ALDI Kid-Friendly Meal Plan

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Skillet Chicken Thighs with Baby Bella Mushrooms and Rice
Description: Tender boneless skinless chicken thighs are pan-seared and simmered with sliced baby bella mushrooms until golden and juicy, served over fluffy ready-to-eat rice for a simple, satisfying dinner kids will love. The mild, savory flavors and soft textures make this a weeknight winner that comes together quickly in one skillet.
Sale items used: Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Baby Bella Mushrooms, Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use approximately 1 lb of chicken thighs for 2 people (about 3-4 thighs) at $2.49/lb, totaling $2.49. Use 1 package (8 oz) of baby bella mushrooms and 2 rice cups. Season simply with garlic powder, salt, and a little butter for kid-friendly flavor.
Recipes:
- Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Rice
- Skillet Mushroom Chicken Thighs

Tuesday
Meal: Homemade Pizza with Ground Beef, Mozzarella, and Pizza Sauce
Description: Kids can help stretch and top their own personal pizza dough with zesty pizza sauce, seasoned ground beef crumbles, and melty shredded mozzarella for a fun hands-on dinner. One 16 oz dough ball makes two personal-sized pizzas that bake up golden and cheesy in about 15 minutes.
Sale items used: Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough, Fresh Organic 85/15 Grass-Fed Ground Beef (Simply Nature 1 lb), Reggano Regular Pizza Sauce, Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package of pizza dough split into 2 personal pizzas, 1 lb ground beef (use about half for the pizza and save the rest for another use or freeze), 1 jar pizza sauce (use about half), and about half the 16 oz bag of mozzarella. Let kids add their own toppings for extra fun.
Recipes:
- Homemade Pizza with Ground Beef
- Ground Beef and Onion Pizza

Wednesday
Meal: Sliced Kielbasa and Black Bean Rice Bowls
Description: Sliced kielbasa is pan-fried until lightly caramelized, then served over rice with seasoned black beans for a hearty, kid-approved bowl that is easy to customize. The mild smoky sausage flavor pairs perfectly with the soft beans and rice, making it a filling and familiar meal.
Sale items used: Parkview Polska Kielbasa, Simply Nature Organic Black Beans, Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package (13-14 oz) of kielbasa, sliced into coins and pan-fried. Use 1 can of black beans (rinse and warm with a pinch of cumin if desired) and 2 rice cups. The whole kielbasa package is portioned perfectly for 2 people with a little left for snacking.
Recipes:
- Kielbasa Black Bean Skillet

Thursday
Meal: Pan-Seared Honey Maple Salmon with Mini Cucumbers and Grapes
Description: Honey maple salmon fillets are quickly pan-seared until flaky and lightly caramelized, served alongside cool sliced mini cucumbers and sweet red grapes for a colorful, balanced plate kids enjoy. The naturally sweet glaze on the salmon makes it approachable for younger eaters who might be new to fish.
Sale items used: Fresh Honey Maple Salmon, Mini Cucumbers, California Red Grapes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: Purchase approximately 1 lb of honey maple salmon (2 fillets, about 0.5 lb each) at $10.99/lb, totaling $10.99. Use half the 16 oz bag of mini cucumbers, sliced into rounds, and about 0.5 lb of red grapes as a side. No extra seasoning needed since the salmon is pre-marinated.
Recipes:
- Easy Pan Seared Salmon - Honey Soy Glaze

Friday
Meal: Sliced Marinated Pork Loin Filet with Pasta and Tomato Basil Garlic Sauce
Description: A marinated pork loin filet is roasted and sliced thin, then served alongside pasta tossed in a rich tomato basil garlic sauce and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner. The familiar pasta and mild pork flavors make this a crowd-pleaser that feels a little special for a Friday night.
Sale items used: Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet, Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce, Reggano Parmesan Cheese
Prep time: 40 minutes
Serving note: Purchase approximately 1 lb of marinated pork loin filet at $2.99/lb, totaling $2.99 - this is a generous portion for 2 people. Use about half the jar of pasta sauce over 8 oz of pasta (pantry staple). Sprinkle Parmesan at the table for kids to add themselves. Make-ahead tip: roast the pork up to 30 minutes before serving and let it rest while the pasta cooks.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (1 lb): $2.49
- Baby Bella Mushrooms (1 pack, 8 oz): $1.29
- Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups (x4 cups): $6.60
- Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough (1 pack, 16 oz): $1.19
- Simply Nature Fresh Organic 85/15 Grass-Fed Ground Beef (1 lb): $5.99
- Reggano Regular Pizza Sauce (1 jar, 14 oz): $1.09
- Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella (1 bag, 16 oz): $3.29
- Parkview Polska Kielbasa (1 pack, 13-14 oz): $2.89
- Simply Nature Organic Black Beans (1 can, 15.5 oz): $0.99
- Fresh Honey Maple Salmon (1 lb): $10.99
- Mini Cucumbers (1 pack, 16 oz): $1.69
- California Red Grapes (0.5 lb): $0.65
- Fresh Marinated Pork Loin Filet (1 lb): $2.99
- Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): $1.69
- Reggano Parmesan Cheese (1 container, 8 oz): $2.79

Pantry staples needed:
- Pasta (8 oz, any short or long shape)
- Olive oil or butter for cooking
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray