This Carnitas Casserole is everything you love about tender, flavorful carnitas—reimagined into one warm, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing bake. It starts with juicy shredded pork that’s been seasoned to perfection, mixed with black beans, corn, salsa, and a touch of spice, then topped with melty cheese and baked until bubbly. Whether you’re using leftover carnitas or cooking up a fresh batch, this dish makes the most of those irresistible crispy edges and deep, savory flavor.
Think of it as the perfect marriage of tamale pie and loaded nachos, with layers of bold flavor in every bite. You can make it with a base of crushed tortilla chips or polenta for extra texture, or keep it low-carb and focus on the meat and veggies. Serve it with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or sour cream for a fresh finish. This casserole is simple enough for busy weeknights but tasty enough to serve to guests. It reheats beautifully and can even be made ahead or frozen. Serves 4–5, but don’t be surprised if it disappears in one sitting! Whether you’re craving comfort or hosting taco night, this Carnitas Casserole brings the fiesta right to your oven.
Ingredients
- 2–3 cups cooked carnitas (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite variety)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips or 1 cup cornmeal polenta (optional base layer)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Step-By-Step How to Make Carnitas Casserole
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. If using tortilla chips or polenta as a base layer, spread them evenly in the bottom of the dish.
2. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked carnitas, black beans, corn, salsa, and seasonings (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Stir until well mixed and the pork is evenly coated with flavor.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the carnitas mixture evenly over the base layer (or directly into the greased dish if skipping the base). Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the pork begin to crisp up. For extra crunch, you can broil the top for 2–3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it!
5. Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then top with your favorite garnishes: a dollop of sour cream, slices of avocado, fresh jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. Serve warm and enjoy every crispy, savory bite.
Tips for the Best Carnitas Casserole
- Use crispy carnitas for best flavor—if you’re making them from scratch, finish under the broiler or in a hot pan for golden edges.
- Don’t skip the salsa—it adds moisture and ties all the flavors together.
- Add heat or keep it mild based on the salsa you choose.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to revive the crispy textures.
- Double the batch and freeze one for later—it reheats beautifully!
Customization Ideas
- Make It a Tamale Pie: Use cornbread batter as the base instead of chips or polenta—bake halfway, then add the carnitas mixture and finish baking.
- Change Up the Cheese: Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or even a spicy Pepper Jack all work great.
- Go Low-Carb: Skip the chips and beans and layer carnitas with sautéed bell peppers and onions instead.
- Add Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra nutrient boost.
- Turn It Into Breakfast: Crack a few eggs on top before baking and serve as a savory brunch casserole.
This Carnitas Casserole is a true celebration of everything we love about Mexican food—bold spices, juicy shredded pork, melty cheese, and rich, savory flavor—all baked together in one cozy, satisfying dish. It captures the soul of traditional carnitas and gives it a fun, weeknight-friendly twist by turning it into a hearty casserole. Whether you’ve got leftover carnitas from taco night or you’re making a fresh batch just for this recipe, you’re in for something special. Layered with beans, corn, salsa, and gooey cheese, this casserole brings the fiesta straight to your oven.
It’s incredibly versatile—add a crispy chip or polenta base, turn up the heat with jalapeños or spicy salsa, or keep it mild and family-friendly. Top it off with fresh garnishes like avocado, sour cream, or lime wedges, and you’ve got a complete meal in one pan. Perfect for feeding 4–5 people, it’s just as great for casual dinners as it is for entertaining. It also reheats like a dream, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep. However you make it, this dish is all about big flavor with minimal effort. One bite, and Carnitas Casserole will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
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