ALDI Vegetarian Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

This week's flyer is unusually light on traditional proteins and leans heavily on pantry staples, frozen pasta, and produce. The five dinners are anchored by some of the best values on the flyer: black beans at under $1 a can, gnocchi at $1.89, and the pizza dough at $1.19 make for genuinely cheap, satisfying weeknight meals. The Priano Stuffed Shells at $4.89 is the single highest per-serving protein cost this week and earns the one premium slot - it is still a reasonable splurge for a baked pasta dinner that feeds four. The Cheesy Skillet Dinner is used on one night and stretched with mushrooms and black beans to make it a full meal rather than a side. Because this flyer has no meat or seafood at all, every night is naturally economical, and the week's total stays well within a comfortable range for four people.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Baked Stuffed Shells with Tomato Basil Garlic Sauce and Mozzarella
Description: Frozen Priano Stuffed Shells are baked in Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce and topped with Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella until bubbly and golden. This is a hearty, hands-off baked pasta dinner that comes together in about 45 minutes with minimal prep.
Sale items used: Priano Stuffed Shells or Manicotti 20 oz, Reggano Meat or Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce 24 oz, Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella 16 oz
Prep time: 10 minutes active, 35 minutes bake
Serving note: 1 package Priano Stuffed Shells or Manicotti (20 oz), 1 jar Reggano Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce (24 oz) spread across the bottom of the baking dish and spooned over the shells, 1 cup Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella (from the 16 oz bag, reserving the rest for Friday). Serves 4 comfortably.

Tuesday
Meal: Black Bean and Avocado Rice Bowl with Cheddar
Description: Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice is heated and topped with seasoned Simply Nature Organic Black Beans, sliced avocado, and shredded Happy Farms Sharp Cheddar for a fast, filling bowl dinner. The combination of creamy avocado and savory beans over fluffy rice makes this a satisfying meatless meal with no stovetop required.
Sale items used: Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups 8.8 oz, Simply Nature Organic Black Beans 15.5 oz, Avocados, Happy Farms 2% Milk Mexican or Sharp Cheddar 11 oz
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serving note: 2 Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups (one per two people, or two cups heated and divided among 4 bowls), 2 cans Simply Nature Organic Black Beans (drained and warmed with cumin and garlic from pantry), 2 avocados (sliced), and roughly 4 oz Happy Farms Sharp Cheddar (shredded from the 11 oz block, reserving the rest for Thursday).

Wednesday
Meal: Homemade Veggie Pizza with Pizza Sauce, Mozzarella, and Baby Bella Mushrooms
Description: Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough is stretched, topped with Reggano Pizza Sauce, sliced Baby Bella Mushrooms, and the remaining Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella, then baked at 425 degrees F until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted. This is a fun, customizable pizza night that bakes in about 15 minutes once the dough is shaped.
Sale items used: Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough 16 oz, Reggano Regular or Spicy Pizza Sauce 14 oz, Baby Bella Mushrooms 8 oz, Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella 16 oz
Prep time: 15 minutes active, 15 minutes bake
Serving note: 1 package Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough (16 oz) stretched to fit a large sheet pan or pizza stone, 1 jar Reggano Pizza Sauce (14 oz), 1 package Baby Bella Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced), and the remaining Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella (approximately 2 cups reserved from Monday). Serves 4 with 2 slices each from a 12-inch pizza.
Recipes:
- Easy Veggie Pizza Recipe With Homemade Crust
- Veggie Pizza

Thursday
Meal: Cheesy Skillet Pasta with Black Beans, Baby Bella Mushrooms, and Cheddar
Description: Reggano Cheesy Skillet Dinner is prepared on the stovetop according to package directions, then stirred together with a can of Simply Nature Organic Black Beans and sauteed Baby Bella Mushrooms to add protein and depth. The remaining Happy Farms Sharp Cheddar is stirred in at the end for extra richness.
Sale items used: Reggano Cheesy Skillet Dinner Assorted Varieties 11.6-12.8 oz, Simply Nature Organic Black Beans 15.5 oz, Baby Bella Mushrooms 8 oz, Happy Farms 2% Milk Mexican or Sharp Cheddar 11 oz
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1 package Reggano Cheesy Skillet Dinner, 1 can Simply Nature Organic Black Beans (drained and rinsed), 1 package Baby Bella Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced and sauteed in olive oil from pantry), and the remaining Happy Farms Sharp Cheddar (approximately 4 to 5 oz, shredded and stirred in off heat). Serves 4.

Friday
Meal: Pan-Sauteed Gnocchi with Parmesan, Avocado, and Mini Cucumbers Salad
Description: Priano Gnocchi is boiled then pan-sauteed in olive oil until lightly golden on the outside, finished with Reggano Parmesan Cheese and fresh herbs from the pantry. A simple side salad of sliced Mini Cucumbers and avocado dressed with lemon juice and olive oil rounds out the plate.
Sale items used: Priano Gnocchi 17.6 oz, Reggano Parmesan or Parmesan & Romano Cheese 8 oz, Mini Cucumbers 16 oz, Avocados
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: 1 package Priano Gnocchi (17.6 oz, boiled per package directions then sauteed in a large skillet), approximately 3 oz Reggano Parmesan Cheese (grated over the top, from the 8 oz container), 1 package Mini Cucumbers (16 oz, sliced), and 2 avocados (sliced for the salad). Serves 4.

Check the label: many hard cheeses are set with animal rennet.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Priano Stuffed Shells or Manicotti 20 oz (x1): $4.89
- Reggano Meat or Tomato, Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce 24 oz (x1): $1.69
- Happy Farms Shredded Mozzarella 16 oz (x1): $3.29
- Earthly Grains Ready-to-Eat Rice Cups 8.8 oz (x2): $3.30
- Simply Nature Organic Black Beans 15.5 oz (x3): $2.97
- Avocados (x4): $2.36
- Happy Farms 2% Milk Mexican or Sharp Cheddar 11 oz (x1): $2.79
- Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough 16 oz (x1): $1.19
- Reggano Regular or Spicy Pizza Sauce 14 oz (x1): $1.09
- Baby Bella Mushrooms 8 oz (x2): $2.58
- Reggano Cheesy Skillet Dinner Assorted Varieties 11.6-12.8 oz (x1): $2.79
- Priano Gnocchi 17.6 oz (x1): $1.89
- Reggano Parmesan or Parmesan & Romano Cheese 8 oz (x1): $2.79
Check the label: many hard cheeses are set with animal rennet.
- Mini Cucumbers 16 oz (x1): $1.69

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Cumin (for black beans on Tuesday)
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (for pizza and pasta)
- Lemon juice or red wine vinegar (for Friday salad dressing)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for pizza or gnocchi)