I am SO excited to bring to you a new weekly ALDI meal plan- with 9 easy recipes for meal planning!
With this ALDI meal plan, you will see just how amazing the crockpot can be with such little effort!
This is such a special collection of “comfort food” recipes that will keep everyone in your family coming back for seconds and stretch your food budget further.
Did I mention that these are all freezer-friendly “dump” recipes? That means that these ALDI dinner ideas can be prepped in a SNAP.
Key Takeaways
- Simplify Your Meal Prep: Utilize your crockpot to transform simple ingredients into comforting meals with minimal effort.
- Stretch Your Budget: These ALDI meal plans are designed to maximize savings without compromising on taste.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Foods: Enjoy a special collection of recipes that promise to be a hit with all ages.
- Quick and Easy Freezer Meals: Save time with “dump” recipes that can be prepped quickly and stored for later.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Discover meals that are both healthy and flavorful, perfect for any day of the week.
Easy Aldi Recipes – Slow Cooker Comfort Food Edition
Aldi has some amazing prices, and it’s worth shopping there if you’re ready to make cheaper, healthier meals from home!
I’m so excited to share my slow cooker recipes, bringing together cheap and easy for better meals.
There’s no precooking, no baking dish or pot required, and you will only need to chop, measure and dump ingredients into freezer bags.
Check out the recipes that you will be making:
- Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast
- Spinach and Artichoke Chicken
- Chicken Parmesan
- Apple Pork Loin
- Chili (like, the BEST chili recipe… ever)
- BBQ Meatloaf
- The PERFECT Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Stew
- Caribbean Citrus Chicken
I can’t think of anything more helpful than dinner ideas like this. My weekly meal plan will save time and money in a BIG way.
ALDI Shopping List
Here’s the shopping list needed to create all these meals (and how much I paid at my local ALDI so you can work with your food budget):
- (1) Burmann’s BBQ Sauce, @$0.99
- (2) Jiffy Corn Bread Mix, 1 box, @$0.47 each
- (1) Tuscan Garden Artichoke Hearts in Water, 12 oz jar, @$2.69
- (1) Happy Farms Cheddar Cheese, 8 oz, @$1.79 (or shredded cheese for convenience)
- (1) Milk, Gallon Whole or 2%, @$1.95
- (1) Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, 16 oz, @$3.49
- (1) Friendly Farms Sour Cream, 1 lb, @$1.29
- (1) Garlic, jarred 7 oz, @$1.99
- (1) Apples, 3 lb bag, @$2.99
- (1) Carrots (bag of whole carrots), @$1.39
- (2) Celery (bag of whole stalks), @$1.39 each
- (1) Multi-Colored Peppers, 3 pk, @$3.6
- (2) Onions, bag of 7-8, @$1.99 each
- (1) Russet Potatoes, 10 lb bag, @$2.99
- (1) Cream Cheese, 8 oz, @$0.99
- (3) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, fresh 2.5 lb pkg, @$6.98 each
- (1) Chicken Drumsticks, 2.5 lb pkage, @$2.98
- (2) Chicken Thighs, 4 lb pkage, @$4.76 each
- (2) Chuck Roast, 2 lb each, @$9.98 each
- (2) Ground Beef 80% Lean, 1.00 lb pkage, @$3.99 each
- (1) Ground Beef 90% Lean, 2.25 lb pkage, @$11.98
- (1) Pork Loin, 4 lb each, @$9.96
- (2) Italian Turkey Sausage links, 1 lb pkg, @$3.49 each
- (3) Happy Harvest Crushed Tomatoes, 28 oz, @$0.95 each
- (1) Dakota Pride Kidney Beans, 15 oz, @$0.59
- (4) Happy Harvest Tomato Sauce, 8 oz, @$0.25 each
- (1) White Rice, 5 lb, @$2.69 (or brown rice for a bit more)
- (1) Season’s Choice Frozen Corn, 16 oz, @$0.89
- (1) Orange Juice Concentrate, 12 oz frozen, @$0.79
- (1) Frozen Spinach, 10 oz pkg, @$1.19
- (2) Reggano Pasta – any type, 1 lb, @$0.99 each
- (1) Chef’s Cupboard Bread Crumbs, 15 oz, @$0.89
- (1) Reggano Egg Noodles, 1 lb, @$1.25
- (1) Reggano Parmesan Cheese, 8 oz, @$2.49
- (1) Reggano Spaghetti, 2 lb, @$1.59
- (3) Specially Selected Italian Bread, 16 oz, @$1.69 each
My 9 Easy Dinner Ideas
Here’s a short blurb about each of these tasty dinner ideas to give you a glimpse of what they are and why my family can’t get enough!
1. Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast
The Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast is a quintessential example of set-it-and-forget-it cooking, brilliantly showcasing the convenience of using a crock pot.
With this recipe, you combine all the ingredients early in the day and set your crockpot to low.
There’s no need to babysit the pot, worry about intricate steps, or slave over the stove while things are simmering!
Over the next few hours, the roast transforms, absorbing the rich flavors of the spices and liquids. This culminates in a tender, fall-apart piece of meat that’s both delicious and satisfying.
2. Spinach and Artichoke Chicken
This Spinach and Artichoke Chicken recipe turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a delectable feast without breaking the bank.
Imagine tender chicken breasts smothered in creamy, flavorful spinach and artichoke sauce, all cooked to perfection in your scrock pot.
The creamy sauce, rich in taste and velvety in texture, infuses the chicken with a delicious blend of herby and tangy flavors, making each bite irresistibly savory.
It’s the perfect solution for busy families seeking a nutritious, comforting meal that’s both easy to make and easy on the wallet.
3. Chicken Parmesan
In the realm of hearty and fulfilling meals, my Chicken Parmesan recipe is a true winner with a rich tomato sauce, especially when it comes to convenience and satisfying hungry bellies.
What sets this dish apart is how fast and effortlessly it comes together in the slow cooker. With minimal prep, you can toss in the ingredients, set the cooker, and go about your day.
I didn’t include olive oil on my list, but I buy it in bulk at Costco, but you can use vegetable oil or any others in this recipe since it’s only one tabelspoon.
It’s worth noting the level of excitement this dish brings to my household, particularly from my two daughters, who love a messy tomato sauce LOL.
4. Apple Pork Loin
My Apple Pork Loin is a testament to the beauty of combining sweet and savory elements in a dish that’s perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
This recipe embodies the essence of comfort food with a unique twist, treating your taste buds to a symphony of flavors.
The succulent pork loin absorbs the subtle sweetness of apples and the warm, inviting notes of cinnamon, creating a savory masterpiece with a hint of dessert-like allure.
Ideal for those evenings when you crave something satisfying yet different, this pork loin dish proves that a meal can indeed be the highlight of your day.
5. Chili
My hearty winter Chili recipe is the epitome of warmth and comfort, serving as our go-to meal during the chilly months.
This one-pot wonder combines lean ground beef, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and a rich blend of chili powder and other spices, all simmered to perfection in the slow cooker.
It’s incredibly filling and hits the spot every time, providing us with a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare.
This chili not only warms our bodies but also our hearts, gathering us around the dinner table for a cozy, comforting meal.
6. BBQ Meatloaf
My BBQ Meatloaf recipe is where tradition meets a tangy twist, offering a fresh take on the classic comfort food that everyone knows and loves.
This recipe infuses the timeless meatloaf with a bold BBQ glaze that elevates the flavors, ensuring dinner is packed with a smoky, savory punch that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
The secret lies in blending quality ground beef with a perfect mix of seasonings and binding them together with the sweet, tangy allure of BBQ sauce.
Ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, this BBQ Meatloaf and mashed potatoes prove that some classics can be reinvented for a whole new experience.
7. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s something undeniably comforting and heartwarming about a bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup, making it a timeless remedy for just about anything that ails you.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. Every spoonful evokes a sense of nostalgia.
A simple yet flavorful broth combined with tender chicken pieces, carrots, celery, and egg noodles magically transports me back to my childhood kitchen.
This Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is much more than just a meal – it’s a cherished memory in a bowl, a tangible connection to moments and people that are gone but forever close in my heart.
8. Crock Pot Chicken Stew
My Crock Pot Chicken Stew is proof that some of the best memories are made around the dinner table, sharing good food and warmth with the ones we love.
Imagine coming home to a pot filled with this luscious stew, ready to warm you up from the inside out.
It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for those times when you crave something deeply satisfying.
My Crock Pot Chicken Stew is a recipe destined to become a fall and winter staple in your home, combining the ease of slow cooking with the hearty, warming comfort of a traditional stew.
9. Caribbean Citrus Chicken
My Caribbean Citrus Chicken recipe is like a culinary getaway, an escape to tropical beaches with every bite.
The tangy, sweet marinade tenderizes the chicken to perfection, ensuring each piece is succulent and bursting with flavor.
It’s not just a meal; it’s a momentary vacation on your dinner table, designed to make you imagine you were lounging on the beach, with the sand between your toes.
On a nice day, you could ever do this BBQ style and make this grilled chicken at your next beach getaway!
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients if I can’t find them at ALDI?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with similar items that you can find for these ALDI dinner ideas. The beauty of these recipes is their flexibility.
Are these recipes gluten-free?
While not all recipes are gluten-free, many can be easily adapted by substituting with gluten-free options such as gluten-free pasta or bread crumbs.
Can I adjust the recipes for smaller/larger families?
Yes, you can easily adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your family size. Just be sure to also adjust the cooking times accordingly if you significantly change the recipe sizes.
How long can I store these meals in the freezer before cooking?
For optimal taste and quality, it’s best to cook these freezer meals within 3 months of freezing.
Are these meals healthy?
These meals are designed to be both delicious and generally nutritious. However, if you have specific dietary needs, you might need to tweak the recipes to meet your nutritional goals.
My Thoughts
I hope this ALDI meal plan ignites your enthusiasm for easy, affordable, and hearty meals that your family will love.
Embracing the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of dump recipes doesn’t mean compromising on taste or health.
It means more quality time with your loved ones and less time fretting in the kitchen.
Whether you are a busy parent, a budget-conscious student, or simply someone who loves the convenience of crockpot cooking, this weekly meal plan is a stepping stone to creative and stress-free cooking.
Remember, cooking should be a joy, not a chore. Happy meal planning, and enjoy the delicious outcomes!
Get instant access to our entire digital library of printable planners, tools, & monthly resources to help simplify and organize your entire life!
[…] 20 Slow-Cooker Dump Meals for $150 in 4 Hours from Aldi via Lauren Gruetman… […]
[…] 20 Slow-Cooker Dump Meals for $150 in 4 Hours from Aldi via Lauren Gruetman… […]
I shopped Aldi while we lived in Germany. When we came back to the States, there were no Aldi stores near us. Now, in our final home in Milton, Florida (near Pensacola) there are no Aldi stores. I wish they would build one in Milton. I would shop there every week!
We are in crestview with family in Pace 🙂 yep no aldi but I couldn’t live without my publix!
We’re here in Milton to from Louisiana, haven’t been here long so if u guys no any good shopping places pls. Share lol so far I have seen that the grocery outlet does have good deals on meats and can get great sales on other items as well. I was told there was a great place over in pcola that does speciality meats but couldn’t remember the name. I also like to save coupons if u ladies know of a good place to use them at. Thanks
Hi Lauren: I ordered this meal plan a few months ago. We loved it! Every meal was a great proportion and delicious. Can’t wait to try another one!
Thanks Kera!
What a breeze the system you have come up with Lauren. We just did our first meal prep yesterday and it was fantastic. The trip to the store plus 2 hours and we have 20 meals ready to go. Bonus part was that I only spent 110$ as I took the beef and porkloin out of my freezer. We are trying the meatloaf tonight!!!
Awesome – I am SO happy you loved it!
Is this available in hardcopy?
Not at this time.
These were great but costed me $398 at the cheapest store here. A 2lb roast was 9.98 maybe 20 years ago…now it’s $30-35.
I just paid 10.98 at Aldi’s yesterday. And Kroger’s often has them buy 1 get 1 free.
I paid $9.18 for a 2lb roast today at Whole Foods in San Francisco…prices can definitely fluctuate in more expensive cities like mine (and, it sounds like, yours), but sometimes you get lucky.
Can these be cooked in an instant pot?
Is this still available to purchase? It seems like all the shopify links are broken.
I need these recipes please!
Thanks!
Are these to freeze?
Yes they are 🙂 You assemble raw and freeze.
How do I purchase this plan?