Tinga de Puerco Spicy Pork Tinga Enchiladas

**Updated: 8/22/23**

Do you follow culinary trends? One that I’m seeing a real spike in interest in lately is crockpot or slow cooker cooking among home cooks. I’m definitely a fan of using my crockpot but I will say that I am rather picky about what I prepare in it. I tend to lean towards recipes that require hours of braising, which I’ll adapt for cooking in a crockpot. The most recent crockpot dish I’ve made was for these Spicy Pork Tinga Enchiladas. I didn’t make the entire dish in the crockpot per se, but rather just the flavorful pork filling. Boneless, cubed pork is slow-cooked with aromatics, broth, tomato sauce, and minced chipotle chiles to create the spicy filling for these hearty enchiladas. The enchiladas are filled with this pork, beans, cheese, and cilantro for a delicious Mexican dish that’s freezer friendly too!

These enchiladas were so packed with flavor! The pork is slow-cooked with just the right amount of heat but feel free to increase/decrease to your own heat preferences. The pork filling is really the star of this dish and aside from enchiladas, you could use it for tacos, burritos, tostadas, flauta, etc. Fillings like this can work for all sorts of Mexican dishes so if you’re not a fan of enchiladas, use the filling as you wish. For a gluten-free friendly dish, use corn tortillas instead of flour. Freezer-friendly directions are also reflected below…

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Tinga de Puerco Spicy Pork Tinga Enchiladas

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• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Pork tinga filling:

• 2 pounds boneless pork butt, or shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1″ pieces
• 2 medium onions, 1 quartered and 1 chopped fine
• 3 medium garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 14–oz. can tomato sauce
• 2 minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
• 2 bay leaves

Enchiladas:

• 8 oz shredded colby or monterey jack cheese + 4 oz more for topping
• 1 14oz can black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 6–8 corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup Enchilada sauce (jarred or homemade)

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Instructions

For the Tinga:

1. Place all ingredients except tortillas and garnishes into a crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Remove thyme springs and bay leaves.
4. Using potato masher, mash cooked pork until shredded into rough 1/2″ pieces.  (Can be refrigerated at this point for up to 2 days).

For the Tinga Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the pork filling with the 8oz of cheese, beans and cilantro until well incorporated.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For the Enchiladas:

1. Place 1-2 heaping tablespoons of pork tinga filling down the center of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas and place seam-side-down in the baking dish.
2. Cover the enchiladas with the 1 cup enchilada sauce (homemade or storebought). Sprinkle any remaining filling mixture on top of rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining 4oz of cheese.
3. Bake 25 minutes uncovered in the preheated oven, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Notes

To make ahead/freezer meal – Prepare the recipe as directed as above up to the point of filling and rolling tortillass. Place the rolled up tortillas seam side down in a freezer and oven proof baking dish. Sprinkle any remaining filling mixture on top of rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining 4oz of cheese. Cover and freeze. When ready to prepare, defrost and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake in preheated oven uncovered for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

• Author: WCC
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours

Keywords: Tinga de Puerco, Pork Tinga, pork enchiladas

What is Pork Tinga?

Originating from the heart of Mexico, Pork Tinga is a savory, spicy stew made from tender shredded pork, bathed in a rich tomato and chipotle sauce. This dish, with its complex layers of flavors, has the power to tell a story, representing the soul of Mexican cuisine.

Delving into its rich history

Pork Tinga is a gift from the Puebla region of Mexico. Puebla, known for its culinary richness, has passed down this dish through generations, making it a cherished family recipe in many homes. The fusion of indigenous ingredients with Spanish influences has made this dish an emblem of cultural amalgamation.

Complementary Sides

A side of cilantro-lime rice or a rustic bean salad can amplify the dish. Consider a zesty pico de gallo or a creamy guacamole as accompaniments.

Variations and Alternatives

Swap pork with chicken or beans for a different texture. For a vegan twist, mushrooms or lentils can replace the meat.

Beverage Pairings: The Perfect Drink Match

Think tangy margaritas or a chilled cerveza. For non-alcoholic options, a tamarind or hibiscus drink can be delightful.

Conclusion

The Spicy Pork Tinga Enchiladas are not just food; they’re an emotion, an experience. They resonate with memories, traditions, and tales of old. Ready to embark on this culinary journey?

FAQs

1. Flour or corn tortillas, which is better?
   Corn tortillas offer authenticity, but flour can be used for a softer texture.
2. How spicy is it really?
   Moderate, but adjustable.
3. Freezing tips?
   Always cool before freezing to retain freshness.
4. What about a vegan version?
   Lentils or mushrooms are great meat substitutes.
5. Cheese alternatives?
   Queso fresco or Oaxaca can be used.