ALDI Kid-Friendly Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Description: Tender slow-cooked pork butt shredded and piled onto a soft bun with a little BBQ sauce, a kid-friendly favorite that's easy to eat by hand. Cooking low and slow makes the meat extra tender and mild-flavored, perfect for picky eaters.
Sale items used: Smithfield Fresh Pork Butt Roast
Prep time: 15 minutes active, plus slow cooker time
Serving note: Use about 0.75 lb pork butt roast (freeze extra portions for later use). Serve on 1 bun with 1-2 tbsp BBQ sauce. Since total cook time exceeds 60 minutes, start the slow cooker in the morning or prep the night before so it's ready by dinner.
Recipes:
- Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
- Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe

Tuesday
Meal: Baked Chicken Thighs with Maple Dijon Cauliflower
Description: Juicy baked chicken thighs paired with sweet-savory maple dijon cauliflower for a simple, mild, kid-approved dinner. Everything roasts on one tray for easy cleanup.
Sale items used: Fresh Antibiotic Free Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Maple Dijon Cauliflower
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use about 0.5 lb chicken thighs (roughly 2 small thighs) and half of a Maple Dijon Cauliflower bag, saving the rest for another meal.
Recipes:
- Maple-Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe (Incredibly Tender)
- Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs - Crispy, Juicy Weeknight Dinner
- Maple Dijon Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Veggies

Wednesday
Meal: Beef and Tortelloni with Harvest Pasta Sauce
Description: Ground beef simmered in a mild harvest-style pasta sauce and tossed with cheesy tortelloni, a comforting and familiar pasta dinner. Easy to portion and freezer-friendly for leftovers.
Sale items used: Simply Nature Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef, Specially Selected Seasonal Harvest Style Pasta Sauce, Priano Fall Tortelloni
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use about 0.33 lb ground beef, 1/3 of the pasta sauce jar, and about 1 cup cooked tortelloni (roughly 1/4 of the package); refrigerate remaining sauce and tortelloni for future meals.
Recipes:
- Cheese Tortellini in Meat Sauce
- Quick Tortellini Bolognese
- Easy Ground Beef and Tortellini (One Pot Recipe)

Thursday
Meal: Chicken Thigh Skillet with Mushrooms and Green Beans
Description: Bite-sized chicken thigh pieces sauteed with mushrooms and green beans in a light butter sauce, a simple and mild one-pan meal. Kid-friendly veggies cooked soft and mild in flavor.
Sale items used: Fresh Antibiotic Free Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Sliced White Mushrooms, Green Beans with Mushrooms
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use about 0.5 lb chicken thighs, half of an 8-oz mushroom package, and half of the Green Beans with Mushrooms bag; save remaining portions for another meal.
Recipes:
- Skillet Chicken Thighs with Green Beans and Mushrooms Recipe
- Braised Chicken Thighs and Green Beans - One Skillet!
- Chicken and Green Beans in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Friday
Meal: Pan-Seared Pork and Apple Skillet
Description: Pan-seared pork pieces cooked with sweet sliced apples for a mild, slightly sweet dinner kids love. Quick stovetop meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Sale items used: Smithfield Fresh Pork Butt Roast, New York Honeycrisp Apples
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use about 0.4 lb pork (sliced thin) and 1 small Honeycrisp apple, sliced; use leftover pork from Monday's roast if available to save money.
Recipes:
- Pork Chops With Apples Recipe
- Cast Iron Pork Chops with Apples (20 Minute Recipe)
- Pan-Seared Pork Chops and Fried Cinnamon Apples

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Smithfield Fresh Pork Butt Roast (1.15 lbs total): $2.29
- Fresh Antibiotic Free Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (1 lb total): $2.49
- Maple Dijon Cauliflower (1 bag): $3.49
- Simply Nature Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef (0.33 lb): $1.98
- Specially Selected Seasonal Harvest Style Pasta Sauce (1 jar): $3.99
- Priano Fall Tortelloni (1 bag): $4.99
- Sliced White Mushrooms (1 pkg): $1.29
- Green Beans with Mushrooms (1 bag): $3.49
- New York Honeycrisp Apples (1 bag, 2 lb): $2.29

Pantry staples needed:
- BBQ sauce
- Sandwich buns
- Cooking oil
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder (optional, mild seasoning)