ALDI Low-Carb Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: This week's plan keeps things low-carb and satisfying by leaning on ALDI's fresh meat sale items, so you get plenty of protein variety without much fuss. Pork chops show up twice, once grilled in planks on Wednesday and once pan-fried with a quick tomato sauce on Thursday, giving you two totally different meals from the same cut. Monday's baked chicken wings and Tuesday's skillet ground beef are both low-effort, high-flavor dinners that come together in one pan or one sheet tray, and Friday's seared eye of round with roasted pumpkin rounds out the week with something a little more special for the weekend. Zucchini and grape tomatoes repeat across a few nights to keep your grocery list simple while still tasting fresh each time they're prepared differently.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Baked Chicken Wings with Roasted Zucchini
Description: Whole chicken wings baked until crisp and golden, served alongside roasted zucchini spears seasoned simply with salt and pepper. A quick, hands-off weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Sale items used: Farmer Focus Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Whole Chicken Wings, Organic Zucchini
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs chicken wings, 1 lb organic zucchini, sliced into spears and roasted alongside the wings.

Tuesday
Meal: Skillet Ground Beef with Grape Tomatoes
Description: Fresh ground beef browned in a skillet with garlic and burst grape tomatoes for a quick, savory one-pan dinner. Finished with fresh herbs for brightness.
Sale items used: Fresh 85/15 Ground Beef, Cherub Grape Tomatoes
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs ground beef, 1 pkg (10 oz) cherub grape tomatoes, halved and cooked down into the skillet.
Recipes:
- 10 Minute Low Carb Dinner Of Ground Beef & Cabbage - 4 Flavors!

Wednesday
Meal: Grilled Pork Chops with Zucchini
Description: Boneless center cut pork chops grilled until juicy and lightly charred, plated with grilled zucchini planks. A simple, smoky dinner with clean flavors.
Sale items used: Fresh Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops, Organic Zucchini
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs boneless center cut pork chops, 1 lb organic zucchini, sliced into planks and grilled alongside the chops.
Recipes:
- Italian Grilled Pork Chops {with Zucchini}

Thursday
Meal: Pan-Fried Thin-Sliced Pork Chops with Grape Tomatoes
Description: Thin-sliced pork chops pan-fried quickly for a tender bite, topped with a warm grape tomato pan sauce. Fast enough for a busy weeknight.
Sale items used: Fresh Thin-Sliced Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops, Cherub Grape Tomatoes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs thin-sliced boneless center cut pork chops, 1 pkg (10 oz) cherub grape tomatoes, halved and sauteed into a quick pan sauce.

Friday
Meal: Pan-Seared Eye of Round Steak with Roasted Pumpkin
Description: Eye of round steak seared in a hot pan and rested for tenderness, served with a small portion of roasted pumpkin cubes for a seasonal touch. A satisfying, higher-end finish to the week.
Sale items used: Fresh Black Angus Eye of Round, Pumpkins
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: 2 lbs eye of round steak, sliced thin against the grain after resting; 2 cups cubed pumpkin (from 1 pumpkin) roasted as a light side, portioned to about 1/2 cup per person.
Recipes:
- Low Carb Date Night - Steak on Parmesan Pumpkin Purée

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Farmer Focus Fresh Antibiotic Free Family Pack Whole Chicken Wings (2 lbs): $3.38
- Fresh 85/15 Ground Beef (2 lbs): $11.98
- Fresh Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops (2 lbs): $7.98
- Fresh Thin-Sliced Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops (2 lbs): $8.58
- Fresh Black Angus Eye of Round (2 lbs): $14.98
- Organic Zucchini (2 lbs): $4.78
- Cherub Grape Tomatoes (2 packs): $3.98
- Pumpkins (1 each): $3.95

Pantry staples needed:
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic
- Cooking oil (olive or avocado oil)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)