ALDI Vegetarian Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Hearty Soup Mix Chili with Sour Cream and Oyster Crackers
Description: A warming pot of bean and lentil chili made from the soup mix, with a can of diced tomatoes and a diced onion for body. Each bowl is topped with a spoonful of sour cream and a handful of oyster crackers.
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 1 package of chili mix (prepared with water or vegetable broth, not meat), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 small onion, and 1 tsp chili powder. Top with about 2 Tbsp sour cream and 1/4 cup oyster crackers per bowl. Leftover sour cream and crackers are used later in the week.

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

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: Penne is tossed in a simple garlic cream sauce of half & half and melted Italian cheese, then topped with more cheese and baked until bubbly. A side of the leftover grapes or a green salad rounds it out for two.
Sale items used: Emporium Selection Italian Cheese Wedge, Friendly Farms Half & Half
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: Use 8 oz dry penne, 1 cup half & half, 3/4 cup grated Italian cheese in the sauce plus 1/2 cup on top, and 2 cloves garlic. Bake at 375F for 15 minutes. Save the remaining cheese for Thursday.
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 scrambled eggs, frozen peas and carrots, and scallions for a fast, filling dinner. Finish with soy sauce and sesame oil for two generous bowls.
Sale items used: None (uses pantry staples and an optional apple on the side from the Gala bag)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 cups cooked cold rice (from about 3/4 cup dry), 3 eggs, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 2 scallions, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Cook the rice the night before or earlier in the day so it is cold and fries well. Serve with sliced Gala apple on the side.
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: Two large baked russet potatoes are split and loaded with seasoned black beans and melted Italian cheese. Finish each 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 2 large russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs total), 1 can black beans (drained), 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/2 tsp cumin. Bake potatoes at 425F for about 55 minutes. Timing tip: microwave the potatoes for 6 minutes first to cut oven time to 30 minutes.
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: Green lentils simmer with carrots, celery, onion, and a cup of apple cider for a slightly sweet, cozy stew. A bright salad of golden kiwi over greens with a light vinaigrette is served alongside.
Sale items used: Nature's Nectar Apple Cider, Golden Kiwi, New York Gala Apples
Prep time: 50 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 cup dry green lentils, 1 cup apple cider, 2 cups vegetable broth, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion, and 1 diced Gala apple. For the salad, slice 2 golden kiwi over 3 cups mixed greens with olive oil and vinegar. The remaining kiwi can be eaten as snacks.

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
- New York Gala Apples (x1 3-lb bag): $1.99

Pantry staples needed:
- Penne pasta, long-grain rice, dry green lentils, canned black beans, canned diced tomatoes
- Onions, garlic, carrots, celery, russet potatoes, scallions, mixed greens, eggs
- Frozen peas and carrots, vegetable broth
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, vinegar, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper