ALDI Standard Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

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Why these meals: This week I built the plan around a few ALDI buys that stretch across more than one dinner, so you won't have half-used packages left over: the Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce ($3.24) glazes the drumsticks on Monday and the Guajillo Roast on Thursday, the 4-pack of Organic Avocados ($3.49) covers Tuesday's chicken patty sandwiches and Friday's taquitos, and the Gourmet Medley Tomatoes ($2.79) are split between Tuesday and Wednesday. Chicken shows up on Monday and Tuesday, and then Wednesday's Toasted Ravioli and Friday's taquitos keep the middle and end of the week fast and easy. Thursday is the one night to plan ahead, since the Fresh Guajillo Roast ($9.74) is your treat meal of the week, so braise it in the morning or the night before and simply reheat it at dinnertime.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: BBQ Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Yellow Potatoes
Description: Drumsticks are baked until crisp and brushed with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce. Bite-Size Yellow Potatoes roast alongside on the same pan.
Sale items used: Perdue Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks, Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce, Bite-Size Yellow Potatoes
Prep time: 50 minutes
Serving note: 3 lbs drumsticks (about 8 to 10 pieces), 1 bottle BBQ sauce (use about a third tonight, the rest is for Thursday), 1 bag (24 oz) potatoes.
Recipes:
- Roasted BBQ Chicken Drumsticks & Potatoes
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks With Potatoes
- Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Potatoes

Tuesday
Meal: Brioche Chicken Patty Sandwiches with Tomato and Avocado
Description: Oven-baked Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Patties are served on Specially Selected Brioche Burger Buns with sliced avocado and tomatoes. A fast, crunchy and creamy weeknight dinner.
Sale items used: Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Patties, Specially Selected Brioche Burger Buns, Organic Avocados, Gourmet Medley Tomatoes
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1 box patties (use 4 patties), 1 package buns, 2 avocados from the 4-pack (other 2 for Friday), 1 package (12 oz) tomatoes (half used tonight, half Wednesday).
Recipes:
- Avocado Chicken Burger
- Avocado Bacon Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Best Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Wednesday
Meal: Toasted Ravioli with Roasted Carrots and Tomato Salad
Description: Bremer Toasted Ravioli bake until crisp and are served with a fresh salad of Gourmet Medley Tomatoes. Organic Baby Peeled Carrots roast until tender and slightly sweet.
Sale items used: Bremer Toasted Ravioli, Gourmet Medley Tomatoes, Organic Baby Peeled Carrots
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: 1 bag ravioli, remaining half of the 12 oz tomato package, 1 bag (16 oz) carrots.
Recipes:
- Toasted Ravioli
- Rachael's Toasted Ravioli Recipe
- Roasted Tomato and Carrot Salad

Thursday
Meal: Slow-Braised Guajillo Roast with BBQ Glaze and Apple Slices
Description: Fresh Guajillo Roast braises low in the oven with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce until sliceable and tender, then is served with crisp SweeTango apple slices. This is the week's premium night.
Sale items used: Fresh Guajillo Roast, Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce, New York SweeTango Apple Tote
Prep time: 150 minutes
Serving note: 1.5 lbs roast, remaining BBQ sauce, 1 lb apples (4 apples). Total time exceeds 60 minutes: braise the roast the night before or in the morning, slice it, and reheat gently before dinner.
Recipes:
- Guajillo Chile Pot Roast
- Slow Braised Guajillo Pepper Beef
- Guajillo Braised Chuck Roast

Friday
Meal: Crispy Taquitos with Avocado, Salsa and Tortilla Chips
Description: Oven-baked Casa Mamita Taquitos are served with mashed avocado, Simply Nature Organic Assorted Salsa and Simply Nature Tortilla Chips. A casual, snacky finish to the week.
Sale items used: Casa Mamita Taquitos, Organic Avocados, Simply Nature Organic Assorted Salsa, Simply Nature Tortilla Chips
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1 box taquitos, 2 remaining avocados, 1 jar salsa, 1 bag chips.
Recipes:
- Crispy Taquitos with Guacamole, Thick Cream and Fresh Cheese
- Chicken Taquitos with an Avocado Salsa
- Avocado Taquitos

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Perdue Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Chicken Drumsticks (3 lbs): $2.67
- Bite-Size Yellow Potatoes (x1 bag): $2.49
- Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce (x1): $3.24
- Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Patties (x1): $4.99
- Specially Selected Brioche Burger Buns (x1): $3.99
- Organic Avocados (x1 4-pack): $3.49
- Gourmet Medley Tomatoes (x1 pkg): $2.79
- Bremer Toasted Ravioli (x1): $3.59
- Organic Baby Peeled Carrots (x1 bag): $1.39
- Fresh Guajillo Roast (1.5 lbs): $9.74
- New York SweeTango Apple Tote (1 lb): $0.99
- Casa Mamita Taquitos (x1): $4.89
- Simply Nature Organic Assorted Salsa (x1): $2.59
- Simply Nature Tortilla Chips (x1): $2.49

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, beef broth or water for braising, onion