We all know that cooking can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. But let me tell you, delicious meals don’t have to break the bank! This dinner under 20 dollars recipe is a game changer. It’s not only wallet-friendly but also bursting with flavor and satisfaction. I still remember the first time I whipped this up for my friends after a long week. We were all craving something hearty but didn’t want to splurge. As soon as that savory aroma filled my kitchen, they were hooked! Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those busy nights when you want something quick and delicious without the hefty price tag.

dinner under 20 dollars - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 pound of ground beef
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup of corn, frozen or canned
1 cup of diced tomatoes, with juices
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 teaspoons of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tortillas, flour or corn depending on preference
1 cup of shredded cheese, like cheddar or Mexican blend

How to Prepare Instructions

Okay, let’s dive into the cooking magic! This recipe is super straightforward and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden!

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

First, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
Next, add the pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left!
Now, it’s time to bring in the flavor! Stir in the can of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (juices included!), chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine. It’s gonna look colorful and appetizing!
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is crucial—let all those flavors meld together. Just stir occasionally and enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen!
While that’s simmering, warm up your tortillas in a separate pan over low heat for about a minute on each side. This makes them soft and pliable!
Finally, it’s assembly time! Fill each tortilla with that savory beef mixture and top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in with smiles!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super budget-friendly—dinner for four under $20!
Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes.
Flavor-packed with hearty ingredients that satisfy.
Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
A great way to use pantry staples, minimizing waste!

Tips for Success

Here are a few of my favorite tips to ensure your dinner turns out perfectly! First, don’t skimp on the quality of your ground beef; a leaner cut will make a big difference in flavor and texture. When sautéing the onions and garlic, keep an eye on them to avoid burning—just a couple of minutes is all you need for that sweet aroma! Also, feel free to experiment with spices; a little extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the dish. And remember, let those flavors simmer together—trust me, it makes a world of difference!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each tortilla filled with this scrumptious beef mixture. You can expect about 450 calories, 20g of fat, and a hearty 25g of protein per serving. It also packs in 40g of carbohydrates and 8g of fiber, making it a filling option. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, so feel free to adjust as needed!

FAQ Section

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute if you want a leaner option. It’ll still be delicious and packed with flavor!

What can I do if I don’t have black beans?
No worries! You can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if that’s what you have on hand. It’ll still turn out great!

How should I store leftovers?
Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to three days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even lentils. Just keep all the other ingredients the same, and you’ll have a delightful vegetarian dinner under 20 dollars!

How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper when cooking. You can also top it with hot sauce before serving for that extra zing!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers from this delicious dinner is super simple! Just let the beef mixture cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Trust me, you’ll want to save those flavorful bites for another meal!

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. For the stovetop, just place it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. And don’t forget to warm up your tortillas again—they really make all the difference in keeping that satisfying texture! Enjoy every last bite!

Dinner Under 20 Dollars: 5 Flavorful Recipes to Try

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

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious dinner recipe that you can prepare for under 20 dollars.

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Warm the tortillas in a separate pan.
Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.
Serve immediately.