8 Best Aldi Prepared Meals for Busy Weeknights

Weeknights can be chaotic. After a long day of work, school, or errands, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing a meal. Fortunately, Aldi offers a fantastic selection of prepared meals that are quick, easy, and budget-friendly. These options are perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence and you’re craving a delicious and satisfying dinner.

This article explores eight of the best Aldi prepared meals that can help you conquer those hectic weeknights. We’ll delve into what makes them great, provide detailed preparation instructions, and even suggest ways to elevate them for an even more enjoyable dining experience.

## 1. Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Take and Bake Pizza

**Why it’s great:** This is a classic for a reason! Mama Cozzi’s pizzas are a crowd-pleaser and offer a customizable base for a quick and easy meal. The variety of toppings available ensures there’s something for everyone.

**Preparation Instructions:**

1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings.
2. **Prep:** Remove the pizza from the packaging. You can place it directly on a baking sheet or pizza stone. For an extra crispy crust, consider using a pizza stone.
3. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
4. **Rest:** Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This prevents burning your mouth and allows the cheese to set slightly.

**Elevate It:**

* **Add Fresh Toppings:** Enhance the flavor with fresh vegetables like sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. Add them during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Spice it Up:** Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or drizzle with hot sauce after baking.
* **Gourmet Cheese:** Add a sprinkle of Parmesan, Asiago, or crumbled goat cheese during the last few minutes for a richer flavor.
* **Herb Infusion:** Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano after baking for an aromatic boost.
* **Garlic Butter Crust:** Before baking, brush the crust with garlic butter for extra flavor.

## 2. Park Street Deli Freshly Made Salsa & Tortilla Chips

**Why it’s great:** For a super quick and easy snack or light meal, Aldi’s Park Street Deli Salsa and tortilla chips are a winner. The salsa is surprisingly flavorful for a pre-made option, and the chips are sturdy enough to hold up to dipping.

**Preparation Instructions:**

1. **Open and Serve:** This is the easiest meal prep ever! Simply open the salsa container and the bag of tortilla chips.
2. **Arrange:** Pour the salsa into a serving bowl and arrange the tortilla chips around it.
3. **Enjoy:** Dip and enjoy!

**Elevate It:**

* **Guacamole:** Add a side of guacamole for a more substantial and flavorful snack. Aldi also sells pre-made guacamole or avocados for making your own.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Serve with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a cooling and creamy contrast to the salsa.
* **Queso:** Warm up some queso dip for an extra cheesy experience. Aldi often has a variety of queso options available.
* **Black Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans to the salsa for added protein and fiber.
* **Lime:** Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salsa for a burst of citrus flavor.

## 3. Kirkwood Chicken Breast Fillets (Frozen)

**Why it’s great:** These frozen chicken breasts are incredibly versatile and can be used in countless recipes. They’re individually wrapped, making it easy to thaw only what you need.

**Preparation Instructions (Pan-Fried):**

1. **Thaw:** Thaw the chicken breasts completely in the refrigerator. This is the safest and most recommended method. You can also quick-thaw them in a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
2. **Pound (Optional):** For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap to prevent splattering.
3. **Season:** Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.).
4. **Heat Oil:** Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil) in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. **Cook:** Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
6. **Rest:** Let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

**Preparation Instructions (Oven-Baked):**

1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prep:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. **Season:** Season the thawed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices.
4. **Bake:** Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. **Rest:** Let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

**Elevate It:**

* **Lemon Herb Chicken:** Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) before cooking.
* **Blackened Chicken:** Coat the chicken with a blackened seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
* **Parmesan Crusted Chicken:** Dip the chicken in beaten egg and then coat with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning before baking or pan-frying.
* **Chicken Stir-Fry:** Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to a stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and sauce.
* **Chicken Salad:** Shred the cooked chicken and use it to make a classic chicken salad.

## 4. Fremont Fish Market Frozen Breaded Shrimp

**Why it’s great:** These breaded shrimp are a quick and easy way to satisfy a seafood craving. They cook up crispy and are perfect for dipping in cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.

**Preparation Instructions (Oven-Baked):**

1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. **Prep:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. **Arrange:** Arrange the frozen shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

**Preparation Instructions (Air Fryer):**

1. **Preheat:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Arrange:** Place the frozen shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it.
3. **Cook:** Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.

**Elevate It:**

* **Shrimp Tacos:** Use the cooked shrimp to make delicious shrimp tacos with your favorite toppings.
* **Shrimp Po’ Boys:** Create a classic New Orleans po’ boy sandwich with the shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce.
* **Shrimp Scampi:** Toss the cooked shrimp with pasta, garlic, butter, and white wine for a simple shrimp scampi.
* **Sweet Chili Shrimp:** Toss the cooked shrimp in sweet chili sauce for a sweet and spicy appetizer or main course.
* **Shrimp and Grits:** Serve the cooked shrimp over creamy grits for a Southern-inspired meal.

## 5. Bremer Bistro Family Size Chicken Pot Pie

**Why it’s great:** A classic comfort food, the Bremer Bistro Chicken Pot Pie is a hearty and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for a cold evening when you want something warm and comforting.

**Preparation Instructions (Oven-Baked):**

1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prep:** Remove the pot pie from the outer packaging. Do NOT remove the pot pie from its oven-safe tray.
3. **Bake:** Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You may need to cover the edges of the crust with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent burning.
4. **Rest:** Let the pot pie cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot.

**Elevate It:**

* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the pot pie after baking for a touch of freshness.
* **Serve with a Side Salad:** Balance the richness of the pot pie with a light and refreshing side salad.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the creamy filling.
* **Cracked Black Pepper:** Sprinkle cracked black pepper over the top for a subtle spicy flavor.
* **Extra Vegetables:** Steam or roast extra vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to serve alongside the pot pie.

## 6. Earth Grown Vegan Veggie Burgers (Frozen)

**Why it’s great:** These veggie burgers are a great plant-based option that are quick, easy, and surprisingly flavorful. They’re perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.

**Preparation Instructions (Pan-Fried):**

1. **Thaw (Optional):** While you can cook these from frozen, thawing them slightly will help them cook more evenly. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
2. **Heat Oil:** Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil) in a skillet over medium heat.
3. **Cook:** Cook the veggie burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly browned.

**Preparation Instructions (Oven-Baked):**

1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prep:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. **Arrange:** Place the veggie burgers on the prepared baking sheet.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, flipping halfway through.

**Elevate It:**

* **Gourmet Burger:** Top the veggie burger with your favorite gourmet toppings, such as avocado, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or a spicy aioli.
* **Vegan Cheese:** Add a slice of vegan cheese for a cheesy and melty experience.
* **Homemade Sauce:** Create a homemade sauce, such as a vegan pesto or a sriracha mayo, to add extra flavor.
* **Interesting Buns:** Use a brioche bun, pretzel bun, or ciabatta roll for a more exciting burger experience.
* **Lettuce Wrap:** Skip the bun altogether and wrap the veggie burger in lettuce leaves for a lighter and healthier option.

## 7. Park Street Deli Hummus and Pita Bread

**Why it’s great:** Another super simple and healthy option, Park Street Deli Hummus and Pita Bread is a great snack or light meal. The hummus is creamy and flavorful, and the pita bread is soft and perfect for dipping.

**Preparation Instructions:**

1. **Open and Serve:** Simply open the hummus container and the bag of pita bread.
2. **Arrange:** Place the hummus in a serving bowl and arrange the pita bread around it. You can also cut the pita bread into triangles for easier dipping.
3. **Warm the Pita (Optional):** For a warmer and softer pita, you can lightly toast it in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds.

**Elevate It:**

* **Vegetable Sticks:** Serve with a variety of vegetable sticks, such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers, for dipping.
* **Olives and Feta:** Add a side of olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired snack.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the hummus for added flavor and texture.
* **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the hummus for a richer flavor.
* **Roasted Red Peppers:** Add a layer of roasted red peppers on top of the hummus for a sweet and smoky flavor.

## 8. L’oven Fresh Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

**Why it’s great:** While technically not a full meal on their own, these sweet rolls are a fantastic side dish or sweet treat that requires absolutely no preparation. They are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them a crowd-pleaser.

**Preparation Instructions:**

1. **Open and Serve:** Simply open the package and serve.
2. **Warm (Optional):** For an even more delicious experience, you can warm the rolls slightly in the oven or microwave. In the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. In the microwave, heat for 10-15 seconds.

**Elevate It:**

* **Butter and Honey:** Serve with butter and a drizzle of honey.
* **Powdered Sugar:** Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
* **Cinnamon Butter:** Spread with cinnamon butter for a warm and comforting flavor.
* **Ham and Cheese Sliders:** Use the rolls to make mini ham and cheese sliders for a quick and easy lunch or snack.
* **Bread Pudding:** Use the rolls to make a delicious bread pudding.

## Conclusion

Aldi provides a fantastic array of prepared meals that can make busy weeknights much more manageable. From pizzas and pot pies to chicken breasts and veggie burgers, there’s something for everyone. By following the simple preparation instructions and adding a few creative touches, you can transform these convenient options into delicious and satisfying meals that the whole family will enjoy. So, the next time you’re short on time and energy, head to Aldi and stock up on these weeknight dinner saviors!