5 Cheap Dinner Ideas From Aldi
There’s no denying groceries have gotten more expensive. 10 years ago, I could walk into Aldi and spend less than $200 on almost 2 weeks’ worth of groceries, including snacks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Now I’m lucky if I spend less than 300 for a family of six. And if I go to another store, like Kroger, I’m looking at spending close to 400 for just one week’s worth of groceries. I know I’m not the only family in America that is experiencing this. That is why I’ve decided to share cheap dinner ideas from Aldi with you every week.
Aldi may have raised prices over the last couple of years, but it’s still the cheapest option around here. Living in a town with one grocery store leaves little room for competition. So whenever I go into Kroger, I always come out feeling defeated by how much money we have spent. So I’m always looking for ways to cut prices when I can. That’s when coupons and other frugal measures come into play. However, shopping at Aldi has proven time and again to be one of our cheapest options, giving us more bang for our buck. These meal plans are not fancy, and they don’t require 1 million ingredients. But they are simple and cheap for busy families looking for a frugal option for dinner.
Spaghetti With Meat and Marinara Sauce
Whether you love it or tolerate it, spaghetti is no doubt one of the most frugal meals you can make for your family. This is especially true if you have a larger family like me. Spaghetti noodles are pretty cheap, and you can always skip the hamburger to save even more. This is easier if your children don’t even care for hamburger. While this is nothing fancy, it’s still a tasty mealtime choice for dinner and a busy week.
- Why It’s Frugal: Spaghetti noodles and marinara sauce are pantry staples that last a long time. And all the ingredients, except the Hamburger, are pretty low-cost at most stores, not just Aldi.
- Tip: Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition without breaking the bank.
Ingredients & Costs from Aldi:
(These costs are approximate and may not reflect current costs.)
- Spaghetti – $0.89 (1 lb)
- Marinara sauce – $1.49 (24 oz jar)
- Parmesan cheese – $2.49 (8 oz)
- Hamburger – $5.59 (1 pound)
- Optional: Spinach or bell peppers – $1.79 (frozen spinach or fresh peppers)
Total Cost: Around $6.66 for a family of 4-6
2. Quesadilla
Quesadillas are a versatile meal idea that can be adapted to fit each family member. To make a simple quesadilla that even a toddler approves of, grab tortillas, cheese, and butter, and you have dinner. Throw in any beans to boost the flavor. Or add vegetables or even meat like ham or hamburger; a quesadilla’s adaptability is amazing. With some refried beans on the side, or Mexican rice, or even vegetables, you have a complete meal.
- Why It’s Frugal: Tortillas, cheese, and a few simple fillings make this meal quick and easy. Use leftover meats or beans to stretch your dollar even further.
- Tip: Mix in a can of beans to make the quesadilla more filling and add protein without raising the cost much.
Ingredients & Costs from Aldi:
- Flour tortillas – $1.29 (10 count)
- Shredded cheese – $2.29 (8 oz)
- Sour cream – $1.69 (16 oz)
- Optional: Canned black beans or shredded chicken – $0.79 (canned beans)
Total Cost: Around $5.07 for a family of 4-6
3. Taco Skillet
Taco skillet is one of my favorite easy dinner time meals to make for my family. This one-pan meal feeds a family of 4 to 6 and adds variety to your Taco Tuesday. You can even make this meal in the crockpot to make it easier for you as a busy mom. Grab ground beef, black beans, tomatoes, corn, and beef broth, and you’ll have everything you need for a simple taco skillet.
- Why It’s Frugal: This one-pan meal combines seasoned ground beef (or beans for a vegetarian option) with rice and veggies for a filling, affordable dinner.
- Tip: Use frozen mixed veggies to save money and reduce prep time.
Total Cost: Around $7.86 for a family of 4-6
4. BBQ Chicken and Vegetables
Barbecue chicken is one of my family’s favorite meals. It’s easy and can be paired with pretty much any side. Grab a bag of frozen or thawed chicken from Aldi, add your favorite seasoning, and a jar of barbecue sauce. Toss it in the crockpot on a busy night, and when you get home, you’ll have a delicious main dish.
- Why It’s Frugal: Chicken is often affordable when bought in bulk, and paired with frozen vegetables, it makes a hearty meal for little money.
- Tip: Chicken thighs or drumsticks are cheaper than breasts and pack a ton of flavor.
Ingredients & Costs from Aldi:
- Chicken drumsticks or thighs – $4.99 (3-4 lb pack)
- BBQ sauce – $1.49 (18 oz)
- Frozen vegetables – $1.29 (16 oz bag)
Total Cost: Around $8.77 for a family of 4-6
5. Pork Loin and Vegetables
Aldi sells 3-pound packs of pork loin that are both affordable and quite tasty. If you have a larger family, you may need to grab two, which will raise the cost. However, this makes a simple, tasty, and affordable meal plan for eight weekday nights.
- Why It’s Frugal: Pork loin is an inexpensive cut of meat that cooks easily in the oven or slow cooker. Adding vegetables boosts the meal’s value while keeping costs low.
- Tip: Purchase a larger pork loin and save the leftovers for sandwiches or wraps the next day.
Ingredients & Costs from Aldi:
- Pork loin – $6.99 (3 lb)
- Frozen mixed vegetables – $1.29 (16 oz)
- Potatoes – $2.29 (5 lb bag)
Total Cost: Around $11.57 for a family of 4-6 (with leftovers)
Aldi Can Save You Money
If you’re a busy mom or dad looking for cheap ideas, or you are tired of eating the same things over and over, try one of these simple and cheap dinner ideas from Aldi. Even though grocery costs have gone up, you can still cut costs and save money with a few simple strategies. Whether you shop in bulk, use coupons, or shop at Aldi, these simple tips can help you keep more money in your wallet.
Do you have a favorite affordable meal that you would love to share with Raiders? Drop a comment below!
