101 Aldi Recipes That Will Give You Dinner Ideas For Tonight

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Including an Aldi budget meal planner and Aldi shopping list

If you wonder around Aldi weekly and have no idea what recipes you could be making your family then this post is for you. We have 101 Aldi recipes that will help you fill up your meal planner for a whole week and still keep to your budget.

We all get stuck in a rut when it comes to food and feeding our family. Sticking to a budget weekly food shop isn’t easy, even if you shop at a discounter.

The same rules of shopping savvy should still apply and ignoring all those “special” offer tags can be hard when you know that it’s cheap.

If you are looking for more dinner ideas then have a look at:

31 Aldi Slow Cooker Recipes For The Whole Family – These are the best slow cooker recipes that use Aldi food. You can make them in the morning and have a great meal ready for you by the time you get it.

The Ultimate £1 Per Head Budget Meal Planning List – This is our full list of £1 a head family meals. Use these to help bring your shopping bill right down.

Store Cupboard Meals: 41 Store Cupboard Recipes to Try – If you have a lot of food in your cupboards then use our meal ideas here that will help you save money and cook really yummy family meals.

Here’s our top 3 tips to staying on budget when you’re trying to do the family shop at a discounter:

1. Don’t go overboard. Stick to your shopping list and meal plan. You can use ours here by joining The Resource Vault or write a list by hand yourself. It’s easy to get distracted when everything is cheap!
2. Watch the packet sizes. Smaller sized items don’t always mean lower prices. Use your phone to do a quick search if you’re unsure. are you really getting good value for money?
3. Downshift. Start by buying the very bottom brand and work your way up. You’ll be surprised how nice the very basic item is! If you don’t like it then go up one.

Not knowing what to cook or add to your meal plan for next week can see you leaning toward a quick fix experience ready meal or even a take out.

The below 101 Aldi recipes are perfect if you’re looking for dinner ideas on a budget or just recipes to fill up your meal plan this week.

 Aldi shopping list

If you’re looking for weekly meal plans or saving money printables then come join The Resource Vault. It’s free to use and all the resources can be downloaded as many times as you need.

This also includes a range of Aldi budget meal planners and Aldi shopping lists for the whole family so you don’t even have to think about what to cook!

Come join us today by click here!

(By entering your email address you agree to be added to our mailing list. You will never be spammed. You can unsubscribe at anytime and still receive your printables.)

Aldi meal plan

Before you even step foot in a grocery store make sure you do these 6 things first. all of these will help you save your family money!

Meal Plan Sheets

Depending on how comfortable you are, either find a spare pad or print out 8-10 copies of a weekly meal plan sheet.

You’ll need enough space to write down a simple menu for each day and a shopping list as you go.

You can make your own weekly meal plan or download my meal plans and shopping lists for free from the Resource Vault. Having several copies on hand will help inspire you to get started and keep up the meal plans for several weeks.

If you’ve never meal planned before then start here by reading how it can save you hundreds of pounds! 

Save money on food

No more tins or jars, it really is just as quick to make up a pasta bake sauce or homemade soup then opening one.

Have a look at our £1 meals here that you can make from scratch:

Easy Chickpea Curry That Costs Under £1 a Head

Epic Vegan Tacos Recipe For Under £1 a Head

Easy Creamy Chicken and Pepper Pasta

Easy Chicken Fajita Recipe: A Family Meal for 94p a Person

If you are struggling to make your family healthy meals then have a look at Spicentice. They offer easy to follow meals with a shopping list, and their spices to help you make home cooked meals from scratch.

They are really great if you are short of time or unsure of how to cook your family favourites from scratch.

We tried them and made everything from homemade burgers to curries to kebabs!

Use our link here with our code LASAVE20 to get 20% off every purchase*.

Look at the below stores to see if you can save some money:

Get FREE FOOD with this app: checkoutsmart*

Muscle Food lean meat hamper – muscle food*

Get your groceries up to 70% off RRP – approved food*

Remember to come join our FREE Facebook Messenger Group for all the latest deals, freebies and quick family money saving tips!

Cashback websites

Of course there are plenty of other ways to save money, and once you start seeking them out then you will be amazed at what you find.

Every time you buy online you could be getting cashback. Have a look at:

OhMyDosh* – OhMyDosh is a great way to make extra money at home. It’s completely free to use. In this OhMyDosh review we talk you through how OhMyDosh works and how you can make money by using the website.

Unlike other cashback sites though, OhMyDosh* is completely free to use with no subscription needed for the better deals.

You can also earn extra by referring your friends and family to OhMyDosh. More on that near the bottom of the post. You receive £5 for every person you introduce to OhMyDosh* and as long as they complete the sign up you get paid and they get a £1 as a thank you for joining. 

Quidco* – Quidco* is a great way to save money. We’ve saved over £200 in the last few months and their site is really easy to use.

It’s free to join Quidco* and they have access to over 4,000 retailers, and a lot of these are big household names.

Swagbucks* – Swagbucks* is free to join and like Quidco you can save money while shopping online. The good thing about Swagbucks is that you can also earn money by watching videos, playing games and taking part in surveys.

There’s an option to download their SwagButton* for free which pops-up and reminds you about the cashback you could earn.

Go to these sites first before you buy anything online and see if you can get money back. Anything goes from hotel stays to toys and train tickets.

Budget your money

Use an app like Plum* to keep track of your spending and to help you save.

Using Plum* can help you build up your savings, pay off dent quicker and invest to make your money work harder. It’s free to join!

Join our 6-week FREE money saving course that walks you through how you can save your family money. No filler. Just real tips and advice from us on how we save money daily.

Use your slow cooker

Having a slow cooker to hand means that you can cook loads of meals while you are out. You can also make bulk out slow cooker meals easily with cans of kidney beans or baked beans.

If you don’t own a slow cooker then we use this one, which is a Morphy Richards Slow Cooker Sear and Stew 460012 3.5L Black Slowcooker*. 

For slow cooker meals, have a look at:

31 Aldi Slow Cooker Recipes For The Whole Family
31 Easy Family Slow Cooker Recipes
7 Gammon Slow Cooker Recipes That Are Budget Friendly
9 Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipes That Are Budget Friendly

101 Easy Aldi Recipes

So here are our 101 Aldi recipes that will give you dinner ideas for tonight plus help you stick to your weekly food budget.

(We are assuming you have some of our budget cupboard staples already brought. If not, please see our full list of Staple Food Store Cupboard Essentials here.)

For more dinner party ideas have a look at The Diary of a Jewellery Lover’s post here.

A lot of these are also perfect for leftovers. So if you make to much, freeze and use again at the end of the week or take for lunch!

We have loads of £1 a head meal ideas here:

The Best Cheap Recipes For Families
The Best Fakeaway Recipes For Under £1 a Head
Cheap Chicken Recipes That Are Under £1 a Head
11 Cheap Pasta Recipes That Are Under £1 a Head
13 Leftover Chicken Recipes That Are Under £1 a Head
7 Simple Minced Beef Recipes

These are Aldi recipes that we use ourselves to save money. Bu using our recipes you could save yourself hundreds of pounds.

Remember that the freezer is always your friend! Buy frozen vegetables and frozen fruit if you can and frozen meat can be defrosted as and when you need it.

We have divided the below recipes for you depended on what meal you are looking for.

Breakfast

These are the best breakfast recipes that you can make from shopping at Aldi.

1. Waffles

These are great for a waffle maker and make a great weekend treat. We have them with frozen fruit or with chocolate spread.

4 large eggs 32p

300g plain flour 30p

½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 5p

2 tbsp golden caster sugar 5p

50g butter 25p

600ml semi-skimmed milk £1.20

Total: £2.17 that’s 54p a person.

2. Breakfast egg wraps

These are great for four people and make a great breakfast on the go. You can add anything to these but our favourite is below:

500g pack closed cup mushrooms £1.50

4 tsp sunflower oil 5p

320g cherry tomatoes 90p

2tbsp parsley 5p

40g porridge oats 10p

10 eggs 80p

4 tsp English mustard powder 7p

Total: £3.92 that’s 98p a person for 4 people.

3. Breakfast smoothie

This is a quick breakfast that is great for the whole family. You can whizz it up and add whatever fruit you like.

1 banana 13p

40g porridge oats 10p

80g frozen soft fruit 75p

150ml milk 30p

1 tsp honey 5p

1 tsp vanilla extract 5p

Total: £1.38 that’s 34p for 4 people.

4. Vegan pancakes

This eggless recipe makes 10 pancakes which can be frozen then grilled back to warm. They take about 5 minutes to make and about 2 minutes to cook.

Read how we make The Best Eggless Pancakes Recipe Ever here.

150g self-raising flour 10p

1 tablespoon baking powder 2p

1/2 teaspoon salt 2p

2 spoonfuls of maple syrup, or granulated sugar 10p

2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 15p

250ml soya milk 17p

Total: 56p that’s 14p per person.

5. Overnight oats

This is a yummy breakfast for the whole family. You make it the night before and add it to the fridge before you go to bed.

¼ tsp ground cinnamon 5p

50g rolled porridge oats 8p

2 tbsp natural yogurt 10p

50g mixed berries 25p

drizzle of honey 5p

Total: 53p that’s 13p per person.

6. Cooked breakfast

We love a classic cooked breakfast. This is really easy to make and is cheap on the wallet too.

4 hash browns 60p

400g tin of baked beans 30p

4 scrambled eggs 32p

Total: £1.22 that’s 30p per person for four people.

7. Mexican egg roll

This is a quick and easy lunch idea that the kids will love. You can even make these the night before and wrap them in foil and keep in the fridge.

1 large egg 8p

1tbp sunflower oil 5p

2 tbsp tomato salsa 10p

Total: 23p that’s just 5p a person.

8. Egg muffins

These egg muffins are really easy to make and are great for lunch boxes. They are super cheap and you can add anything to them. All you do is mix the ingredients up and then oven cook them for 20 minutes on 180 degrees.

3 eggs 24p

40g red Leicester cheese 75p

Total: 99p that’s 24 a person.

9. Omelette

You can add loads to this basic omelette recipe. You can add cheese, herbs, and mushrooms.

3 eggs 24p

1 tsp sunflower oil 5p

1 tsp butter 5p

Total: 34p that’s 8p per person.

10. Breakfast quesadillas

This is a quick breakfast meal that you can take on the run if you are running late. You can add anything to these wraps including peppers, tomatoes, chicken or ham. Go crazy and use whatever you have leftover in the fridge.

8 wraps 85p,

100g cheese 50p,

100g ham 25p.

Total: £1.60 that’s 40p for 4 people.

11. Eggy bread

This is a quick and easy breakfast for the whole family. We griddle pan ours on high heat once the egg is mixture is on the bread.

Bread 14p

4 eggs 32p

Total: 46p that’s 11p per person.

12. Baked oats

This may look like a cake but its a yummy and heathly breakfast recipe that you can make at the start of the week and store for the whole week ahead.

100g porridge oats 7p,

200g fat free yogurt 40p,

1 tbsp sugar 5p,

100g defrosted frozen fruit 46p,

3 eggs 16p.

Total: £1.14 that’s 28p for four people.

Preheat the oven at 180 degrees fan. Put the porridge oats, yogurt, sugar and frozen fruits in a bowl. Mix it all together. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs then add them to the other ingredients. Mix together in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a baking tray and cook for around 30 minutes. Like a cake, you will need to check if the middle is cooked. We use a toothpick. If it comes back clean then it is fully cooked inside.

13. Omelette in a bun

The kids love this omelette recipe. It goes into lunch boxes quickly and is healthy too.

1 tbsp olive oil 5p

1 medium potato 25p

1 spring onion 37p

4 eggs 32p

9 small cherry tomatoes 20p

10g grated cheddar 25p

4 Asda Essential rolls 35p

Total: £1.79 that’s 44p each.

14. Breakfast Potatoes

This does take about 40 minutes to cook but is a really filling breakfast for the whole family. You can use your air fryer to cook your potatoes or the oven.

Start by setting the oven or air fryer to 185 degrees. Cut the potatoes into quarters, this helps them cook quicker. Add the potatoes to a bowl with the Paprika, Salt, Oregano and pepper. With a spoon, stir all the ingredients together so the potatoes are covered.

Then, cut the mushrooms into quarters, all the frozen peppers, frozen onions and a handful of spinach. Spray it all in the pan with some low fat cooking spray.

If you are using stock, then add it now to the deep pan. If you are using your air fryer, you probably don’t need the stock. You can eat this with eggs or with your cooked breakfast.

15. Hashbrown Frittata

We love this Hashbrown Frittata as it’s really easy to make a you can chuck in whatever you have left in the fridge or freezer.

We tend to use frozen vegetables but you can use fresh as well.

6 eggs

250g white potato

100g frozen onion

100g frozen peppers

50g spinach

Start by whisking the eggs in a bowl. Then add the rest of the ingredients and stir well. In a deep frying pan, spray the bottom with some low cal spray then add. Fry for a few minutes until the eggs are all cooked through.

16. Baked eggs

This is a really easy breakfast recipe that is very filling. You can add pretty much anything to this to make it yummy. It does take about 25 minutes to cook but is worth it. This recipe makes two.

100g frozen onion

6 tomatoes

1 tsp tomato paste

1 clove of garlic

50g spinach

100g vegetable stock

2 eggs

Start by pre-heating your oven to 180 degrees. Add the garlic, tomatoes and onions to a pan and fry lightly. Add the tomato paste and boil until it looks like a sauce. Stir in the spinach for a minute or two. Using two small deep dishes, add the sauce then crack an egg in the middle. Add to the oven and cook for around 15 minutes if you are looking for a soft runny yolk.

17. Pan Oat Pancakes

This is a really easy no flipping pancake recipe that you can make and chuck in the oven while you get ready. You can add any fruit to this at all. Our kids favourites are bananas and frozen mixed berries.

100g rolled porridge oats

2 tsp baking powder

150g plain fat free yogurt

2 eggs

5g cinnamon

1 tsp of vanilla extract

200g frozen berries

100g banana

Start by pre-heating your oven to 180 degrees. Blend the porridge oats till they are small, as this gives you soft no lump pancakes. Add the baking powder, salt and cinnamon to the mix. Then add the egg, vanilla and yoghurt and put this with the oat mixture. Leave it all to sit together for about 15 minutes as this lets the oats suck it all in. In a small baking tray, add some baking paper, and put the mixture in. Add your fruit at this point by sprinkling it on the top. Add to the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden brown on the top. Let it sit for a few minutes before you cut as it’s very hot.

18. Strawberry Oatmeal Waffles

This strawberry waffle recipe is really easy to make and you can use frozen strawberries if you prefer.

250g wheat flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground allspice

250g oats

100g unsweetened applesauce

100g unsweetened non-dairy milk

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

150g frozen strawberries

Start by sifting the flour, baking powder, salt and allspice into a mixing bowl.

Whizz the oats so they are small then add to the mixing bowl. Make a small well in the centre of the flour mix and add the applesauce, milk, maple syrup, oil and vanilla.

Stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes or so in the fridge, it will thicken a bit don’t worry. If it does look thin, add a little more flour and mix again, then wait.

Keep doing this until you are happy. Add in the frozen strawberries. These van be defrosted or cut up smaller frozen. We cook our waffles in a waffle maker.

Spray the inside first, then add about a tablespoon of batter. The first one, like a pancake might be a bit rubbish but don’t worry, the rest do get better.

19. Vegan banana bread

This is a great way to use up your brown bananas!

3 large ripe bananas

75ml vegetable oil

100g brown sugar

225g plain flour

3 heaped tsp baking powder

3 tsp cinnamon or mixed spice

20. Peanut Butter Pods

Made with whizzed up porridge oats, soya yogurt and cinnamon, this peanut butter cups are a great breakfast idea for the whole family. You can add whatever fruit you like here but our favourite is almost brown banana as it adds that sweetness that this sometimes needs.

300g porridge oats

2 tsp cinnamon

2 medium bananas

500g soya yogurt

80g peanut butter.

21. Homemade vegan bagels

This makes about 10 homemade bagels. You can even freeze them and defrost them when you need them.

7g sachet dried yeast

4 tbsp sugar

2 tsp salt

450g bread flour

These bagels are really easy to make. Start by adding the yeast with 4 tbsp sugar into a large bowl, and pour in 100ml warm water. Leave for 10 minutes as the mixture needs to bubble. In the same bowl, add 200ml warm water, flour and kneed.

The mixture might be sticky, so you may need extra flour. Separate the dough into little balls and leave to raise. They need about an hour or longer if possible. Heat your oven to 200 fan. Weight the dough and try and get them the same size.

Use a teaspoon to put a hole in the middle. Bring a large pan of water to the boil and add one bagel and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Then add to the oven for 25 minutes or until full cooked through.

22. Waffles

These are great for a waffle maker and make a great weekend treat. We have them with frozen fruit or with chocolate spread.

4 large eggs 32p

300g plain flour 30p

½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 5p

2 tbsp golden caster sugar 5p

50g soya butter 25p

600ml soya milk £1.20

Total: £2.17 that’s 54p a person.

23. Breakfast Potatoes

This does take about 40 minutes to cook but is a really filling breakfast for the whole family. You can use your air fryer to cook your potatoes or the oven.

Start by setting the oven or air fryer to 185 degrees. Cut the potatoes into quarters, this helps them cook quicker.

Add the potatoes to a bowl with the Paprika, Salt, Oregano and pepper. With a spoon, stir all the ingredients together so the potatoes are covered.

Then, cut the mushrooms into quarters, all the frozen peppers, frozen onions and a handful of spinach. Spray it all in the pan with some low fat cooking spray.

If you are using stock, then add it now to the deep pan. If you are using your air fryer, you probably don’t need the stock. You can eat this with eggs or with your cooked breakfast.

24. Banana French Toast

For a real American-style feel, decorate with fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of icing sugar, and drizzle of maple syrup.

4 ripe bananas 28p

8 slices white bread 17p

110ml semi-skimmed milk 11p

1 tin of chickpea liquid (Aquafaba) 14p

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 20p

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 5p

Total = 95p that’s 23p a head for four people.

25. Banana Slow Cooker Oats

I make these overnight Banana Slow Cooker Oats once the kids have gone to bed, and by the time 6 am comes, they’re ready to eat. Both of them love them and can’t get enough! These Banana Slow Cooker Oats only have three ingredients too!

200g of rolled oats 15p

2L milk 87.2p

Maple syrup 4p

Banana 13p

Total = 89p that’s 22p a head for four people.

26. Banana Muffins

These Banana Muffins make a great midweek treat. They are really easy to cook and the bananas make them really sweet too. Make sure the bananas are really ripe to make these extra soft.

250g self-raising flour 18p

1 tsp baking powder 5p

½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 5p

110g caster sugar 37p

75g soya butter 55p

1 tsp vanilla extract 5p

1 tin of chickpea liquid (Aquafaba)14p

2 large ripe bananas 26p

125ml soya milk 37p

50g pecans 50p

Total = £2.52 that’s 63p a head for four people.

27. Chocolate Banana Smoothie

We love this Chocolate Banana Smoothie because it’s really easy to make and tastes like a real treat. It comes in under 19p a head for four people and puts a smile on all our faces.

1 cup soya milk 30p

2 bananas frozen 26p

1 tablespoon maple syrup 15p

1 tablespoon cocoa powder 5p

Total = 76p that’s 19p a head for four people.

28. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

This Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich is a classic! A lunchtime treat like this will never be forgotten. We find that the more ripe the bananas are the better!

2 tablespoons peanut butter 10p

2 slices whole wheat bread 14p

1 banana 7p

Total = 31p that’s 7p a head for four people

29. Vegan breakfast muffins

These take about 30 minutes to cook but they freeze really well when you need a breakfast treat on the go.

150g muesli mix 30p

50g light brown soft sugar 14p

160g plain flour 10p

1 tsp baking powder 5p

250ml sweetened soy milk 17p

1 apple 54p

2 tbsp grapeseed oil 5p

50g almond butter 10p

40g demerara sugar 10p

50g pecans 50p

Total: £2.05 that’s 51p per person.

Aldi breakfast products:

Harvest Morn light benefit bars

Harvest Morn Wheaties

Benefit lighter granola with strawberries

Harvest Morn bran flakes with Brooklea Fat Free Greek Style Lemon Yogurt

Everyday Essentials Porridge Oats

Village Bakery Toastie Bread with Banana

Aldi Lunch recipes

Soup:

30. Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

This is a really easy soup recipe that you can throw into your slow cooker in the morning and have ready by the time you get home.

100g onion 25p,

2 celery sticks 10p

2 carrots 10p

2 leeks 15p

300g chicken breasts £1.25

2l chicken stock 8p

1 tbsp lemon 5p

Total: £1.93 that’s 48p per person.

31. Sweet Potato Carrot Soup

This sweet potato carrot soup recipe is really easy to make and is great for weekend lunches. Everything you need should be in your cupboard or freezer.

Read how we make our Sweet Potato Carrot Soup Recipe here.

The roasted sweet potatoes taste really nice in this soup.

500g chopped and cubed sweet potatoes 55p

400g tin carrots 49p

3 tbsp olive oil 5p

100g frozen onion 16p

2 garlic cloves 5p

1L vegetable stock 5p

100ml tin coconut milk 82p

10g pinch chilli flakes 10p

Total: £2.27 that’s 56p a person.

32. Carrot & lentil soup

This is great slow cooker soup recipe that can be made in the morning and ready for when you get home. 2 tsp cumin seeds 5p

1 pinch chilli flakes 5p

2 tbsp olive oil 8p

600g carrots 55p

140g split red lentils 28p

1l hot vegetable stock 5p

125ml milk 85p

Total: £1.91 that’s 47p for four people.

33. Parsnip soup

We love this easy parship soup as it can be eaten chunky or smooth. It is really easy to make and tastes great the next day as well. This makes enough for four people but you can double it to make extras for leftovers.

2 tbsp butter 5p,

50g frozen onion 4p,

1 crush garlic clove 5p,

500g parsnips 60p,

500ml vegetable stock 5p,

225ml milk 25p.

Total: £1.04 that’s 26p for four people.

34. Chicken noodle soup

On a cold winter day, there is nothing better than a warming soup. You can make extra for leftovers. This is made for four but double it for 8 portions.

2 tbsp butter 5p,

50g frozen onion 4p,

400g tin carrots 28p,

1 crush garlic clove 5p,

2 chicken breasts £1.28,

500ml chicken stock 5p,

100g noodles 30p.

Total: £2.05 that’s 51p for four people.

35. Tomato & lentil soup

We love this soup as you can make it spicy if you prefer abd the lentils in the soup help yo keep you filled up till dinner. This recipe makes enough soup for four people but you can double it to make leftovers for the next day if you prefer.

1 tbsp oil 5p,

400g tin carrots 28p,

50g frozen onion 4p,

100 ml vegetable stock 10p,

400g tin tomatoes 38p,

200g red lentils 50p.

Total: £1.35 that’s 33p for four people.

Start by frying the onions in the pan, then add the carrots. Add the stock, tomatoes and lentils. Bring it all to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes. When ready, blend the soup to your chosen consistency. We like ours smooth.

36. Thai Vegetable Soup

This is a simple soup recipe that you can eat on the move. It is full of vegetables and perfect for cold water nights.

100g frozen onion

180g of aubergine

100g sweet potato

2 tsp Thai Red Curry Paste

120ml vegetable stock

1 tsp fish sauce

100g courgette

300g frozen mixed veg

120ml coconut milk

Peel the sweet potato and cut into chunks. Roast the chucks in the oven for 20 minutes or until they are soft. In the pan, fry off the aubergine and onion and add a little salt. Wait until the aubergine in soft. Add the sweet potato into the pan as well.

Add the curry paste and fish sauce. Then add the stock and reduce down. Add the courgette and frozen veg to the pan about 10 minutes before the end. The coconut milk can go right in at the end and then you can serve.

37. Lentil and quinoa soup

This is an easy vegan soup that you can make on a cold day.

2 tbsp olive oil 7p

200g onions 20p

2 garlic cloves, 10p

5g hot chilli powder 5p

5g ras el hanout 5p

1kg butternut squash £1

100g red lentils 22p

1l hot vegetable stock 7p

5g dried coriander 5p

10g soya yogurt 15p

Total: £1.96 that’s 49p a person.

Aldi lunch ideas:

These are the best lunch ideas that are perfect for the whole family.

38. Burritos

I do these burritos when I know friends are coming over. I love the idea of everyone helping themselves and tucking straight in.

Frozen onion 10p,

350g long-grain rice 40p,

400g tin Red kidney beans in water 21p,

8 Tortilla wraps 92p,

2 Little Gem lettuce 75p,

31g Fresh basil 80p,

300g Salsa 69p (Optional),

Total: £3.87 that’s 96p for four people.

39. Eggy cheese crumpets

These eggy cheese crumpets can be grilled once submerged in the egg mixture. They make a great treat breakfast for the whole family.

3 eggs 24p

50ml milk 10p

6 crumpets 25p

250g cherry tomatoes £1

drizzle of vegetable oil 5p

40g cheddar 35p

Total: £1.99 that’s 49p per person.

40. Spicy mixed bean tortillas

These Spicy mixed bean tortillas are great for weekend days when you want something quick and easy. All of these ingredients come from tins or the freezer.

8 tortilla wraps 85p

200g onion 10p

1 tin of carrots 49p

400g can chopped tomatoes 39p

400g can kidney beans 30p

400g can of mixed beans in a mild chilli sauce 30p

100g mature cheddar cheese, grated 49p

Total: £2.92 that’s 73p for 4 people.

41. Smoky beans on toast

This is such a easy recipe that is great for the whole family. We like ours spicy but you can easily tone down the spices and mustard if you prefer.

150g rashers streaky bacon 95p

100g frozen onion 16p

400g can baked beans 29p

1 teaspoon brown sugar 6p

1 teaspoon English mustard 5p

1 teaspoon smoked paprika 5p

1 teaspoon ground cumin 5p

10g chopped chillis 5p

250g ciabatta bread £1

Total: £2.66 that’s 66p per person.

42. Pizza roll-ups

These pizza roll ups are great for lunchboxes and great for fussy eaters. You can add whatever you want to these.

375g Ready-made pastry. £1.75,

100g puree 80p,

100g cheese 95p.

Total: £3.50 that’s 87p for 4 people.

Start by getting the pastry out of the fridge so it can come up to room temp. When ready, spread the puree over the pastry and add the grated cheese. Cut the pastry into lines then shape into circles. Cook for 20 minutes on 180 degrees fan.

43. Vegan scones

These are really easy to make. Start by adding the flour, salt, baking powder and caster sugar. Add the spread, milk and then make it into a ball.

Using a bit of flour to stop it sticking, roll it out thickly. Then using cutters, cut out the scones and ass them to a baking tray. Add a tiny bit of egg wash on the top and cook for 20-25 minutes in a oven at about 200 degrees.

350g self-raising flour 30p

¼ tsp salt 5p

1 tsp baking powder 2p

3 tbsp caster sugar 7p

95g vegan vegetable spread 25p

150ml soy milk 20p

Total: 89p that’s 22p for 4 people.

44. Mushroom risotto

This cheap vegan mushroom risotto does take 25 minutes to cook but it’s worth the wait.

1 vegetable stock cube 5p

2 tbsp olive oil 5p

100g onion 10p

10g garlic cloves 5p

250g pack chestnut mushrooms £1

300g risotto rice 87p

25g vegan butter 15p

5g dried parsley 5p

Total: £2.32 that’s 58p per person.

45. Butternut squash risotto

This makes a great lunch box snack. It goes take 20 minutes to make but it’s worth the time.

1kg butternut squash £1

3 tbsp olive oil 5p

5g dried sage 5p

1½l vegetable stock 5p

50g vegan butter 16p

50g frozen onion 10p

300g risotto rice 50p

50g vegan cheese 62p

Total: £2.53 that’s 63p for 4 people.

46. Tofu scramble

This budget meal is great for the whole family. It’s easy to make and will keep you full for ages.

1 tbsp olive oil 5p

50g frozen onion 10p

1 garlic clove 10p

5g turmeric 5p

5g ground cumin 5p

5g sweet smoked paprika 5p

280g extra firm tofu £2

100g cherry tomatoes 45p

5g dried parsley 5p

Total: £2.90 that’s 72p for 4 people.

47. Tomato bruschetta

This is a perfect lunchtime delicious vegan recipe that is easy to make and great for the whole family. Mix up the vegetables and leave for an hour to marinate. Then lightly toast the bread and spread.

50g red onion 21p

500g tomatoes £1

10g garlic cloves 15p

5g dried basil 5p

30ml balsamic vinegar 20p

60-80ml extra virgin olive oil 34p

400g loaf crusty bread 80p

Total: £2.75 that’s 68p for 4 people.

48. Cauliflower buffalo wings

Cauliflower buffalo wings These buffalo wings are lightly spicy and make a great snack or lunch idea. They come in at under £1 a head and make a great healthy meal.

10g dried smoked paprika 5p

10g ground cumin 5p

5g garlic powder 5p

100g plain flour 6p

200ml coconut milk 37p

500g cauliflower £1.75

80g hot sauce 60p

1½ tbsp maple syrup 5p

1 tbsp vegan butter 10p

100g celery sticks 37p

Total: £3.45 that’s 86p for 4 people.

49. Vegan brunch muffins

These take about 30 minutes to cook but they freeze really well when you need a breakfast treat on the go.

150g muesli mix 30p

50g light brown soft sugar 14p

160g plain flour 10p

1 tsp baking powder 5p

250ml sweetened soy milk 17p

1 apple 54p

2 tbsp grape-seed oil 5p

50g almond butter 10p

40g demerara sugar 10p

50g pecans 50p

Total: £2.05 that’s 51p per person.

Aldi Dinner recipes:

Pasta:

These are the best pasta recipes that are made with all Aldi ingredients.

50. Carbonora

350g Spaghetti 14p

250g Cooking Bacon 37p

62g mushrooms 13p

3 garlic cloves 5p

2 eggs 10p

60g Grana Padano 80p

Total: £1.59 for 4 people that’s 40p a person.

This amazing Carbonara recipe is a really quick family meal that you can put together within 10 minutes. It takes 5 minutes to prep and 13 minutes to cook. Cook the spaghetti first as per the packet instructions, normally for 12 minutes.

While it’s cooking, cut the bacon into small chucks and start to fry it. You shouldn’t need any oil, as the bacon is pretty fatty. Add the mushrooms to the frying pan and fry until soft. Add the garlic. Whisk the eggs and Grana Padano cheese together in a bowl.

Drain the pasta and add it to the frying pan with the egg mixture. Stir quickly so the egg does not scramble. Salt and pepper to taste.

51. Penne with Arrabbiata

Now, this arrabbiata is my go to recipe if I fancy a bit of spice. I tame it down a bit for the kids, so might add some chili flakes in at the end for myself and my husband. It takes 20 minutes to boil down but is so worth it.

Wholemeal penne (500g) 55p

Onion 22p

Chillies (60g) 55p

Passata (500g) 35p

Vegetable stock (12x10g) 50p

Total: £2.17 that’s 54p for four people.

52. Italian Meatball Marinara

This is a gorgeous meatball recipe that the whole family will love. It’s a healthy meal that uses a basic tomato sauce recipe that can be used for loads of meals.

Make this amazing meatball marinara here.

500g minced meat £1.99

2 onion 16p

3 glove garlic 7p

1 egg 10p

1 tsp salt 2p

2 tsp low cal spray 10p

1 tin passata 32p

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 3p

Half tablespoon sugar 5p

Half tablespoon salt 3p

210g Spaghetti 8p

Total: £2.95 that’s 73p for four people.

You can download this list and a FREE meal plan by joining our Resource Vault here. 

53. Bacon and Cheese Pasta

This bacon and cheese pasta is my little one’s favourite dinner. She’d eat this every night if we let her, and I have to say, at just £3.41 for the four of us, this is a bargain!

Mushrooms 22p

English medium Cheddar cheese £1.74

unsmoked middle bacon £1.04

Pasta 31p,

Onion 8p,

Garlic 24p,

Total: £3.41 that’s 85p for four people.

54. Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

This is one of those “chuck in whatever you have” recipes. It’s mega easy and even grilling the tomatoes only takes minutes.

Wholemeal penne (500g) 55p,

Cherry tomatoes (250g) 53p,

Dried basil (14g) 69p,

Total: £1.77 that’s 44p for four people.

55. Spicy Sausage and Cheese Bake

As long as you have butter, flour, and milk in your cupboards, then this sausage and cheese bake comes in way under budget.

Pasta shapes (500g) 30p,

Thick sausages (12 per pack – 681g) 88p,

Chosen by You English Mature Cheddar (200g) £1.27,

Mozzarella (125g) 44p,

Total: £2.89 that’s 72p for four people.

56. Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Cheesy pasta is a family favourite in my house. Try it in the slow cooker for an extra easy weeknight dinner.

200g macaroni pasta 13p,

200g cheese £1,

100g plain flour 10p,

Stock cube 6p,

25g butter 3p,

Total: £1.32 that’s 33p for four people.

57. Spaghetti Bolognese

This spaghetti bolognese recipe is so simple and the longer you leave it in the more intense the flavour. The sauce can be left to cook all day, ready to be mixed with freshly-cooked pasta when you get home.

1 onion chopped 22p,

1 tbsp tomato puree 10p,

2 tins chopped tomato 58p,

1 tbsp caster sugar or to taste 4p,

1 celery stick chopped 10p,

250g minced beef 83p,

1 carrot chopped 7p,

2 cloves garlic chopped 4p,

1 tsp oregano 2p,

2 large mushrooms chopped 75p,

1 beef stock cubes 6p,

1 handful Parmesan for sprinkling 20p,

Total: £3.01, that’s 75p a head.

58. Tuscan chicken pasta

This creamy pasta is a real hit in my house. It only takes 15 minutes to cook and is a great fast dinner if you are in a rush. Boil the water for the pasta and add a stock cube. Wait until it has desolved and add the pasta and cook. Normally about 12-15 minutes. In a different pan, add the chicken cubes to the pan. You can use oil but I use a little water to stop it sticking. Add the garlic and tomatoes and simmer on a low heat. Add the cream cheese and cream to the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes or until it looks more reduced. Add the pasta to the sauce and stir.

1 chicken stock cube 5p,

200g Pasta Shapes 15p,

1 tbsp mixed herbs 5p,

2 frozen Chicken Breast Fillets £1.26,

2 garlic 10p,

175g tomatoes 25p,

100g Soft Cheese 26p,

25ml double cream 20p,

400g tin tomatoes 28p,

200g frozen carrots 22p,

100g Spinach Leaves in Water 30p,

50g Grana Padano 73p.

Total: £3.85 that’s 96p for four people.

59. Chicken and pepper pasta

This creamy pasta recipe is great for the whole family. It uses only frozen vegetables and chicken so is really cheap to make.

Read how to make our Easy Creamy Chicken and Pepper Pasta here.

100g Lightest Philadelphia 80p

125g Wholemeal pasta 14p

125g Frozen peppers 25p

125g Cherry tomatoes 25p

10g Garlic 2p

400g Frozen chicken breasts £2.54

Total: £4 that’s £1 a head.

60. Tuna pasta bake

This pasta dish is easy to make and great if you need a quick and cheap meal.

500g pasta 50p

50g butter 10p

50g plain flour 5p

600ml milk 80p

250g strong cheddar £2.15

2 x 160g cans tuna steak in spring water £2.40

330g can sweetcorn 47p

Total: £6.47 that’s £1.61 a person.

61. Pesto pasta

All these vegetables can be grilled can be quickly grilled and mixed in with the green pesto and spaghetti. This makes a great and easy family dinner when you are in a rush.

210g spaghetti 25p

2 corn on the cob 95p

100g frozen squash 50p

165g tomatoes 42p

100g spring onions 37p

75g green pesto 37p

Total: £2.86 that’s 71p for 4 people.

62. Grilled Ratatouille Linguine

This is an easy ratatouille recipe that is really quick to make. You can grill all these vegetables and mix them when ready with the vegetables.

210g linguine 10p

80g courgette, cut into chunks 40p

100g red or yellow peppers, cut into chunks 40p

100g onion 30p

Total: £1.20 that’s 30p per person.

63. Vegan Mushroom Bolognese

Just like a meaty bolognese, this vegan one makes the best comfort food dish for a weekend. We use mushrooms to get that amazing flavor.

1 onion chopped 22p

1 tbsp tomato puree 9p

2 tins chopped tomato 58p

1 tbsp caster sugar or to taste 4p

1 celery stick chopped 10p

1 carrot chopped 7p

2 cloves garlic chopped 4p

1 tsp oregano 2p

2 large mushrooms chopped 75p

1 vegetable stock cubes 6p

210g spaghetti 25p

Total: £1.94 that’s 48p per person.

64. Vegan Lasagna

This lasagna will get the whole family asking for more. It does take a while to make the white sauce as it needs to thicken. Once both sauces are ready then layer it up with the sliced tomatoes on top. We cook it until the white sauce has set so about 20 minutes for us.

For the lasagna:

4 lasagna sheets 13p

140g firm tofu £1

5g olive oil 2p

100g frozen onion 15p

3 garlic cloves 5p

2g dried oregano 2p

100g mushrooms 25p

225g frozen spinach 37p

White sauce:

5g olive oil 2p

100g all-purpose flour 25p

50g almond milk 10p

5g. nutritional yeast 10p

5g garlic powder 5p

55g 3 tomatoes 25p

Total: £2.76 that’s 69p a person.

65. Chipotle Pasta

This is a great vegan pasta recipe for the whole family. It makes a creamy vegan pasta sauce that has zero lumps as you blend it all together then heat it in the pan.

100g Almonds £1.40

50g Almond milk 10p

50g Chipotle pepper 30p

10g Garlic 5p

75g Water 5p

55g Tomato 25p

5g Lemon juice 2p

210g spaghetti 25p

Total: £2.42 that’s 60p for 4 people.

66. Vegan pasta bake

For the topping:

125g cashews (not roasted)

3 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 tsp vegetable bouillon powder

150g cherry tomatoes chopped

4 handfuls of rocket

For the bottom:

2 tsp rapeseed oil

200g frozen onions

3 garlic cloves chopped

140g dried lentilles vertes

500g tomato passata

200g wholemeal penne

375g courgettes, quartered lengthways and sliced

15g dried basil

2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder.

Fry the onion, garlic and lentils. Poor in 500ml water and bring to the boil. Add in the passata and bring back to the boil. Add the penne, courgettes, handful of basil and the bouillon powder. Bring to the boil again. It may need some extra water at this point. Heat the oven to 180 degree fan. Add the nutritional yeast and bouillon powder into a bowl and bltiz until really small like a paste. Pour the cashew sauce over the top and add the tomatoes on the top. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes and serve with the rocket.

Related Posts: 

• £1 a Head Family Meals: Recipes That Will Keep Your Food Bill in Check
• A Budget Weekly Menu: Here’s How To Feed a Family for Just £18
• One Month of Cheap Aldi Slow Cooked Dinners Plus a Free Month Meal Plan

Aldi chicken dinner ideas:

67. Peanut Chicken

This Peanut Chicken is really easy to make. It takes 10 minutes to make and can be put into the slow cooker and takes about 4 hours.  Start by cutting the chicken into chucks and add it to the slow cooker. Then add the rest of the ingredients and set our slow cooker to medium.  When you are ready to serve, cook the rice in a pan for about 20 minutes or until the rice is soft. 

3 JUST ESSENTIALS by Asda chicken breasts £1.90,

100g frozen onions 19p,

2 garlic cloves 5p,

200g frozen mixed peppers 40p,

200g frozen carrots 10p,

120g JUST ESSENTIALS by ASDA Crunchy Peanut Butter 31p,

1 tbsp cornflour 5p,

2 tbsp lemon juice 2p,

2 tbsp soy sauce 5p,

1 tbsp curry powder 2p ,

1 tbsp chilli flakes 2p ,

400ml tin tomatoes 28p,

300g wholemeal rice 48p,

Total: £3.87 that’s 96p per person. 

68. One-pot Chicken Pepper Bake

With little washing up involved, this one-pot chicken pepper bake is one of my personal favorites. It’s great for Sunday lunch or if the extended family comes round.

Chicken Thighs (1kg) £2.75,

Green Pepper 50p,

Tin of Baby potatoes (550g) 32p,

Total: £3.99 that’s 99p for four people.

69. Sweet and Sour Chicken

This easy to make sweet and sour chicken recipe is perfect if you have friends coming over. Make a huge batch with brown rice and add as many vegetables as you like!

Here’s how we make our sweet and sour chicken recipe here.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts £1.16,

1 x 425g can pineapple chunks in natural juice 50p,

2 tbsp cornflour 2p,

½ tsp dried chilli flakes 2p,

2 tbsp dark soy sauce 5p,

2 tbsp tomato puree 2p,

1 medium onion 8p,

300g frozen peppers 43p,

2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 5p,

Total: £2.33.

70. Peri-Peri Chicken

This does take a bit of prep but is perfect for a weekend fakeaway. It takes about 30 minutes to cook and goes with wedges, rice and salad. You can also have this with tortillas and salad if you prefer.

4 frozen chicken breasts £1.40,

3 garlic cloves 9p,

Small piece of ginger 2p,

Rind of lemon 3p,

5 tbsp lemon juice 9p,

2 tbsp cooking oil 3p,

1 tsp salt 2p,

4 potatoes 40p,

180g Rice 24p,

Total: £2.32 that’s 58p for four people.

71. Chicken Fajitas

Making your own fajitas is a great family treat! Make sure you marinate the chicken and peppers before you cook as it does make them taste amazing!

Here’s how we cook our yummy fajitas. 

This takes about 40 minutes to cook. If you like it spicy then add some chillis too.

4 chicken breasts £1.40,

2 peppers 30p,

100g frozen onion 16p,

1 Lime 6p,

3 garlic cloves 9p,

1 tbsp salt 2p,

1 tsp sugar 5p,

8 pack Tortillas £1.

Total: £3.08 that’s 77p for four people.

72. Tomato-Baked Chicken

This is great if you have toddlers in the house too. It’s healthy and will keep you all full up.

Smartprice Chicken wings (1kg) £1.65,

Tomato & garlic pasta sauce (560g) 92p,

Smartprice British small potatoes (1kg) 50p,

Baby button mushrooms (150g) 86p,

Total: £3.95.

73. Southern Fried Chicken

These are one of my family’s favourite meals. This friendly meal is great with homemade chips and corn of cob. Get the kids to help you make them too.

This is how we make our Southern Fried Chicken.

4 frozen chicken breasts £1.40,

150g breadcrumbs 65p,

2 eggs 20p,

4 tbsp plain flour 15p,

4 tbsp milk 10p,

2 tbsp low cal spray 10p,

4 potatoes 40p,

4 corn of cob 52p,

Total: £3.52.

74. Chicken chow mein

We love Chicken Chow Mein but it costs so much to order so making our own saves so much money. This is a really easy recipe to make and only takes as long as the chicken takes to cook.

2 chicken breasts £1.20,

1 tsp Chinese 5 spice 5p,

2 tbsp oil 5p,

1 tsp chilli sauce 5p,

2 sets of egg noodles £1,

200g frozen peppers 40p,

4 spring onions 50p,

1 tbsp soy sauce 5p.

Total: £3.30 that’s 82p for 4 people.

75. Baked Chilli Chicken

This baked chilli chicken recipe is a great Friday night dinner for the whole family. You can add as many different vegetables as you like. It only takes about 10 minutes to cook as you have very little to chop and fry.

25g flour 10p,

1 garlic clove 5p,

1 tsp chilli flakes 5p,

2 chicken breasts £1.20,

5 tbsp oil 5p,

Stir fry vegetables 50p,

Spring onions 85p,

10g rice wine vinegar 7p,

1 tsp ground ginger 5p,

2 tsp tomato puree 5p,

1 tbsp honey 7p.

Total: £2.99 that’s 74p a person for four people.

76. Chicken Pilaf

This is a really easy dinner that can be made when you are in a rush. It takes about 20 minutes to cook, and that’s all down to the rice, so there is very little prep. Start by frying off the onions, garlic and chilli. Add the frozen vegetables then add the chicken. Put the rice and the 1 litre of stock into the pan as well and bring to the boil. If you have a lid, put it on and let it boil for 20 minutes or so. The rice should take up all the liquid.

1 tbsp oil 5p,

100g frozen onion 30p,

150g frozen vegetables 12p,

1 garlic 5p,

1 red chilli 5p,

250g rice 15p,

250g frozen chicken 63p,

Chicken stock 5p.

Total: £1.40 thats 28p for four people.

77. Chicken Kebabs

You can make these homemade chicken kebabs with chicken breast or chicken thighs. We prefer chicken breasts as you can cut them into chunks easily. If you are planning to use the pitta then you may want to finely chop the vegetables smaller. You can also make the marinade as spicy as you like. My children do not like spice but you can add chillis or flakes to the sauce for that extra kick.

Make our chicken kebabs here.

300g frozen chicken breasts £1.08

100g red peppers 25p

100g green peppers 25p

425g tin pineapple 90p

Marinade:

5g turmeric 5p

5g mild curry powder 10p

5g smoked paprika 5p

5g tomato purée 7p

150g natural yogurt 20p

5g garlic clove 10p

Total: £3.05 that’s 76p per person. (4 people)

78. Firecracker Chicken

This firecracker recipe is based on four people. It takes only takes about 10 minutes to actually cook the sauce but the rice could take up to 20 minutes.

Read how to make our amazing Firecracker Chicken recipe here.

3 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts (defrosted) £2.10

2 onions 20p

3 garlic cloves 15p

5g ground ginger 5p

1 red pepper 45p

1tbsp lemon juice 10p

1 bunch of spring onions 37p

2 tbsp tomato puree 5p

4 tbsp soy sauce 6p

2 tbsp hoisin sauce 6p

1 tbsp plain flour 10p

1 tbsp low cal cooking spray 5p

150g wholemeal rice 25p

Total: £3.99 (prices correct at time of publishing)

79. Chicken Doner Kebabs

We make our own chicken doner kebab marinade which we smother all over our kebab meat. Our kebab marinade recipe is: 50g low-fat natural yogurt curry powder chilli powder dried coriander finely chopped chillis Optional spices are: smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder It is really easy to make chicken kebabs healthy. You do not need oil to keep the chicken, you can grill it instead with the rest of the vegetables or even roast them with a pinch of salt.

This chicken doner kebab recipe is really easy to make.

We use frozen chicken breasts but you can use chicken thighs if you prefer.

50g low-fat natural yogurt 7p

5g curry powder 10p

5g chilli powder 10p

10g lime or lemon juice 5p

10g dried chopped coriander 10p

10g red chilli 10p

300g chicken breasts £1.08

100g green salad 55p

4 pitta breads 25p

Total: £2.40 that’s 60p for four people.

Aldi beef recipes:

80. Cottage Pie

This is a classic cottage pie recipe! Just chuck it all in and grill at the end.

Tin of New Potatoes (550g) 32p,

Beef mince (500g) £2,

Onion 22p,

carrots x2 9p,

Mushrooms 68p,

Everyday Value soft cheese (200g) 49p,

Total: £3.89 that’s 97p for four people.

81. Homemade Beef Burgers

These are gourmet burgers that can be spiced up or down depending on what your family like spice wise. We also cook our homemade chips and add cheese slices.

Here’s how we make our Homemade Burgers.

You can make them in the morning if you don’t have time in the evening.

500g beef minced meat £1.99,

125g frozen onion 8p,

2 garlic cloves 6p,

1 egg 10p,

Pinch of salt 3p,

6 burger buns 56p,

Lettuce leave 25p,

Tomato 50p,

Cheese slices 35p,

4 potatoes 40p,

Total: £4.32.

82. Beef & vegetable casserole

This is a lovely winter recipe that can be cooked all at once in the slow cooker. We cook ours on low for 8 hours.

2 celery sticks 10p

100g frozen onion 25p

400g tin carrots 25p

5 bay leaves 5p

1 tbsp vegetable oil 5p

1 tbsp butter 8p

2 tbsp plain flour 5p

2 tbsp tomato purée 10p

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 10p

2 beef stock cubes 5p

200g beef steak £2

Total: £3.08 that’s 77p for four people

83. Chilli Con Carne

This chilli con carne recipe is easy to do and can be frozen for another night.

Read how we cooked our Chilli Con Carne recipe here.

500g beef minced meat £1.99,

200g frozen onion 32p,

3 garlic gloves 7p,

00ml tinned tomatoes 28p,

400g tinned kidney beans 30p,

3 tbsp tomato puree 15p,

Half a lime 12p,

220ml stock 3p,

4 tbsp low cal spray 20p,

1 tsp salt 2p,

Half tsp sugar 5p,

180g Rice 24p,

Total: £3.77

84. Chinese beef stir fry

We love this beef stir fry! It makes a great Friday night dinner that will have you throwing the takeaway menu away. We serve us with rice but noodles would work great as well. Start by mixing together the cornflour and five spice. Chop the beef into strips and fry. It will only need about 5 minutes or so depedning on how you like your beef cooked.

When cooked, remove from the heat and leave to cool. Once cool, add the beef strips to the cornflour mix and coat. Using the same pan, fry the beef in small batches, remembering to put it on a paper towel so it doesn’t stay greasy. Add the garlic, ground ginger and your vegetables to the pan and cook. We like ours soft but if you like them crunchy then they will only need about 3 minutes.

Mix the wine vinegar, chilli sauce, ketchup and soy sauce together in a bowl. Using the same pan, cook the sauce for a few minutes on a shimmer. Add the beef and the vegetables to the sauce. You may need to add a little water if the sauce is to thick.

3 tbsp cornflour 5p,

2 tsp dried spice 5p,

170g JUST ESSENTIALS by ASDA Beef Steak £2,

2 tbsp oil 5p,

1 garlic cloves 3p,

1 tbsp dried ginger 5p,

red pepper 50p,

1 carrot 30p,

50g mange tout 50p.

Sauce:

4 tbsp rice vinegar 5p,

2 tbsp chilli sauce 5p,

2 tbsp ketchup 5p,

2 tbsp soy sauce 5p.

Total: £3.73 thats 93p for four people.

85. Beef Mince Tacos

Beef mince tacos make a great weekend fakeaway meal that is perfect for the whole family and really cheap to make. Minced beef tacos are really easy to make and can be as spicy or not as you like. We like using frozen mince or Quorn mince as you get to pick out as much as you want and freeze that rest.

Make our yummy tacos here.

You can use frozen vegetables if you prefer as they are re-cut so can make the process a bit quicker. This taco recipe includes the light salsa that is really fruity so great for kids. Put everything in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves and build their own perfect mine taco.

100g mince 75p

175g baby corn 95p

190g frozen red onions 42p

100g red pepper 45p

110g kiwi fruit 60p

115g tomatoes 50p

5g garlic clove 2p

85g red cabbage 20p.

Total: £4 that’s £1 a head for four people.

Aldi pork recipes:

86. Easy Sausage and Potato Casserole

This Sausage and potato casserole is so easy to make and really cheap to buy. A lot of these ingredients, including the sausages and puree, can go toward other meals too.

Onion 22p,

Tin of New Potatoes 32p,

Frozen Sliced Peppers (600g) £1,

Frozen Value pork sausages (20 pack) 99p,

Chopped Tomatoes 29p,

Puree (80g) 75p,

Total: £3.57 that’s 89p for four people.

87. Risotto with Ham & Peas

Using just one pot, this risotto is an easy mid-week meal when you really can’t be bothered to cook. Just chuck it all in and let it cook!

Onion 7p,

Ham 50p.

Total: 57p that’s 13p for four people.

88. Creamy Tomato Courgetti

Low in calories but really high in taste, this Creamy Tomato Courgetti meal is a great way to hide vegetables. I use my spiralizer for everything!! The original recipe calls for a sauce, but I make my own using mascarpone cheese, which takes about 2 minutes.

Onion 7p,

three big tablespoons of mascarpone cheese, 44p,

Ham, 25p

2 x Courgette, 60p.

Total: £1.36 that’s 34p each for 4 people.

89. Ham Stir Fry

Simple and quick, just chuck what ever you have in. I use rice noodles, as you can chuck them in with a sauce and just fry it all together, but any will do.

3x Tomatoes, 34p,

200g Frozen Peppers, 40p,

Onion, 7p,

Ham, 25p.

Total: £1.06

90. Sausage Chilli

Using sausages instead of mince is a great way to have a great meal on a budget. you have this with potatoes or rice, and it makes a great mid-week quick meal for the whole family. It only takes about 5 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook.

8 JUST ESSENTIALS by ASDA Pork Sausages 96p,

200g frozen peppers 40p,

250g ASDA Scratch Cook Mediterranean Vegetables 62p,

1 garlic clove 5p,

1 tbsp dried coriander 5p,

1tsp chilli powder 2p,

1tsp ground cumin 2p,

400g tin tomatoes 32p,

2 tbsp sugar 10p,

5 tbsp plain yogurt 10p,

1tbsp dried chives 5p.

Total: £2.69 that’s 67p for four people.

91. Honey Pork Sausage traybake

This easy sausage recipe is great for when you have friends around. Slice the sausages up and serve with mash instead of sweet potato chips if you prefer. This takes very little time to prep as most of the vegetables are frozen and pre-cut. Set the oven to 200 degrees. Put all the vegetables onto a baking tray. Add the sausages. Put 4 tbsp of honey over the tray and mix it all in. Season if required then add it to the oven for 30 minutes or until the sausages are cooked through.

85g JUST ESSENTIALS by ASDA Clear Honey 18p,

8 JUST ESSENTIALS by ASDA 8 Pork Sausages 96p,

230g ASDA Sweet Potato Chunks 45p,

1 onion 30p,

200g frozen peppers 40p,

450g frozen Root Veg Mix 45p.

Total: £2.74 that’s 68p for four people.

92. Pork Loin Traybake

Looking for an easy meal with very little prep? This pork loin trayback is great for when you have guests around. It’s easy to bulk up and really cheap to make. You can have it with roast potatoes or baby potatoes from a tin. Start by heating the oven at 180 degrees. Put the pork chops and any vegetables you are using on on a baking tray. Sprinkle with seasoning and cook for 30 minutes or untill the pork is cooked.

550g JUST ESSENTIALS by ASDA New Potatoes 36p,

4 pork loins £2.99,

300g tomatoes 50p,

garlic cloves 5p,

1 tbsp fried oregano 5p,

1 tbsp dried paprika 5p.

Total: £4 that’s £1 a person for four people.

Slow cooker Aldi recipes:

93. Slow Cooker Peach Chicken

This slow cooker recipe is great for those rush evenings. All of this can be prepped in the morning or the night before. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker pot (apart from the rice) and cook on low for 8 – 10 hours. When you are ready to serve, cook the rice as per the packet instructions.

Read how to make our slow cooker peach chicken here.

2 chicken breasts £1.20,

400g tin peaches 34p,

200g frozen peppers 40p,

1 red onion 28p,

2 tbsp brown sugar 5p,

4 tbsp soy sauce 7p,

1 tbsp ground ginger 5p,

250g rice 30p.

Total: £2.69 that’s 67p per person.

94. Slow cooker sausage casserole

This sausage casserole recipe is great if you are looking for a filling meal for the whole family. We have it with pasta but you could easily have it with potatoes. We add everything in together and cook slowly for 6-8 hours. You may need to take the lid off if you find the sauce is a bit loose.

100g frozen onions 22p,

1 celery stick, 10p,

400g tin carrots 35p,

12 chipolatas £2.90

1 sweet potato 22p

400g tin tomatoes 28p

1 tbsp tomato purée 18p

1 beef stock cube 5p

Total: £3.98 that’s 99p for four people.

95. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Pulled chicken is a great dinner for the whole family. It’s really simple to cook in the slow cooker and is really tender. You can have it with rice or in a bread bun. It all needs to cook for 6-8 hours to make the chicken really tender.

2 tbsp vegetable oil 5p

3 chicken breasts £1.20

2 red onions 50p

2 garlic cloves, 5p

2 tsp paprika 2p

2 tbsp chipotle paste 10p 2

50ml passata 25p

100g barbecue sauce 30p

1 tbsp light brown soft sugar 8p

Total: £2.55 that’s 63p for four people.

Curries:

96. Chicken Tikka Masala

This serves four and is a medium heat. This really does just take 10 minutes to make but does take up to 40 minutes to cook so make sure you have some time as it’s worth it. We make our homemade naan bread with this too.

4 frozen chicken breasts £1.40,

150g frozen onion 16p,

2 garlic cloves 6p,

1 small piece of ginger 15p,

200ml tinned tomatoes 28p,

100ml single cream 60p,

1 tsp lemon juice 5p,

4 tbsp low cal spray 20p,

1 tsp salt 3p,

180g Rice 24p,

Total: £3.17 that’s 79p for 4 people.

97. Chicken Jalfrezi

This curry serves 4 people and is of medium spice. It takes 30 minutes to cook but you can make it in the morning and then throw it all in one pan when you get home.

4 frozen chicken breasts £1.40,

150g frozen onions 16p,

1 red pepper 15p,

1 tomato 16p,

3 garlic cloves 9p,

Small piece of ginger 2p,

2 tbsp tomato puree 6p,

2 tbsp cooking oil 3p,

2 tbsp cooking oil 3p,

Total: £2.09.

98. Chinese Chicken Curry

This family-friendly meal is a great fakeaway recipe for a Friday night. It’s not very spicy and you can use frozen vegetables if you are short of time.

Here’s how we cooked our Chinese chicken curry.

2 frozen chicken breasts 65p,

125g frozen onions 16p,

Small piece of ginger 15p,

2 garlic cloves 6p,

400ml stock 3p,

2 tbsp low cal spray 10p,

3 tbsp plain flour 10p,

1 tsp sugar 5p,

180g Rice 24p,

Total: £1.54 that’s 38p for 4 people.

99. Katsu Curry

If you are looking for a fakeaway recipe that is also Slimming World friendly and easy to cook then this Katsu chicken curry is for you.

This chicken Katsu curry comes in at under £1 a head for four people.

It can seem a little spicy so if your family needs it toned down then add a little Greek yogurt to the side of the dish.

Read how to make our Katsu curry here.

3 frozen chicken breasts £1.20

1 onion 28p

2 carrots 10p

3 garlic cloves 5p

1 egg 10p

900ml chicken stock 5p

2tbsp soy sauce 5p

1tsp honey 7p

3tbsp plain flour 5p

100g breadcrumbs 15p

200g wholemeal rice 37p

Total: £2.19 that’s 54p for four people.

100. Chickpea Curry

This is a really easy chickpea curry that is perfect for the whole family. It costs under £1 a head for 4 people and you can use all your cupboard staples with it including tins of chickpeas, tomatoes, and loads of ground spices. Cook time for this simple chickpea curry is about 20 minutes depending on how you like your chickpeas. We like ours really soft so tend to wait until the liquid has reduced quite a lot. If you like your curry spicy then you could add some curry powder or red pepper.

Make our chickpea curry here.

To help make this creamy you could add yogurt as well as coconut milk. You could also add a dash of lime juice. If you are using the slow cooker then we would suggest you make the paste as below and then add everything to the slow cooker. Put it on high heat for 6 – 8 hours as the liquid does need to reduce.

For the paste:

2 tbsp oil 5p

100g frozen onion 25p

5g dried chilli 5p

9 garlic cloves 25p

5g ground ginger 5p

5g ground coriander 5p

7g ground cumin 5p

5g garam masala 5p

10g tomato purée 11p

For the curry:

2 x 400g tin chickpeas £1.10

400g tin canned tomatoes 42p

100g tin coconut milk (optional) 18p

100g spinach (optional) 20p

250g rice 40p

Total: £3.21 that’s 80p for 4 people.

Start by making the paste. Add the oil then fry off over medium heat with the onion and chili flakes until the onion is clear. This is when you want to put the rice on as per the packet instructions. Whizz up the garlic cloves, ginger, coriander, cumin, garam masala, tomato purée, and salt.

Once it’s turned into a smooth paste, add it to the pan. Stirring occasionally will help the paste not stick to the pan or wok. Drain the chickpeas and add them and the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Turn the heat down and simmer for 5 minutes. This will help all the liquid to reduce down. If you like your curry creamy, then add the coconut milk and keep reducing it down for another 5-10 minutes. When the curry is ready, add the spinach.

101. Chicken Korma

This is a mild and creamy korma curry that is perfect for kids who hate spice. Read how to make our Chicken Korma recipe here. Put the slow cooker on and sear the chicken. Stir in the spices and cook for a few minutes. Then add the chicken stock. Leave to cook for 6 hours. Add the cream then serve.

2 garlic cloves 5p,

Ground ginger 2p,

100g onions 25p,

3 chicken breasts £1.20,

2 tbsp tomato purée 5p,

1 tsp ground cumin 2p,

1 tsp paprika 2p,

1 tsp turmeric 2p,

1 tsp ground coriander 2p,

½ tsp chill powder 2p,

2 tsp sugar 5p,

300ml chicken stock 35p,

150ml double cream 62p,

Total: £2.69 that’s 67p a person.

Dinner ideas for tonight

Still lacking inspiration and unsure what to do? Then Budget My Meals is for you. We give you plan templates that take all the thinking away. We can create your budget weekly menus, shopping lists and send you the recipes every week so you don’t even have to think about it.

No coupons. No yellow stickers, just easy family-friendly recipes.

Implementing a weekly meal plan really does save you money and time. It stops you going for the takeaway menu when the family go nuclear and means you don’t have to face a cupboard full of food with no clue or inspiration on what to cook.

It also means that you are building up your recipe bank so when you no longer need us, you have all our recipes to fullback on.

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If you’re struggling to meal plan and want to try by yourself then start by:

Reading our Budget Meal Planning: How to meal plan so it saves you time and money post here. This will help you to get the basics of meal planning.

Check all your cupboards. Have you got these budget pantry staples? These are going to be your cupboard essentials and will help you bring your shopping bill down.

Grab a piece of paper or use your phone and write down every time you or your family finish something from the cupboards or fridge etc. This gives you a good list to start from when you are trying to meal prep in a hurry.

Pick your meals from the below but remember to check your calendar first. There’s no point deciding to cook a full on family meal if everyone!

Have fun and be flexible! Just because you  meal plan doesn’t mean that your food is set in stone. Change it around if you want and add or take away a meal. Just remember to add it to next weeks meal plan and freeze it if needed.

If you have a few fussy eaters at home, don’t worry, you can still shop on a budget. Here’s the recipes we use when our kids don’t want to try new food. 

Laura x

If you enjoyed this post and would like some more family friendly budget recipes or meal plan ideas, then head over to the budget food section here on Savings 4 Savvy Mums where you’ll find over 30 cheap posts dedicated to helping you cook and shop wiser for less. There’s enough tips to help you save over £300 a month! You could also pop over and follow my family food Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on how to eat well and spend less; Family Meal Plans on a Budget, Budget Family Meals & Budget Slimming World Recipes for Families.

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