ALDI Vegetarian Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: Because this is a vegetarian week, eggs anchor two nights, Monday's crispy potato hash and Thursday's tomato and cheddar frittata, while black beans on Tuesday and red lentils on Wednesday keep the middle of the week hearty. One 12-oz pkg of Gourmet Medley Tomatoes at $2.79 is split across both egg nights, and the 2-lb SweeTango apple tote at $1.98 gives you slices for Thursday's frittata and Friday's brioche grilled cheese. The $1.39 bag of Organic Baby Peeled Carrots goes into Wednesday's soup and comes back as raw carrot sticks on Friday, so nothing gets forgotten in the crisper. Tuesday's rice bowls with avocado, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips are an easy dinner, and Wednesday's cheesy breadsticks turn soup night into a little treat.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Skillet Crispy Yellow Potato Hash with Fried Eggs and Gourmet Medley Tomatoes
Description: Halved Bite-Size Yellow Potatoes are pan-fried with onion until golden and crisp, then topped with sunny-side-up eggs. Gourmet Medley Tomatoes are blistered in the same skillet and spooned over the top.
Sale items used: Bite-Size Yellow Potatoes, Gourmet Medley Tomatoes
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 bag (24 oz) Bite-Size Yellow Potatoes, 6 oz of the 12-oz Gourmet Medley Tomatoes pkg (save the other 6 oz for Thursday), 8 eggs (2 per person), and 1 onion.
Recipes:
- Potato and Sweet Potato Hash - Easy Skillet Side Dish
- Veggie hash with fried eggs
- Vegetable Hash Breakfast Skillet

Tuesday
Meal: Black Bean and Avocado Rice Bowls with Salsa and Crushed Tortilla Chips
Description: Seasoned black beans are simmered with cumin and served over fluffy rice, then topped with sliced Organic Avocados and Simply Nature Organic Assorted Salsa. Crushed Simply Nature Tortilla Chips add crunch on top.
Sale items used: Organic Avocados, Simply Nature Organic Assorted Salsa, Simply Nature Tortilla Chips
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 4 avocados (the whole 4-Pack, 1 per person), 1 jar Simply Nature Organic Assorted Salsa, 1 bag Simply Nature Tortilla Chips, two 15-oz cans black beans, and 1 1/2 cups dry rice (cooked).
Recipes:
- Black Bean and Rice Burrito Bowls with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
- Avocado Rice Bowls with Black Beans & Tomato Salsa {Vegan}
- Bean & Rice Burrito Bowls

Wednesday
Meal: Red Lentil and Carrot Soup with Cheesy Breadsticks
Description: Dried red lentils and Organic Baby Peeled Carrots are simmered with onion, garlic, and cumin, then blended partly smooth for a hearty, spoonable soup. Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Cheesy Breadsticks are baked per the package directions for dipping.
Sale items used: Organic Baby Peeled Carrots, Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Cheesy Breadsticks
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: Use 12 oz of the 16-oz Organic Baby Peeled Carrots bag (save 4 oz for Friday), 1 1/2 cups dried red lentils, 1 onion, 6 cups vegetable broth, and 1 package Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Cheesy Breadsticks.

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

Recipes:
- Spiced root vegetable and lentil soup with breadsticks
- Coriander Red Lentil Soup with Herbed Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
- Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe (VIDEO)

Thursday
Meal: Baked Gourmet Medley Tomato and Cheddar Frittata with SweeTango Apple Slices
Description: Eggs are whisked with cheddar and halved Gourmet Medley Tomatoes, started on the stovetop, and finished in the oven until puffed and set. Crisp SweeTango apple slices on the side give a sweet, juicy contrast.
Sale items used: Gourmet Medley Tomatoes, New York SweeTango Apple Tote
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: Use the remaining 6 oz Gourmet Medley Tomatoes, 8 eggs, 4 oz shredded cheddar, and 1 lb New York SweeTango Apple Tote apples (about 3 medium apples, sliced).

Friday
Meal: Brioche Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Carrot Sticks
Description: Specially Selected Brioche Burger Buns are split and buttered, then filled with sharp cheddar and thin SweeTango apple slices. They are griddled in a skillet until golden and melty, and served with raw carrot sticks.
Sale items used: Specially Selected Brioche Burger Buns, New York SweeTango Apple Tote, Organic Baby Peeled Carrots
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package Specially Selected Brioche Burger Buns (enough for 4 sandwiches), 12 oz shredded or sliced cheddar, 1 lb New York SweeTango Apple Tote apples (about 3 medium apples), the remaining 4 oz Organic Baby Peeled Carrots, and 2 tbsp butter.
Recipes:
- Apple & Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Carrot & Pickled Pepper Salad
- Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Apples

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Bite-Size Yellow Potatoes (x1 bag, 24 oz): $2.49
- Gourmet Medley Tomatoes (x1 pkg, 12 oz): $2.79
- Organic Avocados (x1 4-Pack): $3.49
- Simply Nature Organic Assorted Salsa (x1): $2.59
- Simply Nature Tortilla Chips (x1): $2.49
- Organic Baby Peeled Carrots (x1 bag, 16 oz): $1.39
- Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Cheesy Breadsticks (x1): $4.69
- Specially Selected Brioche Burger Buns (x1): $3.99
- New York SweeTango Apple Tote (2 lbs): $1.98

Pantry staples needed:
- Eggs (16)
- Two 15-oz cans black beans
- Long-grain rice (1 1/2 cups dry)
- Dried red lentils (1 1/2 cups)
- Cheddar cheese (1 lb total)
- Yellow onions (3)
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth (6 cups)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper