ALDI Low-Carb Meal Plan

SALE ITEMS FOUND

Meats on sale:
- Fresh Chicken Thin-Sliced Bone Pork Chops: $2.99/lb
- Smithfield Fresh Spareribs: $1.99/lb
- Fresh Lamb Shank Unseasoned: $5.99 (each)
- Ground Beef Patties Fresh 85/15: $5.99/lb
- USDA Choice Seasoned Beef: $6.99
- Fresh 85/15 Ground Beef: $7.99/lb
- Italian Links: $8.99
- Simply Nature Spinach or Italian Chicken Sausage: $4.95
- Fresh Atlantic Salmon: $12.99/lb
- Fresh Grass-Fed Ribeye Steaks: $12.99/lb

Vegetables on sale:
- Organic Zucchini: $2.39/lb
- Avocados: $0.69 each

BUDGET RATIONALE

Protein ranking (most economical to most expensive per serving for 4 people):
- Smithfield Fresh Spareribs: $1.99/lb - 2 lbs feeds 4 generously = ~$3.98 for 4 people
- Fresh Chicken Thin-Sliced Bone Pork Chops: $2.99/lb - 2 lbs feeds 4 = ~$5.98 for 4 people
- Simply Nature Spinach or Italian Chicken Sausage: $4.95/pack - 1 pack feeds 4 = ~$4.95 for 4 people
- Fresh Lamb Shank Unseasoned: $5.99 each - need 2 shanks for 4 people = ~$11.98 for 4 people
- Ground Beef Patties Fresh 85/15: $5.99/lb - 1.5 lbs feeds 4 = ~$8.99 for 4 people
- USDA Choice Seasoned Beef: $6.99 (flat pack, weight unclear, likely 1-1.5 lb) = ~$6.99 for 4 people
- Fresh 85/15 Ground Beef: $7.99/lb - 1.5 lbs feeds 4 = ~$11.99 for 4 people (skip in favor of $5.99/lb patties)
- Italian Links: $8.99 (pack price, likely 5-6 links) - 1 pack for 4 = ~$8.99 for 4 people
- Fresh Atlantic Salmon: $12.99/lb - 2 lbs for 4 people = ~$25.98 for 4 people (PREMIUM)
- Fresh Grass-Fed Ribeye Steaks: $12.99/lb - 2 lbs for 4 people = ~$25.98 for 4 people (PREMIUM)

Why these meals: The spareribs at $1.99/lb are the standout deal of the week and anchor what will be a genuinely satisfying low-carb dinner for about $4 total. The pork chops at $2.99/lb and the chicken sausage pack at $4.95 are both strong everyday buys that keep four people full without stretching the budget. The Ground Beef Patties at $5.99/lb round out the economical nights with a classic skillet meal, and the lamb shank at $5.99 each is a bit of a splurge in effort but lands in the mid-range budget-wise for a special weeknight. The salmon at $12.99/lb is the best premium value this week compared to the ribeye at the same price per pound, since salmon portions run lighter and it still feels like a treat - it earns the one premium night comfortably. Both the Italian Links and the pricier $7.99/lb ground beef are deliberately skipped this week: the Links push the total higher without adding variety the cheaper sausage pack can't cover, and the $7.99 ground beef is simply the same product as the $5.99 patties at a higher price.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Slow-Baked Pork Spareribs with Garlic Herb Zucchini
Description: Tender spareribs are rubbed with garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs then slow-roasted until fall-off-the-bone, served alongside zucchini rounds sauteed in olive oil and fresh Greek herbs. This is a rich, deeply satisfying low-carb dinner with big flavor from minimal ingredients.
Sale items used: Smithfield Fresh Spareribs ($1.99/lb), Organic Zucchini ($2.39/lb), Athena Greek Herbs ($1.99)
Prep time: 20 minutes active, 2.5 hours total
Serving note: 2 lbs spareribs (roughly half a rack, portioned into 4 sections) and 1 lb zucchini sliced and sauteed for 4 people
Recipes:
- Garlic-Herb Slow Cooked Pork Ribs
- Keto Dry Rub Ribs Low Carb Recipe
- Keto Carnivore Slow Cooker Pork Ribs Recipe

Tuesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Avocado Herb Salsa
Description: Thin-sliced bone-in pork chops are seasoned and seared hot in a cast iron skillet until golden, then topped with a fresh chunky salsa made from diced avocado, lime juice, and herbs. The cool, creamy avocado salsa cuts through the richness of the pork for a bright and satisfying plate.
Sale items used: Fresh Chicken Thin-Sliced Bone Pork Chops ($2.99/lb), Avocados ($0.69 each), Athena Greek Herbs ($1.99)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs pork chops (about 2-3 chops per person depending on size) and 4 avocados diced into salsa for 4 people
Recipes:
- Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Avocado and Tomato Salad

Wednesday
Meal: Skillet Ground Beef and Zucchini with Burrata
Description: Seasoned 85/15 ground beef is browned with garlic and Italian spices, then tossed with sauteed zucchini noodles and finished with torn creamy burrata melted over the top. It is a simple one-pan dinner that tastes indulgent while staying well under the carb limit.
Sale items used: Ground Beef Patties Fresh 85/15 ($5.99/lb), Organic Zucchini ($2.39/lb), Burrata ($4.65)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1.5 lbs ground beef (thawed and crumbled from patties), 1 lb zucchini spiralized or sliced thin, and 1 container burrata divided among 4 bowls
Recipes:
- Keto Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
- Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet
- Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Thursday
Meal: Braised Lamb Shank with Herb-Roasted Zucchini
Description: Lamb shanks are seared until browned then slow-braised in a savory garlic and herb broth until the meat slides off the bone, served over a bed of roasted zucchini planks. The braising liquid reduces into a glossy, deeply flavored sauce that keeps this meal elegant and completely carb-free.
Sale items used: Fresh Lamb Shank Unseasoned ($5.99 each), Organic Zucchini ($2.39/lb), Athena Greek Herbs ($1.99)
Prep time: 20 minutes active, 2 hours total
Serving note: 2 lamb shanks braised and portioned between 4 people with generous carved meat from each shank, plus 1 lb roasted zucchini as the base
Recipes:
- Low-Carb Braised Lamb Shanks
- Red Wine Braised Lamb Shanks
- Braised Lamb Shanks

Friday
Meal: Herb-Crusted Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado
Description: Fresh Atlantic salmon fillets are coated in Greek herbs and seared skin-side down until crispy, then finished in the oven and plated alongside halved avocados drizzled with lemon oil. This is a restaurant-quality Friday night dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes and keeps net carbs minimal.
Sale items used: Fresh Atlantic Salmon ($12.99/lb), Avocados ($0.69 each), Athena Greek Herbs ($1.99)
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs salmon (four 8 oz fillets, skin on) and 2 avocados halved and pitted, one half per person
Recipes:
- Pan Seared Salmon and Avocado Salsa
- Seared Salmon with Avocado Gremolata
- Salmon with Avocado Salsa

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Smithfield Fresh Spareribs (2 lbs): $3.98
- Fresh Chicken Thin-Sliced Bone Pork Chops (2 lbs): $5.98
- Avocados (x6): $4.14
- Organic Zucchini (3 lbs total across the week): $7.17
- Athena Greek Herbs (x1 pack): $1.99
- Ground Beef Patties Fresh 85/15 (1.5 lbs): $8.99
- Burrata (x1 container): $4.65
- Fresh Lamb Shank Unseasoned (x2): $11.98
- Fresh Atlantic Salmon (2 lbs): $25.98

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Salt and black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon juice or fresh lemons
- Chicken or beef broth (for braising lamb)
- Dried Italian seasoning