This Week's $47 Meal Plan: 6 Dinners, One Aldi Trip
This Week's $47 Meal Plan: 6 Dinners, One Aldi Trip
Okay so I sat down Sunday morning while Jun was watching Bluey and planned out this whole week. I wanted a week where I didn't have to cook every single night, but we still ate like actual humans.
Total damage: $47.32 at Aldi. That includes 6 complete dinners for our family of five, plus fruit for the kids.
If you know David, you know he’s a meat-and-potatoes guy, so the sheet pan sausage meal got a solid "this is really good" (which is basically a Michelin star review from him). And Jun? He ate the grilled cheese and didn't complain about the tomato soup. I'll take the win.
Here's exactly what we're eating and what it cost.
The Game Plan
Monday: Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos
Throw that 3lb pork shoulder in the slow cooker with some spices and diced tomatoes in the morning. By 5 PM, it's falling apart. Serve on tortillas with shredded cheese and diced onions.
Prep tip: Shred all the pork, but only use half for tonight. Save the rest!
Tuesday: Sheet Pan Sausage, Potatoes & Carrots
Chop the smoked sausage, dice some potatoes and carrots, toss with oil and whatever seasoning you have (garlic powder and paprika never fail). Roast at 400°F for 25-30 mins. One pan, zero stress.
Wednesday: Carnitas Quesadillas & Black Beans
Remember that leftover pork? Dump it into tortillas with lots of cheddar cheese and pan-fry until crispy. Warm up a can of black beans on the side. 10 minutes to the table.
Thursday: Chicken Enchilada Bake
Layer tortillas, diced chicken thighs (brown them in a skillet first!), enchilada sauce, frozen corn, and cheese in a baking dish. Bake until bubbly. This feeds a crowd and makes the house smell amazing.
Friday: Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
By Friday, I am done cooking. Two cans of tomato soup (made creamy with a splash of milk) and classic grilled cheese sandwiches. Simple, cheap, and the kids actually eat it.
Saturday: Chicken & Veggie Fried Rice
Fridge clean-out night! Cook up some rice earlier in the day. Sauté leftover carrots, onions, and any extra chicken, scramble an egg in the pan, and toss it all with the rice and soy sauce.
The Shopping List
I verified these prices at my local Aldi this week. Your prices might vary by a few cents, but it should be right around this!
Meat ($13.50)
- Pork Shoulder Roast (3 lbs) — $5.67
- Chicken Thighs, boneless skinless (2 lbs) — $4.98
- Parkview Smoked Sausage (14 oz) — $2.85
Produce ($12.35)
- Yellow Onions (3 lb bag) — $2.19
- Potatoes (5 lb bag) — $2.99
- Carrots (2 lb bag) — $1.49
- Apples (3 lb bag) — $3.49
- Bananas (bunch) — $2.19
Dairy / Refrigerated ($7.48)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (16 oz) — $3.79
- Milk (half gallon) — $1.69
- Eggs (1 dozen) — $2.00
Pantry & Frozen ($13.99)
- Flour Tortillas (20 count) — $1.99
- Black Beans (2 cans) — $1.58
- Tomato Soup (2 cans) — $1.38
- Enchilada Sauce (1 can) — $1.89
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can) — $0.89 (for the carnitas!)
- White Rice (3 lb bag) — $2.49
- Soy Sauce — $1.49
- Sandwich Bread (1 loaf) — $1.29
- Frozen Corn (12 oz bag) — $0.99
Total: $47.32
Assumes you have basic cooking oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in your pantry!
Leftover Strategy
The pork shoulder stretching into two meals is the real MVP here. One $5.67 piece of meat covering two family dinners is how you actually keep your budget under $50. Plus, the rice and soy sauce will last you for weeks of future meals.
Let me know if you try this one! Drop your grocery total in the comments — I want to see your numbers!