ALDI Vegetarian Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Hearty Soup Mix Chili with Sour Cream and Oyster Crackers
Description: A warming bowl of bean-based chili made from the hearty soup mix, simmered with canned tomatoes and onion for one. It is topped with a spoonful of sour cream and a handful of oyster crackers for crunch.
Sale items used: Chef's Cupboard Hearty Soup or Chili Mix, Friendly Farms Sour Cream, Savoritz Oyster Crackers
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: Use about 1/3 of the soup mix package (roughly 1/2 cup dry mix), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1/4 onion, 2 tbsp sour cream, and a small handful (about 1/4 cup) of oyster crackers. Make sure the mix is a meatless variety. The remaining chili mix and sour cream carry over to later meals, and leftover chili freezes well.
Recipes:
- Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) 15-Bean Chili
- 15 Bean Vegetarian Chili
- Vegan 15 Bean Chili

Tuesday
Meal: Baked Italian Cheese Pasta with Half & Half Cream Sauce
Description: Single-serving pasta baked in a creamy half & half sauce with melted Italian cheese on top. It comes out bubbly and golden in a small baking dish.
Sale items used: Emporium Selection Italian Cheese Wedge, Friendly Farms Half & Half
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 oz dry pasta (about 1/2 cup), 1/3 cup half & half, 1 oz grated Italian cheese for the sauce and 1 oz for the top, and 1 minced garlic clove. Bake at 400F for 15 minutes. Save the rest of the cheese wedge and half & half for later meals.
Recipes:
- Creamy Vegetable Pasta
- Four Cheese Gluten Free Penne Pasta

Wednesday
Meal: Veggie Fried Rice with Egg
Description: Day-old rice is stir-fried with mixed frozen vegetables and a scrambled egg for a fast, satisfying dinner. A splash of soy sauce and sesame oil finishes it.
Sale items used: None (uses pantry staples and basic groceries)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 cup cooked cold rice (cook 1/3 cup dry rice the night before), 1 egg, 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 tsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp oil. Cooking rice ahead keeps the grains from clumping.
Recipes:
- Egg & Veggie Fried Rice
- Vegetable Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Easy Vegetable and Egg Fried Rice

Thursday
Meal: Cheesy Black Bean Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream
Description: A fluffy baked russet potato is split and stuffed with seasoned black beans and melted Italian cheese. It is finished with a dollop of sour cream.
Sale items used: Emporium Selection Italian Cheese Wedge, Friendly Farms Sour Cream
Prep time: 70 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 large russet potato (about 10 oz), 1/2 cup canned black beans (drained), 1 oz shredded cheese, 2 tbsp sour cream, and a pinch of cumin. Bake the potato at 425F for about 55 minutes, or microwave for 8 minutes then crisp in the oven for 10 to speed things up.
Recipes:
- Black Bean and Corn Topped Potatoes
- Loaded Vegetarian Baked Sweet Potato
- Cheesy Potato and Black Bean Bake

Friday
Meal: Apple Cider Lentil Stew with Golden Kiwi Salad
Description: Brown lentils simmer in apple cider and broth with carrot and onion for a slightly sweet, cozy stew. It is served with a fresh salad of greens and sliced golden kiwi.
Sale items used: Nature's Nectar Apple Cider, Golden Kiwi
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: Use 1/3 cup dry lentils, 3/4 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1/4 onion, and 1 small carrot. For the salad use 1 golden kiwi (about 3 oz from the 1-lb pack) with 1 cup salad greens and a little oil and vinegar. Store the rest of the cider and kiwis for snacking.

Check the label: broth is often made from chicken or beef. Vegetable broth is the safe choice.

Recipes:
- Strawberry Kiwi Basil Salad - Zen & Spice

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Chef's Cupboard Hearty Soup or Chili Mix (x1): $3.29
- Friendly Farms Sour Cream (x1): $1.75
- Savoritz Oyster Crackers (x1): $1.59
- Emporium Selection Italian Cheese Wedge (x1): $4.39
- Friendly Farms Half & Half (x1): $2.39
- Nature's Nectar Apple Cider (x1): $3.99
- Golden Kiwi (1 lb pkg): $3.79

Pantry staples needed:
- Dry pasta, white rice, lentils, russet potato, onion, garlic, carrot, eggs, canned diced tomatoes, canned black beans, frozen mixed vegetables, salad greens, vegetable broth, soy sauce, cooking oil, sesame oil, vinegar, cumin, salt, pepper