ALDI Standard Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: This week's plan leans hard on four genuinely economical proteins - kielbasa, marinated pork loin filet, boneless skinless chicken thighs, and ground beef - which together keep four of the five nights very affordable. The single premium night goes to Fresh Lamb Steaks at $8.99/lb, which is the cheaper of the two premium proteins on this flyer and a much better value than the salmon at nearly $11/lb. Kielbasa paired with gnocchi and mushrooms is the standout deal of the week, with the protein costing under $3 for the whole table. The pizza dough, pasta sauce, mozzarella, and black beans round out the week with flavor and variety at very low cost.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Polska Kielbasa and Priano Gnocchi Skillet with Baby Bella Mushrooms
Description: Sliced kielbasa is pan-seared until browned, then tossed in the same skillet with pan-fried gnocchi and sauteed baby bella mushrooms for a hearty one-pan dinner. A sprinkle of Reggano Parmesan or Parmesan & Romano Cheese finishes the dish with a savory, nutty edge.
Sale items used: Parkview Polska Kielbasa Assorted Varieties 13-14 oz, Priano Gnocchi 17.6 oz, Baby Bella Mushrooms 8-oz. pkg., Reggano Parmesan or Parmesan & Romano Cheese 8 oz
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 pack of Parkview Polska Kielbasa (13-14 oz), 1 pack of Priano Gnocchi (17.6 oz), and 1 pkg. Baby Bella Mushrooms (8 oz) for 4 people. Finish with a generous grating from 1 container of Reggano Parmesan or Parmesan & Romano Cheese.
Recipes:
- Kielbasa Gnocchi Skillet
- One Skillet Kielbasa, Gnocchi & Broccoli - 30 Minute Meals

Tuesday
Meal: Pan-Seared Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet with Sliced Peaches and Mini Cucumbers
Description: Sliced pork loin filet is pan-seared in a hot skillet until cooked through and lightly caramelized on the outside, then served alongside fresh sliced peaches for a sweet contrast and cool sliced mini cucumbers on the side. The marinade already on the pork provides all the seasoning needed, making this a fast and flavorful weeknight plate.
Sale items used: Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet, Peaches, Mini Cucumbers
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs of Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet for 4 people. Serve with 4 peaches (sliced) and half the 16-oz. pkg. of Mini Cucumbers, sliced.

Wednesday
Meal: Homemade Pizza with Mama Cozzi's Dough, Mozzarella, and Reggano Pizza Sauce
Description: Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough is stretched and topped with Reggano Regular or Spicy Pizza Sauce, Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella, and sliced baby bella mushrooms, then baked in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. This is a build-your-own style pizza night that is fast, fun, and deeply satisfying.
Sale items used: Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough 16 oz, Reggano Regular or Spicy Pizza Sauce 14 oz, Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella 16 oz, Baby Bella Mushrooms 8-oz. pkg.
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 pkg. Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough (16 oz), 1 jar Reggano Regular or Spicy Pizza Sauce (14 oz), 1 bag Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella (16 oz), and 1 pkg. Baby Bella Mushrooms (8 oz) sliced as topping, for 4 people.
Recipes:
- BEST Homemade Margherita Pizza - A Beautiful Plate

Thursday
Meal: Braised Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce over Rice
Description: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are browned in a skillet, then simmered directly in Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce until tender and cooked through, building a rich, saucy braise. Served over Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups and finished with Reggano Parmesan or Parmesan & Romano Cheese, this is a comforting and filling dinner.
Sale items used: Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Reggano Meat or Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce 24 oz, Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups 8.8 oz, Reggano Parmesan or Parmesan & Romano Cheese 8 oz
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs for 4 people. Use 1 jar of Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce (24 oz) and 2 Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups (one per two people, heated per package directions). Finish with grated Reggano Parmesan or Parmesan & Romano Cheese.
Recipes:
- Tomato Braised Chicken Thighs - Slender Kitchen

Friday
Meal: Pan-Seared Fresh Lamb Steaks with Black Bean and Avocado Salad
Description: Fresh lamb steaks are seasoned simply and pan-seared to a rosy medium, then rested and sliced for serving. Alongside, a bright salad of Simply Nature Organic Black Beans, diced avocado, and sliced mini cucumbers dressed with lime juice makes a fresh, colorful contrast to the rich lamb.
Sale items used: Fresh Lamb Steaks, Simply Nature Organic Black Beans 15.5 oz, Avocados, Mini Cucumbers
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs of Fresh Lamb Steaks for 4 people. Use 1 can of Simply Nature Organic Black Beans (15.5 oz, drained and rinsed), 2 avocados (diced), and the remaining half of the 16-oz. pkg. of Mini Cucumbers (sliced) for the salad.
Recipes:
- The 10-Minute Black Bean Avocado Salad (Char-Corn Method)

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (2 lbs): $4.98
- Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet (1.5 lbs): $4.49
- Fresh Lamb Steaks (1.5 lbs): $13.49
- Parkview Polska Kielbasa Assorted Varieties 13-14 oz (x1): $2.89
- Priano Gnocchi 17.6 oz (x1): $1.89
- Baby Bella Mushrooms 8-oz. pkg. (x2): $2.58
- Peaches (4 peaches, approx. 1.5 lbs): $2.09
- Mini Cucumbers 16-oz. pkg. (x1): $1.69
- Avocados (x2): $1.18
- Simply Nature Organic Black Beans 15.5 oz (x1): $0.99
- Reggano Meat or Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce 24 oz (x1): $1.69
- Reggano Regular or Spicy Pizza Sauce 14 oz (x1): $1.09
- Reggano Parmesan or Parmesan & Romano Cheese 8 oz (x1): $2.79
- Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella 16 oz (x1): $3.29
- Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough 16 oz (x1): $1.19
- Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups 8.8 oz (x2): $3.30

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Lime juice (fresh or bottled) for the black bean salad
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for pizza)