How many pounds of carnitas to feed 15 people?

Making a big batch of carnitas is a great way to feed a crowd. Boneless pork butt loses about half of its weight during the cooking process. For a party, you want to plan for about ⅓-1/2 pound of pulled pork per person .

Can I freeze leftover carnitas?

FREEZING: You can also freeze carnitas meat right after you pulled it . Portion meat into freezer bags, let all air out and seal. Label, date, and freeze them.

Why do you put orange juice in carnitas?

The orange juice in the cooking liquid provides acidity that helps break down the meat so it's extra tender and juicy .

How to eat carnitas for dinner?

The best way to eat carnitas is to wrap them in warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, diced onions, and fresh cilantro . You can also enjoy them on their own with a side of rice and beans.

How much pulled pork do I need for 15 people?

So to determine the exact amount needed, use this simple equation: Number of guests x 0.33 (minimum) - 0.75 (maximum) pounds of pulled pork per person = weight of pulled pork required. Based on these calculations, preparing 7 to 15 pounds of pulled pork should be enough pork.

How many people will 15 lbs of pork feed?

I go by similar math as others here and always figure for leftovers. 1/2 lb per person with 1/3 loss during prep/cook. 15 lb shoulder I feed 20 people with plenty leftover. Pork butt rule: if you think you need 15 lbs, get 20.

How long is leftover carnitas good for?

Carnitas are a popular Mexican dish made with seasoned and slow-cooked pork, typically served in tacos, burritos, or on its own. If cooked and stored properly, carnitas can last for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.

How long does cooked carnitas last in the fridge?

USDA recommends using cooked pork within three to four days , kept refrigerated (40 °F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within three to four days.

How do you reheat carnitas without drying it out?

Simply place the leftover carnitas in a vacuum-sealed bag, then submerge it in a water bath heated to 165 degrees F for about an hour . This method helps to retain the tenderness and flavors of the pork but won't provide the crispy bits some people really enjoy.

How many lbs of carnitas for 12 people?

About four pounds is enough to serve eight to 12 people once the meat is cooked. You can easily make a half batch, but carnitas freeze extremely well, so think about making the full order!

How many pounds of meat will feed 15 people?

What weight of meat per person to order? Boneless Meat Number of People Bone in meat 6lb / 2.73kg 12 – 13 8lb / 3.64kg 7lb / 3.18kg 14 – 15 10lb / 4.54kg 8lb / 3.64kg 16 – 17 12lb / 5.44kg 9lb / 4.08kg 18 – 19 14lb / 6.35kg 8 more rows

How many pounds of carnitas do I need for 12 people?

About 4 pounds is enough to serve 8 to 12 people once the meat is cooked. You can easily make half a batch, but sous vide carnitas freeze extremely well, so think about making the full order!

How much does 1lb of carnitas feed?

pork butt/shoulder will shrink by nearly 50% through the cooking process (yikes!), this net size is known as your yield. You can plan on 3-4 servings per pound . So, a 5 pound roast will yield approximately 2 1/2 pounds of cooked pork and therefore 8-10 servings.

15 Leftover Carnitas Recipes (2024)

By: Author Kate

Posted on Published: September 19, 2022- Last updated: October 10, 2023

0 Comments

Carnitas (or Mexican pulled pork) is such a versatile dish, and the best part is that it makes loads of leftovers, which can be used in SO MANY GREAT LEFTOVER RECIPES! Check out these 15 Leftover Carnitas Recipes, so you never have to wonder what to make with carnitas!

What are carnitas?

"Carnitas" literally means "little meats" and it's a dish of spiced pork that is simmered slowly until it comes tender enough to shred or pull into little pieces. Carnitas originated from Mexico, but many Latin American countries have their own version of carnitas with different spices.

I've never had a carnitas dish I didn't like. Carnitas are always so flavorful and versatile!

And the best part is that leftover carnitas can be used in so many dishes the next day, so it's always a good idea to make a really large batch.

Below you'll find some amazing carnitas dinner ideas: everything from carnitas bowls, casseroles, soup with carnitas, as well as more snack-like dishes, like empanadas.

So dig in!!

Oh, and if you need a really amazing flavorful recipe for carnitas, try this Cinnamon Chipotle Spiced Pulled Pork. AAAMAZING!

Leftover Carnitas Recipes

Go ahead, make a really large batch of carnitas because there are so many delicious carnitas dinner ideas!

Sweet Potato Pulled Pork Hash

Use leftover carnitas in this amazing sweet potato skillet! So many delicious flavors in this dinner. This is a go-to weeknight recipe for us because it is so customizable with whatever add-ins your have on hand!

Black Bean Carnitas Quesadillas

Adding cheese and a tortilla makes EVERYTHING better! I love this 10-minute dinner idea of adding leftover carnitas, black beans, and cheese to a tortilla and toasting in a pan to make the easiest, most delicious quesadillas. Serve with some pineapple pico de gallo or charred corn salsa as well as sour cream and guacamole.

Baked Potato Bar with Carnitas

Use carnitas as a topping for a baked potato, or serve them for a baked potato bar! And make sure to check out this other great recipe roundup of canned potato recipes!

Texas Twinkies

Texas Twinkies typically use leftover shredded brisket, but leftover carnitas make an AMAZING filling for these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers.

RELATED: Leftover Corned Beef Recipes

Photo Credit:honest-food.net

Fried Empanadas

Use leftover carnitas as an empanada filling! Add a little bit of cheese too. So good!

Photo Credit:alittleandalot.com

Spanish Potato Soup

This creamy, warm and slightly spicy Spanish Potato Soup is comfort food at its best. Buttery Yukon Gold potatoes are cooked in a broth flavored with onion, red pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano, and paprika. Add some sour cream, cheese and pork carnitas and serve with warm tortillas or bread to sop up all that delicious broth.

Related recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork

Photo Credit:www.fittoservegroup.com

Cuban Casserole

This low-carb Cuban casserole is an easy variation of the classic Cuban sandwich. Made with leftover shredded pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a creamy cheesy Dijon mustard sauce, it’s a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will love.

Photo Credit:pinchandswirl.com

Easy Carnitas Nachos

With crunchy corn tortilla chips, crispy-edged pulled pork, and plenty of melted cheese, Carnitas Nachos are irresistible.

Carnitas Breakfast Skillet

This breakfast skillet combines juicy leftover carnitas with potatoes and eggs, and is fried in a skillet on the stovetop. Such a delicious weekend breakfast or brunch!

Serve leftover carnitas with a mac and cheese bar!

Photo Credit:www.mashupmom.com

Comforting Carnitas Stew

Comforting Carnitas Stew—what a quintessential comfort food! Full of hearty beans & pork with bursts of crisp-tender sweetness from the corn and bell pepper, but and an underlying warmth from the seasoned carnitas and chipotle pepper.

Photo Credit:alittleandalot.com

Quinoa Veggie Carnitas Bowls

Here's a healthy, delicious way to use leftover carnitas: in quinoa bowls! Top quinoa with delicious carnitas, all kinds of veggies, fresh herbs, and ajalapeño cream sauce.

Photo Credit:www.acedarspoon.com

Slow Cooker Cuban Pork Rice Bowls

Pair leftover carnitas with rice and add your favorite toppings for an easy lunch or dinner!

Photo Credit:www.runningtothekitchen.com

Carnitas Pizza

This carnitas pizza from is topped with sticky pineapple juice slow cooked beef and tomatillo sauce, mozzarella, peppers and onions.

Photo Credit:foodieandwine.com

Mulitas with Carnitas

A mix between a soft taco and quesadilla, Mulitas will quickly become your favorite Mexican recipe. Mulitas are a street food staple of the LA food truck scene. Two corn tortillas are loaded up with tender carnitas and melted cheese and garnished with your favorite toppings.

Photo Credit:inmamamaggieskitchen.com

Tortas Ahogadas (Drowned Sandwiches)

If you like saucy, messy, and delicious, you're going to love these drowned sandwiches made with carnitas!

Photo Credit:www.mommytravels.net

Mexican Lasagna

Have you ever tried Mexican Lasagna? It's so good made with carnitas and makes large portions, ensuring you'll have leftovers and don't have to cook again tomorrow. If you like the idea, try my take on Mexican Lasagna made with ground beef!

If you enjoyed these ideas of what to make with carnitas, let me know with a comment and a star rating below. And don't forget to share it on Facebook and save it on Pinterest for later!