Aldi Busy Season Meals - Under $15
Meal ideas for under $15 to get you through this busy season/week.
Prices based on my local Aldi in southwest VA.
I don't count basic essentials like eggs, milk, and spices towards total price.
Bang Bang Salmon - thaw salmon in frig overnight or forgot? quickly thaw in luke warm water. Coat salmon in bang bang sauce and air fry on 400 for 8-10 minutes, or bake according to package directions. Microwave rice and veggies according to package directions. assemble bowls rice, veggies, salmon - top with additional bang bang sauce if desired.
Vodka Meatballs - Cook meatballs according to package directions. Then simmer in sauce. Assemble bagged salad. Serve meatballs with cheese on top and side of salad.
BBQ Pork (Bowl) - Cook pork tenderloin according to package directions. Make an easy coleslaw with bagged cabbage, vinegar, and mayo - let sit in frig while everything else cooks. Air fry sweet potato bites according to package directions. Assemble into bowls and top with additional bbq sauce or serve all separately. *up the flavor - add pickles 😋
*these meals are made to be gluten free friendly (as someone who avoids gluten but not celiac) may not be suitable for those with celiac or other specific allergies to wheat/gluten. Please educate and check labels before purchasing/consuming!
Taking meal idea requests! let me know below
#quickmeals #easymealideas #aldimeals #virginia #mealsonabudget
Okay, so you loved my first round of Aldi budget meals, but I keep hearing whispers about another quick and easy winner: tacos! And guess what? Aldi absolutely delivers on a fantastic taco night that won't break the bank. I mean, who doesn't love a good taco? It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table fast, and it’s super customizable for everyone in the family. My go-to Aldi taco hack starts with their incredible taco seasoning packets. Seriously, they're a game-changer for flavor and so cheap! You can grab a pound of ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option) from Aldi, brown it, drain any fat, and then just stir in a packet of their taco seasoning with a little water. Let it simmer, and boom – perfectly seasoned taco meat. But you don't have to stick to beef! I've also done amazing chicken tacos using Aldi's boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just cook them up and shred, then toss with the seasoning. Or, for a vegetarian spin, their canned black beans work wonders. Drain and rinse, then warm them with taco seasoning for a hearty, meat-free filling. Now for the rest of the spread! Aldi has great options for tortillas, whether you prefer soft flour tortillas, crunchy corn taco shells, or even their street taco size for smaller bites. Don't forget their salsa – I usually pick up a jar of their mild or medium chunky salsa, which is always fresh-tasting and affordable. And of course, shredded cheese! Their Mexican-style blend is perfect, or a sharp cheddar works just as well. For toppings, keep it simple and fresh. Grab a head of lettuce, a few tomatoes, and an onion from Aldi's produce section. A dollop of sour cream (Aldi's brand is excellent) and maybe some sliced jalapeños if you like a kick. The best part? You can easily get all of these ingredients for under $15, especially if you stick to basic toppings. It's a fun, interactive meal that feels like a treat but is totally budget-friendly and quick to put together. Another quick tip for meal prepping: make a big batch of the taco meat/filling at the beginning of the week. Then, you can easily assemble tacos throughout the week, or even turn it into a taco salad, a taco rice bowl, or stuffed bell peppers. It’s all about versatility and using those Aldi finds to their fullest potential. Trust me, an Aldi taco night is a busy season savior!