Great meals don’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can serve up flavorful, satisfying dinners for your family without breaking the bank.
As a chef, I'm only too keenly aware of the ongoing tension between wanting to feed people quality food and the price tag that often comes with high-end ingredients, not to mention the time it takes to cook the meal!
Fortunately, we have stores like Aldi! First, let me say that I'm not affiliated with Aldi, and they're not paying me to write this. I wouldn't mind it one bit if they did (Aldi, are you listening?), but if that ever happens, I promise you I will add a disclaimer.
This is just me recommending one of my favorite stores. And I know I'm not the only Aldi fan out there. Yes, it's not always perfect (whatever is?) but the combination of high-quality ingredients at great prices is hard to beat.
The key is knowing what to do with these ingredients.
So, let's talk about that. I came up with 12 meal ideas, all based on Aldi products. Of course, the prices shown below are estimates. They're based on what I typically see at my local Aldi. Your specific prices might be a bit different, but not by much.
Instead of providing full recipes, I provided a general description of how to prepare each meal. The idea here is to inspire you to try new ideas, making the most of the ingredients while keeping the price low. Most of these meals are also fast to make and don't require advanced cooking skills.
Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments.
12 Aldi weekday dinners for four under $25
Let's take a closer look at these meals. I created 12 concepts so you can have some variety on weekdays for a couple of weeks. Then, you can rotate your favorites!
These are based on recipes I have prepared (more than once) and I am a professionally qualified chef. However, I am not a professional photographer, so the images were generated using advanced AI tools. Rest assured, the dishes ARE real and tasty!
1. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Roasted Potatoes & Green Beans
Total Cost: ~$22
- Chicken Thighs (2.5 lbs) – $6.99
- Russet Potatoes (5 lbs) – $3.49
- Fresh Green Beans (16 oz) – $2.19
- Butter (16 oz) – $3.99 (you’ll use about $0.50 worth)
- Lemon (3-pack) – $2.19
- Garlic (whole bulb) – $1.19
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, etc.) – pantry staples
Instructions:
Roast potatoes at 400°F with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sear chicken thighs with butter, garlic, and lemon juice, then finish in the oven. Sauté green beans with garlic and a touch of butter.
2. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce & Garlic Bread
Total Cost: ~$18
- Ground Beef (1 lb) – $4.99
- Spaghetti Pasta – $1.39
- Marinara Sauce – $1.99
- Garlic (whole bulb) – $1.19
- Italian Bread – $1.89
- Butter (16 oz) – $3.99 (you’ll use about $0.50 worth)
- Parmesan Cheese (8 oz) – $3.79
Instructions:
Brown the ground beef, mix it with marinara, and let it simmer. Cook spaghetti according to the package. Make garlic butter and spread it on sliced Italian bread, then toast until golden.
3. Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice
Total Cost: ~$21
- Chicken Breast (2 lbs) – $7.49
- Rice (3 lbs) – $2.99
- Frozen Stir-Fry Vegetables (16 oz) – $3.49
- Soy Sauce – $1.89
- Garlic (whole bulb) – $1.19
- Eggs (1 dozen) – $3.19 (you’ll use about $1 worth)
Instructions:
Cook rice. Sauté chicken with garlic and soy sauce. Stir-fry veggies, then mix everything together. Scramble eggs into the rice for extra texture.
4. Cheesy Baked Ziti with Side Salad
Total Cost: ~$23
- Ziti Pasta – $1.39
- Ground Italian Sausage (1 lb) – $4.99
- Marinara Sauce – $1.99
- Shredded Mozzarella (16 oz) – $3.99
- Parmesan Cheese (8 oz) – $3.79
- Lettuce (Romaine Hearts) – $2.99
- Cucumber – $1.19
- Dressing (Aldi Brand) – $2.19
Instructions:
Cook pasta, brown sausage, and mix with marinara. Layer pasta, sauce, and cheeses in a baking dish and bake at 375°F until bubbly. Serve with a fresh salad.
5. BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw & Fries
Total Cost: ~$24
- Chicken Breast (2 lbs) – $7.49
- BBQ Sauce – $1.89
- Hawaiian Rolls (12-pack) – $2.79
- Coleslaw Mix – $1.99
- Mayo – $2.99
- Frozen French Fries (32 oz) – $3.49
- Apple Cider Vinegar – $1.89
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder) – pantry staples
Instructions:
Slow cook or bake the chicken, then shred it and toss it with BBQ sauce. Toast Hawaiian rolls and assemble sliders. Mix coleslaw with mayo, vinegar, and seasoning. Bake or air-fry fries until crispy.
6. Sheet Pan Sausage, Peppers, and Potatoes
Total Cost: ~$22
- Smoked Sausage (14 oz) – $3.99
- Bell Peppers (3-pack) – $3.49
- Yellow Onion – $1.19
- Russet Potatoes (5 lbs) – $3.49
- Olive Oil – $3.49
- Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper – pantry staples
Instructions:
Chop sausage, peppers, onions, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil and seasonings, then roast on a sheet pan at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli
Total Cost: ~$24
- Chicken Breast (2 lbs) – $7.49
- Penne Pasta – $1.39
- Alfredo Sauce – $2.99
- Frozen Broccoli (12 oz) – $1.49
- Shredded Parmesan (8 oz) – $3.79
- Garlic – $1.19
- Butter – $3.99 (you’ll use about $0.50 worth)
Instructions:
Cook pasta and steam the broccoli. Sauté chicken with garlic and butter, then toss everything with Alfredo sauce and Parmesan.
8. Beef and Bean Tacos with Rice
Total Cost: ~$23
- Ground Beef (1 lb) – $4.99
- Taco Shells (12-pack) – $1.99
- Black Beans (15 oz) – $0.99
- Shredded Cheese (16 oz) – $3.99
- Salsa – $1.89
- Rice (3 lbs) – $2.99
- Taco Seasoning – $0.49
Instructions:
Brown the ground beef with taco seasoning. Heat the black beans and rice separately. Assemble the tacos with the beef, beans, cheese, and salsa.
9. Baked Tilapia with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
Total Cost: ~$24
- Tilapia Filets (2 lbs) – $7.99
- Sweet Potatoes (3 lbs) – $3.49
- Frozen Green Beans (16 oz) – $2.19
- Olive Oil – $3.49
- Lemon (3-pack) – $2.19
- Seasonings (garlic powder, salt, pepper) – pantry staples
Instructions:
Season tilapia with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Roast sweet potatoes and green beans until tender.
10. Shakshuka with Fresh Bread and Salad (vegetarian option)
Total Cost: ~$20
- Eggs (1 dozen) – $3.19
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (28 oz) – $1.49
- Tomato Paste – $0.99
- Bell Peppers (3-pack) – $3.49
- Yellow Onion – $1.19
- Garlic – $1.19
- Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper – pantry staples
- Fresh Bread (Pita or Baguette) – $2.99
- Cucumber – $1.19
- Tomato (Roma, 3-pack) – $2.49
- Lemon (3-pack) – $2.19
- Olive Oil – $3.49 (you’ll use about $1 worth)
Instructions:
Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic in olive oil. Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices, then simmer until thickened. Make small wells in the sauce and gently crack in eggs, covering and cooking until the whites set. Serve with fresh bread and a chopped salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil.
This meal is simple, full of flavor, and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
11. Chicken Shawarma with Rice and Salad
Total Cost: ~$24
- Chicken Thighs (2.5 lbs) – $6.99
- Rice (3 lbs) – $2.99
- Cucumber – $1.19
- Tomato (Roma, 3-pack) – $2.49
- Red Onion – $1.19
- Lemon (3-pack) – $2.19
- Garlic – $1.19
- Olive Oil – $3.49 (you’ll use about $1 worth)
- Shawarma Spice Mix (cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder) – pantry staples
- Pita Bread (6-pack) – $1.99
Instructions:
Marinate chicken thighs in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and shawarma spices. Grill or bake until fully cooked. Serve with fluffy rice and a fresh salad made from cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, and olive oil. Warm pita bread on the side completes this hearty meal.
12. Chicken Schnitzel with Israeli Couscous and Roasted Vegetables
Total Cost: ~$24.50
- Chicken Breast (2 lbs.) – $7.49
- Eggs (1 dozen) – $3.19 (you’ll use about $1 worth)
- Breadcrumbs (Plain or Panko) – $1.99
- Flour – $2.19
- Israeli Couscous (Pearl Couscous) – $2.49
- Chicken Broth (32 oz) – $1.49
- Olive Oil – $3.49 (you’ll use about $1 worth)
- Bell Peppers (3-pack) – $3.49
- Zucchini (2-pack) – $2.19
- Lemon (3-pack) – $2.19
- Garlic – $1.19
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika) – pantry staples Instructions:
- Chicken Schnitzel: Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. Pan-fry in olive oil until golden and crispy.
- Israeli Couscous: Toast the couscous in olive oil for extra flavor. Add 1 ½ cups of chicken broth and simmer until absorbed and tender. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt.
- Roasted Vegetables: Chop bell peppers and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes until tender.
This meal is crispy, hearty, and full of comforting flavors. One of my kid's favorites!
Aldi Kitchen Hero Status: Unlocked!
There you have it—12 delicious, budget-friendly meals that prove you don't need a celebrity chef's budget to feed your family well. These Aldi-inspired dishes combine smart shopping with simple techniques to create meals everyone will love.
Remember, cooking doesn't have to be complicated to be impressive. Sometimes, the most satisfying meals come from just a few quality ingredients prepared with care. You do not need a fancy sauce or gravy to elevate your dish, sometimes you just need to let the ingredients shine through the dish.
And here’s a little chef’s secret—there’s one ingredient that makes any dish stand out. Wondering what it is? Love! Yep, even if you’re not the biggest fan of cooking, think about who you’re sharing the meal with. That little extra thought turns an ordinary dinner into something special.
Have you tried any of these recipes yet? Which one sounds most appealing to your family? Or do you have your own budget-friendly Aldi meal ideas that I missed? I'd love to hear about your kitchen adventures in the comments below!
And if you're looking for more affordable meal inspiration, let me know—there might just be a part two of this guide in the future. Until then, happy cooking and smart shopping!
![Frozen French fries in a frying pan, How To Blanch French Fries [And Should You?]](https://kitchenseer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Frozen-French-fries-in-a-frying-pan-250x250.jpg)
![A large box of Bisquick all purpose pancake and baking mix, Can You Use Bisquick Instead Of Flour? [For Gravy, Dumplings, Waffles, And More]](https://kitchenseer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/A-large-box-of-Bisquick-all-purpose-pancake-and-baking-mix-250x250.jpg)