’t let those flavorful pieces of meat go to waste! You can turn your leftover carnitas into a whole new meal or snack with some creativity. 

Enjoy hearty breakfast burritos and savory quesadillas! We’ll help you use leftover carnitas wisely and make the most of your food.

5 Best Dishes To Do With Leftover Carnitas

1. Carnitas Tacos

Calories: Around 250

Carnitas tacos [1] are one of the most popular ways to use leftover carnitas. Warm up your tortillas with the carnitas, then add your favorite toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and salsa. 

You can add some fresh lime juice for a zesty flavor. The beauty of carnitas tacos is that you can customize them to your liking, adding any additional toppings or seasonings you prefer. 

Carnitas tacos are a tasty option for any time. Enjoy them for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or even a late-night snack. They make great use of leftover carnitas!

Read: What Can You Make With Fajita Meat Besides Fajitas?

2. Carnitas Burrito Bowls

Calories: Around 800

Carnitas burrito bowls are another great way to use up leftover carnitas. Start by layering a bed of rice or quinoa in a bowl, then add your leftover carnitas on top. 

“Mexican food is far more varied than people think. It changes like dialects. I was brought up in Jalisco by the sea on a basic diet – tomatoes, chillis, peppers of every size, and rice, a Mexican staple. The Pacific coast has a huge array of seafood.” – Gael Garcia Bernal, Mexican Actor

Next, add your favorite toppings like black beans, avocado, diced tomatoes, and pico de gallo. You can add some shredded cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess. 

A burrito bowl is great because you can customize it. You can add any toppings and seasonings you like.

Read: How Long Does Carnitas Last In The Fridge?

3. Carnitas Quesadillas

Calories: Around 500

Using your leftover carnitas as a filling for a quesadilla is a quick and easy way to create a satisfying meal.

Put carnitas and shredded cheese between two tortillas. Cook in a pan until the cheese melts and the tortillas become crispy.

Add sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or sour cream to take it to the next level. Combining the tender and flavorful carnitas with the crispy and gooey cheese makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. 

4. Carnitas Breakfast Skillet

Calories: Around 1000

Using leftover carnitas as a protein source in a breakfast skillet is a hearty and flavorful way to start your day.

Cook scrambled eggs and potatoes in a skillet. Then, add your leftover carnitas and any veggies you have, like bell peppers or onions.

You can also add some shredded cheese or avocado for some extra creaminess. Mixing savory carnitas with fluffy eggs and crispy potatoes creates a filling breakfast.

5. Carnitas Nachos

Calories: Around 800

Carnitas nachos [2] are a crowd-pleasing and indulgent way to use up leftover carnitas. Start by layering tortilla chips on a baking sheet, then add your leftover carnitas. 

Next, add some shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, and diced tomatoes. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then top with some fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. 

The combination of the crispy tortilla chips, savory carnitas, and gooey cheese makes for a delicious and satisfying snack or party appetizer. 

Check out: What Does Chipotle Do With Their Leftovers?

6. Breakfast Twist: Carnitas Hash or Breakfast Tacos

Turning last night’s carnitas into a sizzling breakfast is magical. It fills the kitchen with the scent of roasted peppers and crispy potatoes. A carnitas hash or breakfast taco isn’t just a meal—it’s a warm, hearty start to the day that uses every bit of your leftovers in the best possible way.

For a classic carnitas hash, add shredded pork to a skillet. Then, mix in diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Let it crisp up before cracking in a few eggs for richness. The contrast of tender meat and golden potatoes creates a balance that feels indulgent yet satisfying.

You can also wrap that same mix into breakfast tacos for a grab-and-go twist.

Toppings	Flavor Boost
Salsa verde	Adds tangy freshness
Hot sauce	Kicks up the heat
Melted cheese	Smooths the spice with creamy comfort

7. Carnitas Enchiladas or Tamales

Leftover carnitas can turn into something truly special when you roll them into enchiladas or wrap them up as tamales. Their smoky, slow-cooked flavor gives each bite a comforting depth that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or weekend cooking project. Whether you go for saucy enchiladas or soft, steamed tamales, the secret lies in how you build each layer.

For enchiladas, start by spreading a thin layer of sauce on your baking dish. Then:

1. Fill corn tortillas with shredded carnitas.
   
2. Roll tightly and place seam-side down.
   
3. Cover with homemade enchilada sauce and cheese before baking.
   

If you prefer tamales, mix your masa until fluffy, spread it on soaked corn husks, add a spoonful of carnitas, and fold neatly before steaming.

Dish	Texture	Cooking Method
Enchiladas	Saucy, cheesy	Baked
Tamales	Soft, earthy	Steamed

8. Carnitas Fried Rice or Sandwiches

Who says carnitas have to stay in their Mexican comfort zone? Leftovers can take a global spin, turning into fusion dishes that bring bold flavors from other cuisines. Two standout ideas are Asian-inspired fried rice and the Cuban-style carnitas sandwich—both rich, satisfying, and bursting with character.

For the carnitas fried rice, toss shredded pork into a hot wok with cooked rice, soy sauce, lime juice, and scrambled eggs. Add peas, scallions, or even a pinch of chili for a zesty kick. The result is a smoky, tangy twist that’s quick to whip up.

On the other hand, the Cuban-style sandwich is all about contrast—crispy bread, juicy carnitas, tangy pickles, and sharp mustard. Press it until golden and melty for the perfect crunch.

Dish	Key Flavors	Texture
Fried Rice	Savory, citrusy	Soft with crisp edges
Sandwich	Tangy, smoky	Crunchy and juicy

FAQs on Leftover Carnitas

Final Thoughts

Leftover carnitas can be transformed into delicious and satisfying meals, snacks, and appetizers. You can turn your leftover carnitas into many tasty meals. Try classic tacos, burrito bowls, or get creative with quesadillas and nachos. There are endless options to explore!

Additionally, remember to save the leftover carnitas liquid, which can be used as a base for soups, stews, or sauces to add a depth of flavor. 

With some creativity and essential ingredients, you can turn your leftover carnitas into a whole new culinary adventure. 

So, the next time you have some leftover carnitas, try one of these ideas and enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine in a new and exciting way.

References:

1. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g2786/easy-taco-recipes/
2. https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/nachos/