Name: Carnitas Breakfast Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked carnitas (shredded pork); 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp butter or oil; 4 small corn or flour tortillas; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); 1/2 cup pico de gallo or salsa; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup diced avocado or guacamole; 1 lime, cut into wedges; Salt and pepper to taste

Carnitas Breakfast Tacos are the perfect fusion of savory slow-cooked pork and classic breakfast ingredients wrapped in a warm tortilla. These tacos are hearty, flavorful, and make an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner. Whether you’re using leftover carnitas or making them fresh, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carnitas Breakfast Tacos bring together bold Mexican flavors and comforting breakfast favorites in one satisfying bite. The tender, juicy carnitas paired with scrambled eggs, cheese, and toppings create a balanced meal that’s high in protein and rich in taste. This recipe is also highly customizable, making it ideal for families or meal prepping. Plus, it’s a delicious way to repurpose leftover carnitas.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Carnitas (pre-cooked or leftover)
Eggs
Milk or cream (for scrambling eggs)
Salt and pepper
Flour or corn tortillas
Shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
Avocado or guacamole
Salsa or hot sauce
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Optional: diced onions, jalapeños, sour cream

Directions

Reheat the Carnitas: Warm the carnitas in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. Set aside.
Scramble the Eggs: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour into a lightly oiled skillet and cook over medium-low heat, gently stirring until softly scrambled. Remove from heat.
Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas on a skillet or directly over a flame for a few seconds on each side until warm and pliable.
Assemble the Tacos: Place scrambled eggs on each tortilla, followed by a generous scoop of carnitas. Top with cheese, avocado or guacamole, salsa, and any additional toppings you prefer.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings and takes about 25 minutes to prepare when using pre-cooked carnitas. If you’re preparing carnitas from scratch, allow 2–3 hours for cooking.

Variations

Meat Alternatives: Substitute carnitas with chorizo, bacon, or breakfast sausage.
Vegetarian Option: Replace carnitas with black beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa to elevate the heat level.
Low-Carb: Use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas instead of traditional ones.
Cheese Varieties: Try cotija, queso fresco, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store each component separately in airtight containers. Carnitas can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Scrambled eggs and toppings are best used within 2 days.

Reheating:
Reheat carnitas in a skillet to retain their crisp texture. Eggs can be gently reheated in a microwave or on the stovetop. Warm the tortillas before assembling.

FAQs

What type of tortilla is best for breakfast tacos?

Both flour and corn tortillas work well, but flour tortillas tend to be more pliable and hold fillings better, making them a popular choice.

Can I use store-bought carnitas?

Yes, store-bought or pre-cooked carnitas work well and save time. Just make sure to reheat and crisp them up before using.

How can I make the tacos healthier?

Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas, reduce cheese, and add more vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers.

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead, but for best texture, assemble just before serving. Scrambled eggs and tortillas can become soggy if pre-assembled.

Are these tacos freezer-friendly?

Carnitas can be frozen, but scrambled eggs do not freeze well. For meal prep, freeze the meat separately and make fresh eggs when ready to serve.

What cheese works best for breakfast tacos?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blend cheeses melt well and complement the carnitas flavor. Cotija adds a crumbly texture and salty taste.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use mild salsa, skip jalapeños, and avoid spicy seasonings in your carnitas. You can also add sour cream or avocado to cool down the flavor.

Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?

Yes, egg whites can be used as a lower-fat, high-protein alternative. Adjust seasoning to ensure good flavor.

What toppings go best with carnitas breakfast tacos?

Avocado, guacamole, salsa, diced onions, cilantro, cheese, and lime are all excellent toppings that enhance the flavors.

Is it necessary to crisp the carnitas?

While not necessary, crisping the carnitas enhances the texture and flavor, adding a delicious contrast to the soft eggs and tortilla.

Conclusion

Carnitas Breakfast Tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that combines the richness of slow-cooked pork with the comfort of a traditional breakfast. Easy to prepare, customizable, and full of flavor, they’re perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or even dinner. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this satisfying meal any time of day.