We all know that sometimes the best meals come from a place of creativity and budget-consciousness. When it comes to dinner under 20 dollars, I’ve got a comforting recipe that not only warms your belly but also keeps your wallet happy! I remember my grandma whipping up dishes just like this one—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to break the bank.

What I love most about this recipe is its ease of preparation. You can have a delicious dinner ready in about 30 minutes! Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen rotation. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (adds a lovely warmth)
• Salt and pepper to taste (I usually go a little heavy on the pepper!)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown, whatever you prefer)

How to Prepare Instructions

1. First things first, let’s heat up a large skillet over medium heat. This is where all the magic happens!
2. Once your skillet is warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. You’ll absolutely love the aroma filling your kitchen—trust me, it’s like a warm welcome!
3. Now, it’s time to add in the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, and make sure it’s browned evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You want it nice and brown before moving on—this step adds so much flavor!
4. Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!), kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine everything beautifully.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the flavors meld together, so don’t rush this step!
6. After the 15 minutes are up, taste your delicious creation and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a little more chili powder or a dash of salt?
7. Finally, serve this hearty mixture over the cooked rice. You can scoop it right onto the rice or mix it all together in the skillet if you prefer. Either way, enjoy every comforting bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a quick and easy meal that can be ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights!
• With its hearty flavors and comforting textures, it feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• This budget-friendly dish comes in under 20 dollars, making it great for family dinners without breaking the bank.
• The recipe is super versatile; you can easily adjust the spices or swap in your favorite ingredients.
• It’s packed with protein and fiber, keeping you feeling satisfied and energized!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to whip up this delicious dish, here are some handy tips to ensure everything goes smoothly and turns out perfect!

• Keep an eye on the heat: Medium heat is your friend here. If it’s too high, your onions and garlic might burn instead of sautéing gently. And we want those to be sweet and fragrant, not bitter!
• Don’t rush the browning: Make sure the ground beef gets that nice brown color. It adds depth to the flavor, so be patient and let it cook until it’s golden brown.
• Stir occasionally: While your mixture is simmering, give it a stir every now and then. This helps everything cook evenly and prevents anything from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
• Taste as you go: Trust your taste buds! After simmering, taste the mixture and adjust the spices as needed. Everyone’s palate is different, so make it your own!
• Use a lid: If you find that your mixture is looking too thick while simmering, cover it with a lid for a few minutes. This helps retain moisture and creates a lovely, saucy texture.

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

Let’s talk about the ingredients and how you can easily swap them to fit your needs or what you have in your pantry. Cooking should be flexible and fun, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!

• Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works beautifully in this dish! It’s just as hearty and will still give you that comforting feel. If you’re going for a vegetarian version, try using cooked lentils or a meat substitute—just be sure to adjust the seasoning.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are a staple, but if you have fresh tomatoes on hand, feel free to chop those up! You could also use fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra depth of flavor.
• Kidney Beans: Don’t have kidney beans? No problem! Black beans or even chickpeas can be used instead. They’ll add a slightly different flavor, but they’re all delicious and nutritious!
• Onion: If you’re not a fan of onion or have allergies, you can skip it altogether or use shallots for a milder flavor. Green onions or leeks could also bring a lovely taste to the dish.
• Garlic: Garlic is a must for that wonderful aroma and flavor, but if you’re allergic, you can leave it out. You could also use garlic powder as a substitute, though I’d recommend fresh if you can!
• Rice: You can use any type of rice you prefer—white, brown, or even quinoa for a protein boost. Just make sure it’s cooked before serving. If you want to keep it low-carb, consider serving the mixture over cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles).
• Spices: Adjust the chili powder and cumin based on your spice tolerance. You can add more or less, or even throw in some paprika or oregano for a different twist. Don’t be shy to experiment!

Remember, cooking is all about what works for you and your loved ones. So, feel free to get creative and make this dish your own while keeping it delicious and budget-friendly!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got this comforting dinner ready, let’s talk about how to elevate your meal experience! Here are some delightful ideas to serve alongside your hearty dish:

• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch to your meal. It’s a great way to incorporate some extra veggies!
• Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your dish. Just spread some butter and minced garlic on slices of bread and toast them in the oven!
• Sautéed Vegetables: Lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli can add a colorful touch to your plate. Just a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper will do the trick!
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole can add a rich, buttery flavor that complements the spices in your dish. Plus, they’re packed with healthy fats!
• Cheese Toppings: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of your beef mixture right before serving can add an extra layer of flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of crumbled feta work wonderfully!
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream can provide a cool, creamy contrast to the spices. It’s a nice addition if you’re looking to balance out the flavors!

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on what you enjoy or have on hand. These little extras can make your meal feel special and satisfying while keeping it budget-friendly and delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you have this delicious meal ready to go, let’s chat about how to store those tasty leftovers! Trust me, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

First, once you’ve served your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. It’s important not to leave them out for more than two hours to avoid any food safety issues. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. I love using glass containers because they keep everything fresh and are easy to reheat!

You can store your hearty beef mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you think you won’t eat it within that time, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. It should keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze! For the best results, I recommend thawing any frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Then, to reheat, simply transfer it to a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. You can also add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if it looks a bit thick.

If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it instead! Just place the portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it to make sure it heats evenly.

And voilà! You’ve got a quick, comforting meal ready to enjoy again. There’s something so satisfying about having a delicious dinner waiting for you, all while staying budget-friendly!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s take a moment to chat about the nutritional aspects of this comforting dish! Each serving is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal choice. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Please keep in mind that these values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s always a good idea to adjust components based on your dietary needs or preferences. Enjoy your meal, knowing it’s both delicious and nutritious!

FAQ Section

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to keep it flavorful!

What if I don’t have kidney beans?
No worries at all! You can use black beans, chickpeas, or even pinto beans instead. They’ll work just as well and still give you that hearty, comforting vibe!

Can I use instant rice instead of cooked rice?
Yes, you can! Just follow the package instructions for cooking the instant rice. It’s a quick option if you’re in a hurry, but make sure to have it ready before serving.

How can I spice this up?
If you like things on the spicier side, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also serve it with hot sauce on the side for an extra kick!

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely! This dish freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer!

Dinner Under 20 Dollars: A Comforting Meal for Cozy Nights

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

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Description

A comforting and budget-friendly dinner recipe that can be prepared for under 20 dollars.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in ground beef; cook until browned.
4. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve over cooked rice.

Notes

• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Use canned black beans instead of kidney beans.
• Fresh herbs can add flavor if you have them on hand.
• Adjust spices to your taste preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: dinner under 20 dollars, budget dinner, easy recipes