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You are here: Home / Breakfast and Brunch / Pulled Pork Breakfast Nachos

Pulled Pork Breakfast Nachos

April 29, 2020 Updated: September 13, 2022 By Leanne 22 Comments

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Pulled Pork Breakfast Nachos are topped with fresh veggies, fluffy scrambled eggs and Mexican slow cooker pulled pork. They’re spicy and filling, and perfect for weekend brunching or even breakfast for dinner!

Breakfast for dinner? Brinner? Oh yes, it’s a go-to in our house. Quiche or breakfast sandwiches happen at least once a week around here, and there’s usually a few home fries on the side too.

Breakfast nachos baked in a casserole dish with guacamole, queso and salsa off to the side.

I could probably eat breakfast for dinner every day these days (call it comfort food or even laziness), but I decided to change up our brinner routine with these pulled pork breakfast nachos.

While we’ve been enjoying them for dinner, they’re obviously perfect for breakfast or brunch, and even some Friday night snacking. And, of course, with Cinco de Mayo around the corner, these nachos are perfect for celebrating at home.

They’re seriously hearty and delicious. Spicy, but not too spicy, and loaded with plenty of toppings. This includes the star ingredient – Mexican slow cooker pulled pork, or pork carnitas.

Up-close view of pulled pork nachos.

What are pork carnitas?

Carnitas is a Mexican dish meaning ‘little meats’. The cut of meat for carnitas is usually pork shoulder as the fattier content is great for slow cooking and results in tender meat that easily shreds. The strategy for cooking carnitas is low and slow. The pork is also usually cooked in oil or lard, which adds to the tenderness.

You might also see carnitas referred to as Mexican slow cooker pulled pork. The key difference, however, between carnitas and regular pulled pork is that the pork for carnitas is broiled in the oven after it is slow cooked so it gets browned and crispy. 

Details on a few ingredients

Pork: I’ve taken a few liberties with the definition of carnitas in this recipe. To keep things a little healthier, I actually went with centre loin boneless pork chops. It’s a leaner cut of meat and slow cooks quickly with tender results. I also added tomato sauce which makes the carnitas a bit saucy, as opposed to juicy, which is a result of the grease and fat from the pork shoulder.

Raw pork chops arranged on a sheet pan.

Eggs: We’re scrambled egg lovers in our house, but it’s taken me a while to figure out how to prepare fluffy scrambled eggs. I’ve learned that whisking them well is key, and so is using a non-stick pan. Most importantly, you should use a spatula to gently push the eggs around the pan and fold them over. And once all the liquid is gone, remove the eggs from the heat before they dry out.

Quinoa: I added quinoa for extra fibre, but if you don’t have quinoa, you can use brown rice or Spanish rice, or you can leave it out altogether. If you decide to go with quinoa, be sure to check out this recipe that includes my favourite way to cook quinoa.

How to make pork carnitas in the slow cooker

Combine the seasonings in a small bowl.

Trim any fat off the pork chops. Cover in lime juice and then coat with seasonings.

Raw pork chops coated in seasonings.

Place in a greased slow cooker and add the remaining lime (rind and all).

Uncooked seasoned pork chops in a slow cooker.

Pour tomato sauce over the pork and cook on high for 3 hours.

Pork chops covered in tomato sauce in a slow cooker.

Once cooked, use forks to pull apart the pork and mix it around in the tomato sauce.

Cooked pulled pork in a slow cooker.

Spread the pork out on a baking sheet and broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the tips of the pork start to char a bit.

Pulled pork broiled on a sheet pan.

Assembling and baking pulled pork nachos

I like to prepare these nachos in layers and enjoy them more like a casserole. To do this, just arrange a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of a casserole dish and layer on half of the toppings. Repeat these layers with more tortilla chips and the remaining toppings. 

For crispier nachos, spread your tortilla chips out on a large baking sheet and add all the toppings in a single layer. 

As a third option, you can add all of the ingredients, except the tortilla chips, to a casserole dish, heat it up and use the chips to scoop it out.

For any of these methods, bake at 400F until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through. Don’t over bake as this will dry out the pork and the eggs.

Serve immediately with queso, guacamole and/or salsa.

Overhead view of pulled pork nachos being assembled.

Frequently asked questions

Can these nachos be made vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just leave out the pork and add some extra eggs, quinoa or black beans for additional protein.

Can you prep these pork carnitas nachos in advance?

You can prepare the pork and quinoa ahead of time, and even chop the veggies. But I would wait to cook the eggs and assemble the nachos until you’re ready to bake and serve.

How do you reheat leftover breakfast nachos?

Just spread out the leftover nachos on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake on 350F until heated through and crispy.

Overhead view of pulled pork on top of breakfast nachos.

Recipe tips and substitutions

  • While this recipe calls for red peppers and red onions, you can use other veggies such as green peppers, green onions, tomatoes or jalapeños.
  • You can use store-bought or homemade air fryer tortilla chips. If using store-bought, I usually go for unsalted corn tortilla chips. And if you like extra crispy nachos, try thick cut tortilla chips that can hold up to a lot of toppings.
  • I added a mix of light cheeses to these nachos, and only used a minimal amount. If you like your nachos extra cheesy, feel free to add more cheese and/or go for full fat as it tends to melt better.
  • If you want dairy-free nachos, top the nachos with vegan cheese shreds or serve them with cashew queso or this chipotle dip.
  • Love the pork, but not in the mood for nachos? Use the pork in tacos. We do this all the time, and it’s a huge hit at our Christmas taco night.
  • The recipe makes a lot of pork, so if it’s too much for you, feel free to save some for tacos, salads or grain bowls.
  • Not a lover of scrambled egg? No problem. When the nachos are ready, just top them with a few fried eggs, or leave them out altogether.
Overhead view of pork carnitas breakfast nachos being served with guacamole, salsa and queso.

More Mexican inspired recipes

  • Loaded Veggie Nachos (with vegan taco meat)
  • Spicy Tofu Scramble Breakfast Tacos
  • Chicken Fajita Soup
  • Ground Beef Fajitas
  • Taco Cups with Ground Turkey

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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Pulled pork breakfast nachos prepared in a round orange dish with queso, salsa and guacamole.

Pulled Pork Breakfast Nachos

★★★★★ 5 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Leanne
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3.5 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Brunch
  • Method: Slow Cook & Bake
  • Cuisine: Mexican
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Description

Pulled Pork Breakfast Nachos are topped with fresh veggies, fluffy scrambled eggs and Mexican slow cooker pulled pork. They’re spicy and filling, and perfect for weekend brunching or even breakfast for dinner!


Ingredients

For the pork:

  • 2 teaspoons coconut sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 boneless centre loin pork chops (3/4-inch thick)
  • 1 lime, juiced (save remainder for slow cooker)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) no salt added tomato sauce

For the nachos:

  • 6 cups no salt added corn tortilla chips
  • 4 large eggs, scrambled
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup chopped red pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mix of cheddar, mozzarella and Monterey Jack)

Instructions

Prepare the pork:

  1. Grease the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, add the seasonings and stir together.
  3. Trim any fat off the pork chops and arrange on a large plate or baking sheet. Cover both sides with lime juice and then add the seasoning to both sides. The pork should be well coated.
  4. Place in a single layer in the slow cooker with the remaining lime. Pour the tomato sauce over the pork and cook on high for 3 hours.
  5. Once cooked, use two forks to pull apart the pork and mix it around in the tomato sauce.
  6. Spread the pork out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the tips of the pork start to char a bit.

Prepare the nachos:

  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Grease a large casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray, or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Arrange half of the tortilla chips in the bottom of the casserole dish and layer on half of the pork, eggs, quinoa, veggies and cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients. If preparing on a baking sheet, just assemble the ingredients in a single layer.
  3. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the nachos are heated through.
  4. Serve immediately with guacamole, salsa and/or queso.

Notes

  1. Instead of red peppers and red onions, you can add a variety of other veggies such as green peppers, green onions, tomatoes or jalapeños.
  2. If you like your nachos extra cheesy, feel free to add more cheese and/or go for full fat cheese as it tends to melt better.
  3. The recipe makes a lot of pork, so if it’s too much for you, just save some for tacos, salads or grain bowls.
  4. Instead of scrambled eggs, try topping with a few fried eggs just before serving.
  5. You can make these nachos as a layered casserole or in a single layer on a sheet pan, the latter will result in crispier nachos. You can also bake all of the toppings together and serve with tortilla chips on the side.
  6. Be sure to check out the FAQ as well as the tips and substitutions section above the recipe for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.

Keywords: pork carnitas, slow cooker pulled pork, breakfast nachos

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Filed Under: All Recipes, Appetizers, Breakfast and Brunch, Main Dishes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. marcie says

    May 4, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    I would actually love this with the leaner cut of pork — that’s such a great tip to use center loin chops! I’d love these nachos any time of day — they look delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 15, 2020 at 10:59 pm

      Thanks Marcie! Pork loin chops are a staple in my freezer!

      Reply
  2. Christie says

    May 4, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    Ok these pulled pork breakfast nachos sound incredible Leanne!!!! i WOULD LOVE having this for breakfast. Thanks for sharing this one!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 15, 2020 at 11:01 pm

      Thanks Christie!

      Reply
  3. Matt - Total Feasts says

    May 4, 2020 at 3:42 am

    WHAAAT! Nachos for breakfast, I’m in. This is a breakfast dish I can get behind very easily.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 4, 2020 at 3:17 pm

      Thanks Matt! Breakfast nachos never disappoint!

      Reply
  4. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl says

    May 1, 2020 at 11:06 am

    YUM! These pulled pork nachos look out of this world, Leanne! As a Southerner, I’m obsessed with pulled pork but I’ve never even thought of loading it on top of nachos, all the toppings and cheesy goodness! YUM! 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 4, 2020 at 3:20 pm

      Definitely worth a try on nachos! Thanks Haylie!

      Reply
  5. Monica | Nourish and Fete says

    May 1, 2020 at 9:02 am

    Breakfast for dinner is always welcome in our house, too, although I admit usually we are super lazy about it and basically do pancakes and eggs, haha! This on the other hand is absolutely next level. I would eat this happily for any meal!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 4, 2020 at 3:21 pm

      Haha! Thanks Monica. Oh, pancakes and eggs have happened around here for dinner too!

      Reply
  6. Marissa says

    April 30, 2020 at 5:58 pm

    These look awesome, Leanne! I could seriously devour these for any meal of the day!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 4, 2020 at 3:22 pm

      Thanks Marissa!

      Reply
  7. Christie says

    April 30, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    Wow that sounds so delicious especially for some breakfast! I’m a big fan of pulled pork! It’s so delicious! Especially with some nachos. Thanks for sharing Leanne!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 4, 2020 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks Christie! Pulled pork is a fave in our house too!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    April 30, 2020 at 12:23 pm

    Love this idea! Such a great mashup of so many great flavours. And of course, I’m a big breakfast-for-dinner gal 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 4, 2020 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks Jennifer! Gotta love breakfast for dinner!

      Reply
  9. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    April 30, 2020 at 12:46 am

    These look so delicious, Leanne! We love savory breakfasts. Etienne and I would be alllll over these! I’m imagining that crispy pork smothered in cheese and egg! Genius invention. Hope you’re having a great weekend!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 4, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks Katherine! Hope you had a great weekend too!

      Reply
  10. Alex says

    April 30, 2020 at 12:37 am

    I would be happy to eat these any time of day – SO delicious, Leanne!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 4, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks Alex!

      Reply
  11. Milena says

    April 29, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    I have to say that you know how to breakfast! These pulled pork nachos will be a hit in our house, especially with some Clamato beer to wash them down. Love the flavors you fold into the pork and all the other toppings. Great recipe.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 4, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      Thanks Milena! I can always count on your for a great beverage pairing suggestion! A Clamato beer with them sounds perfect!

      Reply

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Meet Leanne

Hey there! I'm Leanne and welcome to Crumb Top Baking. I'm a self-taught baker, home cook and food photographer, and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that help people eat a little healthier and find balance in the recipes they prepare for themselves and their families. Learn more about me and what you'll find on Crumb Top Baking....

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