Aldi Meals on a Budget: 41+ Delicious Dinners Under $20

There’s no better way to welcome the new year than by fulfilling one of the most common resolutions: to finally take care of your diet.

But what if we told you that with the easy, healthy, and delicious recipes we’ve provided below, you’ll not only eat healthily and in a balanced way, but you’ll also save money? Get ready to enjoy the quality, flavor, and savings that ALDI is known for in every bite. And say goodbye to the post-holiday financial crunch!

What is Aldi Meals?

Aldi Meals refers to the curated recipes, quick-prep meal ideas, and ready-to-eat products sold at Aldi, designed to offer convenient, affordable, and flavorful options for households. It includes Easy Meals (recipes with fresh ingredients), frozen convenience foods, and chilled ready meals like pizzas, pastas, and curries.

Who said that eating well requires spending a lot of money? As we explained in our post about batch cooking recipes, the key to success lies in carefully planning your weekly menu, optimizing kitchen processes, and storing food properly.

Oh! And, of course, having a recipe book with easy, inexpensive, and delicious dishes like the following is essential:

Here’s The List of “Aldi Meals on a Budget: 41+ Delicious Dinners Under $20”

Here are a couple of very affordable and healthy tapas that are guaranteed to be a hit, whether you’re making them for everyday meals or to delight your guests on a special occasion. Take note!

Vegetable Coca (Flatbread)

At ALDI, we love sharing healthy, affordable, and easy-to-make recipes like this one. Discover how to prepare a vegetable coca recipe that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Also, just like with a Spanish omelet, it’s an ideal dish for using up leftovers. So, you have no excuse not to add it to your recipe collection. You’ll enjoy it down to the last bite!

Avocado Hummus with Vegetable Crudités

Did you know that hummus and avocado are a winning combination? Hence our avocado hummus, obviously. And even more so if you dip this delicacy with some fresh vegetable crudités. In 25 minutes you’ll have a delicious, healthy, and economical snack. The best of the best.

Simple Winter Recipes

The winter chill is felt differently with our most comforting dishes. They’ll not only keep your body temperature in check, but they’ll also fill your home with irresistible aromas.

Chicken Noodle and Vegetable Soup

If you love a good soup as much as we do and there’s nothing you like more than the sound of a good simmer and traditional aromas, hold on tight, because things are about to get interesting. At ALDI, we bring you a recipe for using up leftovers that will go down in history: an amazing chicken noodle and vegetable soup. A dish you’ll absolutely love. And now it’s all yours.

Chickpea and Spinach Stew

Food lovers, you’re in luck with this recipe! This chickpea and spinach stew is a traditional dish you’ll miss when the cold weather is over. Or maybe not—that depends on whether your taste buds can live without this stew once you’ve tried it.

Here’s The Remaining List of “Aldi Meals on a Budget”

📋 Our Selection Criteria

To identify these meals, I looked at:

Pantry Staples & Frozen Foods: These are almost always a budget win.
Budget-Friendly Fresh Produce: Root vegetables, cabbage, and onions are generally very cheap.
Affordable Proteins: Eggs, beans, and certain meat cuts (like chicken thighs or pork shoulder) are typically lighter on the wallet.
Special Deals: Recipes using items from Aldi’s Weekly Finds can be a great way to save.

🛒 The Top Picks: Meals Under $20

Here is a selection of meals from your original list that are likely well under $20, along with estimated Aldi costs:

Chili over White Rice with Garlic Bread: ~ $11 – 14 (g r o u n d b e e f o r t u r k e y$ 11–14(groundbeeforturkey4–6, canned tomatoes $0.89, c a n n e d b e a n s$ 0.89,cannedbeans0.95/ea, rice $0.85, g a r l i c b r e a d$ 0.85,garlicbread2–3).
Sheet Pan Fajitas: ~ $12 – 15 (c h i c k e n$ 12–15(chicken2.49/lb or ground beef 4.29/lb, bell peppers & onion 3, fajita seasoning $1, t o r t i l l a s$ 1,tortillas2).
Beef & Broccoli over White Rice: ~ $13 – 16 (t h i n s l i c e d b e e f o r s k i r t s t e a k$ 13–16(thinslicedbeeforskirtsteak7.69/lb, fresh/frozen broccoli $2, s o y s a u c e$ 2,soysauce1.5, garlic, ginger, rice $0.85).
Philly Cheesesteak Bowls: ~ $12 – 15 (t h i n s l i c e d b e e f$ 12–15(thinslicedbeef7.69/lb, bell peppers/onion $3, p r o v o l o n e$ 3,provolone2, cauliflower rice or potatoes).
Chicken Orzo Bake: ~ $12 – 15 (c h i c k e n b r e a s t$ 12–15(chickenbreast2.89/lb, orzo $1, c r e a m o f m u s h r o o m$ 1,creamofmushroom1, chicken broth $1.55, seasoning, veggies).
French Bread Pizzas: ~ $8 – 10 (f r e n c h b r e a d$ 8–10(frenchbread2, pizza sauce $1.50, s h r e d d e d m o z z a r e l l a$ 1.50,shreddedmozzarella2–3, pepperoni or veggies $2–3).
Spinach & Sausage Gnocchi: ~ $12 – 14 (I t a l i a n c h i c k e n s a u s a g e$ 12–14(Italianchickensausage3.19/12oz pack, shelf-stable gnocchi $2, s p i n a c h$ 2,spinach2, cream or broth).
Chicken Sandwiches & Fries: ~ $10 – 13 (c h i c k e n b r e a s t$ 10–13(chickenbreast2.89/lb, buns $2, f r o z e n f r i e s$ 2,frozenfries2–3, lettuce/tomato $2).
Baked Ravioli with a Frozen Veggie: ~ $8 – 11 (r e f r i g e r a t e d r a v i o l i$ 8–11(refrigeratedravioli3–4, jarred pasta sauce $1.85, s h r e d d e d m o z z a r e l l a$ 1.85,shreddedmozzarella2–3, frozen veggies $2).
Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans: ~ $12 – 15 (b o n e - i n p o r k c h o p s$ 12–15(bone−inporkchops2–4, potatoes $3, g r e e n b e a n s$ 3,greenbeans2, milk, butter).
Sesame Chicken & Broccoli over Rice: ~ $13 – 16 (c h i c k e n b r e a s t$ 13–16(chickenbreast2.89/lb, frozen broccoli $2, s e s a m e o i l$ 2,sesameoil2, soy sauce $1.5, h o n e y$ 1.5,honey3, garlic, ginger, rice $0.85).
Ground Turkey Taco Bowls: ~ $12 – 15 (g r o u n d t u r k e y$ 12–15(groundturkey4–5, taco seasoning $1, c a n n e d b e a n s$ 1,cannedbeans0.95/ea, corn $1, r i c e$ 1,rice0.85, salsa $2, shredded lettuce, cheese).
One-Pan Sausage and Mushroom Tortellini Skillet: ~ $14 – 17 (I t a l i a n s a u s a g e$ 14–17(Italiansausage3.19, refrigerated tortellini $4 – 5, m u s h r o o m s$ 4–5,mushrooms1.15, marinara $1.85, s p i n a c h$ 1.85,spinach2, parmesan $2).
Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet: ~ $8 – 11 (k i e l b a s a$ 8–11(kielbasa3–4, cabbage $2, o n i o n$ 2,onion1, potatoes $3, mustard).
Cheesy Ravioli Bake: ~ $10 – 13 (r e f r i g e r a t e d r a v i o l i$ 10–13(refrigeratedravioli3–4, jarred pasta sauce $1.85, s h r e d d e d m o z z a r e l l a$ 1.85,shreddedmozzarella2–3).
Chicken Caesar Wraps: ~ $12 – 15 (c o o k e d c h i c k e n$ 12–15(cookedchicken3, tortilla wraps $2.99, r o m a i n e$ 2.99,romaine2, Caesar dressing $2, p a r m e s a n$ 2,parmesan2).
Smash Burgers: ~ $12 – 15 (g r o u n d b e e f$ 12–15(groundbeef4.29/lb, buns $2, c h e e s e$ 2,cheese2, lettuce/tomato/onion $2, p i c k l e s$ 2,pickles2).
Easy Paella: ~ $15 – 18 (c h i c k e n t h i g h s$ 15–18(chickenthighs2.89/lb, chorizo $3, s h r i m p$ 3,shrimp5, rice $0.85, c a n n e d t o m a t o e s$ 0.85,cannedtomatoes0.89, peas $1, saffron optional).
BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Slaw: ~ $12 – 15 (c h i c k e n t h i g h s$ 12–15(chickenthighs2.89/lb, BBQ sauce $2, b u n s$ 2,buns2, coleslaw mix $2, d r e s s i n g$ 2,dressing2).
Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw: ~ $14 – 17 (s h r i m p$ 14–17(shrimp5–6, tortillas $2, c a b b a g e$ 2,cabbage2, limes $0.50, c i l a n t r o$ 0.50,cilantro1, crema $2).
Chicken Tortellini Soup: ~ $12 – 15 (c h i c k e n b r e a s t$ 12–15(chickenbreast2.89/lb, refrigerated tortellini $3 – 4, c h i c k e n b r o t h$ 3–4,chickenbroth1.55, carrots/celery/onion $2, s p i n a c h$ 2,spinach2).
Chicken Lo Mein: ~ $10 – 13 (c h i c k e n b r e a s t$ 10–13(chickenbreast2.89/lb, lo mein noodles $2, s o y s a u c e$ 2,soysauce1.5, frozen stir-fry veggies $2).
Turkey Meatball Subs: ~ $12 – 15 (g r o u n d t u r k e y$ 12–15(groundturkey4–5, sub rolls $2 – 3, m a r i n a r a$ 2–3,marinara1.85, shredded mozzarella $2–3).
Chicken & Rice Casserole: ~ $12 – 15 (c h i c k e n b r e a s t$ 12–15(chickenbreast2.89/lb, cream of mushroom/chicken soup $1 / e a, r i c e$ 1/ea,rice0.85, frozen veggies $2, breadcrumbs).
Take-and-Bake Pizza with Bagged Salad: ~ $12 – 15 (A l d i t a k e - a n d - b a k e p i z z a$ 12–15(Alditake−and−bakepizza6–8, bagged salad $3 – 4, d r e s s i n g$ 3–4,dressing2).
Italian Sausage & Peppers over Rice or on Buns: ~ $12 – 15 (I t a l i a n s a u s a g e$ 12–15(Italiansausage3.19, bell peppers/onion $3, r i c e$ 3,rice0.85 or buns $2, m a r i n a r a$ 2,marinara1.85).
Chicken Stir-fry with Teriyaki Sauce: ~ $12 – 15 (c h i c k e n b r e a s t$ 12–15(chickenbreast2.89/lb, teriyaki sauce $2, f r o z e n s t i r - f r y v e g g i e s$ 2,frozenstir−fryveggies2, rice $0.85, garlic).
Cheddar Brats & Roasted Potatoes: ~ $10 – 13 (c h e d d a r b r a t s$ 10–13(cheddarbrats4–5, potatoes $3, o n i o n s$ 3,onions1, mustard/ketchup).
Ground Beef Tacos: ~ $12 – 14 (g r o u n d b e e f$ 12–14(groundbeef4.29/lb, taco shells or tortillas $2, l e t t u c e$ 2,lettuce2, tomato $1, c h e e s e$ 1,cheese2, salsa $2).
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup: ~ $10 – 13 (p o t a t o e s$ 10–13(potatoes3, broccoli $2, o n i o n$ 2,onion1, cheddar $2 – 3, m i l k / b u t t e r, c h i c k e n b r o t h$ 2–3,milk/butter,chickenbroth1.55).
Street Corn Chicken over Rice: ~ $13 – 16 (c h i c k e n b r e a s t$ 13–16(chickenbreast2.89/lb, corn $2, m a y o, c o t i j a c h e e s e$ 2,mayo,cotijacheese2, chili powder, lime, rice $0.85, cilantro).
Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries: ~ $13 – 16 (c h i c k e n b r e a s t$ 13–16(chickenbreast2.89/lb, frozen fries $2 – 3, b u f f a l o s a u c e$ 2–3,buffalosauce2, ranch or blue cheese dressing $2, c h e d d a r c h e e s e$ 2,cheddarcheese2).
Stromboli: ~ $12 – 14 (p i z z a d o u g h$ 12–14(pizzadough2, marinara $1.85, s h r e d d e d m o z z a r e l l a$ 1.85,shreddedmozzarella2–3, pepperoni $3, sliced meats).
5-Layer Beefy Burritos: ~ $13 – 16 (g r o u n d b e e f$ 13–16(groundbeef4.29/lb, refried beans $0.95, r i c e$ 0.95,rice0.85, shredded cheese $2 – 3, s o u r c r e a m$ 2–3,sourcream2, salsa $2, t o r t i l l a s$ 2,tortillas2).
Classic Spaghetti Carbonara: ~ $14 (s p a g h e t t i$ 14(spaghetti1.99, frozen peas $1.09, e g g s$ 1.09,eggs3–4, center cut bacon $4.95, p a r s l e y$ 4.95,parsley1.05).
Fiesta Meatball Ring: ~ $12.38 (c r e s c e n t r o l l s$ 12.38(crescentrolls3.29, meatballs $3.49, s h r e d d e d c h e e s e$ 3.49,shreddedcheese2.85, cooking spray $2.75).
Frozen Lasagna with Meat Sauce & Side Salad: ~ $14 – 17 (f r o z e n l a s a g n a$ 14–17(frozenlasagna8–10, bagged salad $3 – 4, d r e s s i n g$ 3–4,dressing2).
Frozen Italian Meatballs with Pasta: ~ $12 – 15 (f r o z e n m e a t b a l l s$ 12–15(frozenmeatballs4–5, jarred pasta sauce $1.85, p a s t a$ 1.85,pasta0.85, parmesan $2).
Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly Slices: ~ $14 – 17 (p o r k b e l l y s l i c e s$ 14–17(porkbellyslices5–6, honey $3, s o y s a u c e$ 3,soysauce1.5, garlic $1, r i c e$ 1,rice0.85, roasted veggies $2).
One-Pan Blackened Cod with Tomato White Bean Sauce: ~ $15 – 18 (f r o z e n c o d$ 15–18(frozencod6–7, canned white beans $0.95, c a n n e d t o m a t o e s$ 0.95,cannedtomatoes0.89, blackening seasoning $1, s p i n a c h$ 1,spinach2).
Vegetarian Stuffed Pasta Shells: ~ $10 – 13 (p a s t a s h e l l s$ 10–13(pastashells2, ricotta $3, s p i n a c h$ 3,spinach2, marinara $1.85, m o z z a r e l l a$ 1.85,mozzarella2–3).
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: ~ $15 – 18 (f r o z e n s h r i m p$ 15–18(frozenshrimp5–6, bang bang sauce $2, t o r t i l l a s$ 2,tortillas2, cabbage $2, pickled onions).
Sushi Bowls (with 90-second salmon): ~ $14 – 17 (90 - s e c o n d p o u c h s a l m o n o r c a n n e d s a l m o n$ 14–17(90−secondpouchsalmonorcannedsalmon3–4, sushi rice $2, c u c u m b e r$ 2,cucumber1, avocado $1.50, nori, soy sauce).
Hot Honey Chicken Sliders with Crinkle Fries: ~ $14 – 17 (c h i c k e n b r e a s t$ 14–17(chickenbreast2.89/lb, slider buns $2, h o t h o n e y$ 2,hothoney3, pickle chips, frozen crinkle fries $2–3).
Spaghetti and Meatballs with Garlic Bread: ~ $12 – 15 (f r o z e n m e a t b a l l s$ 12–15(frozenmeatballs4–5, jarred pasta sauce $1.85, s p a g h e t t i$ 1.85,spaghetti0.85, garlic bread $2 – 3, p a r m e s a n$ 2–3,parmesan2).

*Prices are estimates and may vary.

Conclusion

Who said eating well requires spending a lot of money? As we explained in our post about batch cooking recipes, the key to success lies in carefully planning your weekly menu, optimizing kitchen processes, and properly storing food.

Oh! And, of course, having a recipe collection with easy, inexpensive, and delicious dishes like the following.