ALDI Kid-Friendly Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Baked Italian Sausage Cavatappi with Seasonal Harvest Pasta Sauce
Description: Mild Italian sausage is sliced into bite-size coins and baked with cavatappi, pasta sauce, and melty cheese. It is a cozy, familiar bake that kids love.
Sale items used: Mild Italian Links, Reggano Cavatappi, Seasonal Harvest Style Pasta Sauce, Happy Farms Italian Blend Shreds
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 sausage link, about 2 oz of dry cavatappi (roughly 1/6 of the box), 1/2 cup of sauce, and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Boil the pasta, mix with the sliced browned sausage and sauce, top with cheese, and bake at 375F for 15 minutes. Leftover sauce, pasta, and cheese can be saved for later meals.
Recipes:
- Baked Cavatappi with Sausage
- Cheesy Baked Cavatappi
- Baked Cavatappi with Italian sausage

Tuesday
Meal: Skillet Chicken Thigh Rice Bowls with Black Beans and Zucchini
Description: Bite-size chicken thigh pieces are browned in a skillet and served over fluffy rice with mild black beans and soft zucchini. Top with a little shredded cheese for a build-your-own bowl feel.
Sale items used: Chicken Thighs, Instant White Rice, Pueblo Lindo Black Beans, Organic Zucchini, Happy Farms Italian Blend Shreds
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Assume 0.5 lb chicken thighs, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1/3 cup black beans (rinsed), and 1/2 small zucchini (about 0.25 lb). Season simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cheese.
Recipes:
- Skillet Chicken With Black Beans
- Chicken with Black Beans and Rice
- Skillet Chicken with Black Beans, Rice and Chiles

Wednesday
Meal: Turkey Meatballs with Garlic Bread
Description: Mild, tender turkey meatballs are baked and tossed in leftover pasta sauce, then served with warm garlic bread for dipping. A sprinkle of parmesan makes it extra fun.
Sale items used: Kirkwood 93% Lean Turkey, L'oven Fresh Garlic Bread, Shredded Parmesan Cheese Cup, Seasonal Harvest Style Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use about 1/4 of the 1 lb turkey package (4 oz) to make 4 small meatballs, with 1 tablespoon parmesan and a splash of milk or breadcrumbs if you like. Bake at 400F for 15 minutes. Serve with 2 slices of garlic bread and 1/3 cup leftover sauce. Portion and freeze the rest of the turkey meatball mix for later.
Recipes:
- Easy Baked Turkey Meatballs
- Baked Turkey Meatballs - No Breadcrumbs, Low Calorie
- Garlic Parmesan Turkey Meatballs

Thursday
Meal: Beef Shawarma Naan Wraps with Guacamole
Description: Seasoned shawarma beef bites are pan-cooked until browned and tucked into warm naan with creamy guacamole. It is a hands-on, fold-and-eat dinner.
Sale items used: Seasoned Beef Bites for Shawarma, Specially Selected Naan, Park Street Deli Guacamole
Prep time: 15 minutes
Serving note: Assume 0.33 lb beef bites, 1/2 naan bread (cut in half like a wrap, save the other half), and about 1/4 of the guacamole tub. Cook the beef in a hot skillet for 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through.
Recipes:
- Shawarma-Inspired Beef Wraps
- Beef Shawarma Wrap
- Beef Shawarma Wraps

Friday
Meal: Fried Rice and Potsticker Night
Description: Quick egg fried rice is made with leftover rice and served alongside crispy pan-fried potstickers. Dip them in a little mild soy sauce for a fun takeout-style night.
Sale items used: Instant White Rice, Fusia Potstickers, Pennsylvania SnapDragon Apples
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 cup cooked rice, 1 egg, 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots, and 5 potstickers. Scramble the egg, stir in rice and veggies with 1 teaspoon soy sauce. For dessert, slice 1 apple (about 0.4 lb) and serve on the side.
Recipes:
- Fried Rice and Frozen Potsticker Dinner
- Potstickers with Teriyaki Fried Rice
- Potsticker Crispy Fried Rice

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Mild Italian Links (x1): $2.95
- Reggano Cavatappi (x1): $1.29
- Seasonal Harvest Style Pasta Sauce (x1): $3.99
- Happy Farms Italian Blend Shreds (x1): $2.79
- Chicken Thighs (0.5 lb): $1.25
- Earthly Grains Instant White Rice (x1): $2.95
- Pueblo Lindo Black Beans (x1): $2.69
- Organic Zucchini (0.25 lb): $0.60
- Kirkwood 93% Lean Turkey (x1): $4.89
- L'oven Fresh Garlic Bread (x1): $3.49
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese Cup (x1): $2.79
- Seasoned Beef Bites for Shawarma (0.33 lb): $2.47
- Specially Selected Naan (x1): $4.99
- Park Street Deli Guacamole (x1): $2.99
- Fusia Potstickers (x1): $3.99
- SnapDragon Apples (0.4 lb): $0.40

Pantry staples needed:
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Cooking oil
- Soy sauce
- Eggs
- Frozen peas and carrots
- Milk or breadcrumbs (optional)