My Aldi Challenge: Frugal Meals

Kim · **My Aldi Challenge: Frugal Meals**

I'm going to be putting together an Aldi menu plan to feed my family of four on a rock-bottom budget. When I'm done, I'll be posting the recipes, pictures, and final costs here on Mommysavers. I want to have some sort of variety that will appeal to everyone: meat lovers, vegetarians, kids, plus not just use pasta and rice with every meal either. If you have a menu suggestion, please post it here! Your suggestions MUST be unique (not found on other websites) and must include ingredients I can purchase at Aldi.

Kim · 05-08-2008, 07:46 AM

Anyone? What do YOU think I should put on my list?

Riley'sMom · 05-08-2008, 07:58 AM

I am SO not good at these type of things but one thing that I thought of is one of my favorite desserts (are you including desserts??)
Banana Pudding! (I'm sure everyone knows how to make this!)

Bananas
Vanilla Pudding Mix
Vanilla Wafers

Also optional -
Cool Whip (or cheapest generic!)

booker81 · 05-08-2008, 08:03 AM

LOL I guess I'm getting used to just using Aldi's like a regular store, and making our regular meals from them! I just "discovered" the Aldi's here - it's 10 miles from home, rather than the 3 miles to the IGA, but I totally dig it - been there a few times. They have most of what we use - canned and frozen veg, frozen fish, baking supplies etc. DH doesn't like "fancy" food or dinners, so we eat pretty basic.

mooreluvin · 05-08-2008, 08:04 AM

That's a really cool idea!!

Let's see...when I shop there I usually get....if in stock:
Fresh ground turkey (I can make chili, spagetti, burritos w/ refried beans and meat loaf)
Bag of chicken breasts (possibilities are endless!)
I have gotten fresh veggies and made a vegan lasagna
Tuna casserola
Salmon burgers

Okay...I need more coffee....my mind is blank!! Too early in the morning...need help concentrating!!! Ugh!

JenJoe725 · 05-08-2008, 01:33 PM

Hmm I would add pasta, spaghetti sauce, mozzrella cheese, enchilada sauce,cheddar cheese garlic, tortillas, chicken breast, salsa, salad mix and rice. You could get 4 good meals out of those

- baked pasta (pasta, sauce, garlic and some cheese) bake at 350 degrees
- Salsa Chicken with rice ~ in one dish put cooked rice on bottom and add a little salsa. Top with chicken breast and put salsa and garlic on each one and sprinkle on some cheddar cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes. You end up with salsa chicken and an easy spanish rice in the same dish.
- Pizza chicken (chicken breast, pasta sauce and mozzerella cheese) ~ in a casserole dish or in foil packets put chicken breast seasoned with garlic in foil or dish. Cover with pasta sauce and some mozzerella cheese (add pepperoni or other items if you wish). Cook on 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Serve with Aldi's bagged salad or left over baked pasta.

- Enchiladas or Enchilada Lasagna (chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese, tortillas (corn or flour ones)) ~ Pre cook chicken. Either layer as a lasagna or wrap up into enchiladas. Add sauce and cheese. Cook on 350 for 30 minutes. Add beans or corn for a side.

These are all family favs over here.

JenJoe725 · 05-08-2008, 01:35 PM

Also you could season the chicken a million different ways and serve with some of their veggies.

stevesgal · 05-08-2008, 01:40 PM

That is a great idea Kim

!

It's been awhile since I was there but last time I was there they had whole chickens- I would buy one and see how far I could stretch it out (roast 1st night, chicken taco or quesadillas the next dinner and soup for the last- if there is a ton left over you can make carved chicken sandwiches for lunch or even chicken salad).

Riley'sMom · 05-08-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JenJoe725

Hmm I would add pasta, spaghetti sauce, mozzrella cheese, enchilada sauce,cheddar cheese garlic, tortillas, chicken breast, salsa, salad mix and rice. You could get 4 good meals out of those

- baked pasta (pasta, sauce, garlic and some cheese) bake at 350 degrees
- Salsa Chicken with rice ~ in one dish put cooked rice on bottom and add a little salsa. Top with chicken breast and put salsa and garlic on each one and sprinkle on some cheddar cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes. You end up with salsa chicken and an easy spanish rice in the same dish.
- Pizza chicken (chicken breast, pasta sauce and mozzerella cheese) ~ in a casserole dish or in foil packets put chicken breast seasoned with garlic in foil or dish. Cover with pasta sauce and some mozzerella cheese (add pepperoni or other items if you wish). Cook on 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Serve with Aldi's bagged salad or left over baked pasta.

- Enchiladas or Enchilada Lasagna (chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese, tortillas (corn or flour ones)) ~ Pre cook chicken. Either layer as a lasagna or wrap up into enchiladas. Add sauce and cheese. Cook on 350 for 30 minutes. Add beans or corn for a side.

These are all family favs over here.

I love the pizza chicken idea... I think I'm gonna try it!

Kozzy · 05-08-2008, 02:26 PM

I like this idea, and looking forward to seeing the recipes.

I think my favorite Aldi buy is the boneless/skinless chicken breasts...I use them dozens of different ways!