Enchiladas Salvadorenas with Ground Pork and Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft corn tortillas filled with seasoned ground pork, topped with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese for a comforting Salvadoran meal. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes blends ground pork, vegetable oil, small, chopped yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground pork, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp cumin powder and 1 tsp dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce and 1/2 cup water, stirring to combine. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce with pork for 10 minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1/4 cup of the pork mixture on each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam side down in a baking dish.
  7. Step 7: Pour remaining tomato sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  8. Step 8: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts and sauce bubbles.
  9. Step 9: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Enchiladas Salvadorenas with Ground Pork and Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Enchiladas Salvadorenas with Ground Pork and Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Enchiladas Salvadorenas with Ground Pork and Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Enchiladas Salvadorenas with Ground Pork and Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Enchiladas Salvadorenas with Ground Pork and Tomato Sauce?

Latin American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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