New Years Meals from Aldi under $15
Meal ideas for under $15 to get your new year's started off right.
Prices based on my local Aldi in southwest VA.
I don't count basic essentials like eggs, milk, and spices towards total price.
Orange Chicken - Air fry chicken at 400 degrees for 12 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. While chicken is cooking, microwave vegetables and rice according to package directions. For sauce, empty both packets of sauce into saucepan, add 1/2 cup orange juice and bring to a simmer over high heat. reduce to low and simmer for a few more minutes and take off heat to cool. When chicken is done, toss in sauce or serve sauce on side for dipping. Serve with rice and vegetable mix topped with extra sauce or soy sauce if desired. Makes 3 servings.
Tuscan Pasta - Cook pasta according to package directions. In a separate pan, melt 6 cheese wedges. Season with garlic/onion powder, and pepper. Add up to 1 cup of milk slowly stirring and melting/combining with cheese turning into a sauce *not too runny. When done, add 2 TBsp of pesto and combine. Add up to 2 handfuls of chopped spinach and pasta. Makes 4-6 servings.
Tikka Masala - Dice raw chicken. Heat oil in pan and brown chicken. Add sauce, and heat through making sure chicken is done as well. While chicken is cooking, microwave peas and rice according to package directions. Make 3-4 servings.
*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!
#quickmeals #easymealideas #aldimeals #simplemeals #mealsonabudget
Shopping at Aldi is a fantastic way to enjoy flavorful meals without breaking the bank, especially when starting fresh in the New Year. I've found that combining convenience and quality ingredients can make mealtime both stress-free and affordable. For example, Aldi’s gluten-free pasta and cheese wedges make for a creamy Tuscan Pasta that's easy to customize with added fresh spinach for extra nutrition. When preparing meals like the Orange Chicken, using an air fryer not only reduces cooking time but also yields a crispy, healthier texture without excess oil. Adding orange juice to the sauce boosts flavor naturally, eliminating the need for artificial additives. For the Tikka Masala, sourcing Aldi’s organic chicken breast and pre-packaged curry sauces simplifies cooking while maintaining authentic flavors. Pairing this with ready-to-microwave rice and frozen peas helps save time and cleanup. A tip I always follow is to keep staple items like eggs, milk, and a versatile spice collection stocked regardless of the meal, so these aren’t counted in the budget but greatly enhance the dishes. This habit lets me focus my spending on fresh and specialty items. Lastly, while these meals are gluten-free friendly for those avoiding gluten by choice, I always advise reading labels carefully as gluten content can vary between products. This attention ensures safety for anyone with dietary restrictions. Overall, creating healthy and satisfying New Year’s meals from Aldi under $15 is absolutely achievable with a bit of planning and creativity. These recipes are excellent examples of quick, nutritious, and budget-conscious cooking that anyone can enjoy.
