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 browned, tossed with cavatappi and the seasonal harvest sauce, then topped with melty cheese and baked until bubbly. Two hungry kids or adults get generous bowls with a little leftover for lunch.
Sale items used: Mild Italian Links, Seasonal Harvest Style Pasta Sauce, Reggano Cavatappi, Happy Farms Italian Blend Shreds
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 pack of Mild Italian Links (assume about 1 lb, removed from casings and crumbled), the whole jar of sauce, and about 8 oz of the 16 oz cavatappi box. Use about 1 cup of the shredded cheese blend on top and save the rest for Tuesday. Total time is under an hour.
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 seared in a skillet and served over fluffy rice with black beans and sauteed zucchini. Kids can build their own bowls and sprinkle on a little cheese.
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 1 lb chicken thighs (about 0.5 lb per person), 1 cup of dry rice from the instant rice box, 1/2 can black beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 medium zucchini (about 0.5 lb). Top with a small handful of leftover cheese. Save the other half of the beans for another use.
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: Tender baked turkey meatballs are rolled with Parmesan, simmered in leftover pasta sauce flavors, and served with warm garlic bread. Kids can help roll the meatballs for a fun hands-on dinner.
Sale items used: Kirkwood 93% Lean Turkey, L'oven Fresh Garlic Bread, Shredded Parmesan Cheese Cup
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 pack of ground turkey (assume about 1 lb) to make about 14 small meatballs, mixed with 1/4 cup Parmesan, an egg, and breadcrumbs. Bake at 400F for 15 to 18 minutes. Serve with half the loaf of garlic bread per person, and a simple warmed jar or a splash of tomato sauce from the pantry for dipping. Freeze extra meatballs 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: Mildly seasoned shawarma beef bites are cooked in a hot skillet and tucked into warm naan with creamy guacamole. Each person gets a big wrap and the beef stays mild and kid-friendly.
Sale items used: Seasoned Beef Bites for Shawarma, Specially Selected Naan, Park Street Deli Guacamole
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Assume 0.75 lb of beef bites (about 0.375 lb per person) cooked 6 to 8 minutes. Use 1 package of naan (cut into halves or fold over) and 1 tub of guacamole, spread inside each wrap. Add shredded lettuce or cucumber if your kids like it.
Recipes:
- Shawarma-Inspired Beef Wraps
- Beef Shawarma Wrap
- Beef Shawarma Wraps

Friday
Meal: Fried Rice and Potsticker Night
Description: Frozen chicken fried rice is heated in a skillet with a scrambled egg and peas for extra fun, then served alongside crispy pan-fried potstickers. Easy to dip and easy to eat with chopsticks or forks.
Sale items used: Fusia Chicken Fried Rice, Fusia Potstickers
Prep time: 15 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 bag of chicken fried rice and 1 bag of potstickers (about 10 to 12 potstickers, enough for 2 people with leftover). Add 1 scrambled egg to the rice. Serve with apple slices 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 pack): $2.95
- Specially Selected Seasonal Harvest Style Pasta Sauce (x1): $3.99
- Reggano Cavatappi (x1): $1.29
- Happy Farms Italian Blend Shreds (x1): $2.79
- Chicken Thighs (1 lb): $2.49
- Earthly Grains Instant White Rice (x1): $2.95
- Pueblo Lindo Black Beans (x1): $2.69
- Organic Zucchini (0.5 lb): $1.20
- Kirkwood 93% Lean Turkey (x1): $4.89
- L'oven Fresh Garlic Bread (x1): $3.49
- Emporium Shredded Parmesan Cheese Cup (x1): $2.79
- Seasoned Beef Bites for Shawarma (0.75 lb): $5.62
- Specially Selected Naan (x1): $4.99
- Park Street Deli Guacamole (x1): $2.99
- Fusia Potstickers (x1): $3.99
- Fusia Chicken Fried Rice (x1): $5.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil or cooking oil
- Salt and pepper
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Soy sauce
- Tomato sauce or marinara for meatballs