Delicious and Budget-Friendly: Top 5 Aldi Meals Under $5 That Beat Takeout

In today’s world, where time and money are precious commodities, the allure of takeout is undeniable. But what if you could enjoy equally delicious, satisfying meals without breaking the bank or sacrificing your health? Enter Aldi, the grocery store known for its incredible prices and quality products. With a little creativity and planning, you can whip up amazing meals for under $5 per serving that rival your favorite takeout dishes. This article will showcase five incredible Aldi meal ideas that are not only budget-friendly but also tastier and healthier than their takeout counterparts. Get ready to ditch the delivery apps and embrace the deliciousness of home-cooked Aldi meals!

Why Choose Aldi Meals Over Takeout?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore why opting for Aldi meals over takeout is a smart choice:

• Cost-Effective: Takeout meals can quickly add up, especially if you’re ordering for a family. Aldi allows you to stretch your food budget further, providing high-quality ingredients at incredibly low prices.
• Healthier Options: Takeout often comes with excessive sodium, unhealthy fats, and hidden sugars. Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes, creating healthier and more balanced meals.
• Customizable: With Aldi ingredients, you can tailor your meals to your specific dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply picky, you have the freedom to create dishes that suit your taste.
• Fun and Rewarding: Cooking can be a therapeutic and enjoyable experience. Plus, there’s a great sense of accomplishment in creating a delicious meal from scratch.
• Less Waste: Takeout often comes with disposable containers and packaging, contributing to environmental waste. Cooking at home allows you to minimize waste and be more eco-conscious.

The 5 Best Aldi Meals Under $5 (That Beat Takeout!)

Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are five mouthwatering Aldi meal ideas, complete with detailed recipes and estimated costs per serving. Prices are based on average Aldi prices and may vary slightly depending on your location.

1. Speedy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

Skip the greasy Italian takeout and opt for this light and flavorful shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles. It’s quick, easy, and packed with protein and nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined ($5.99)
• 2 medium zucchini ($1.49)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ($3.49)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.99)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth ($1.79)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice ($0.99)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes ($1.49)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped ($1.99)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the zucchini noodles: Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles. Set aside.
2. Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
3. Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
4. Add the zucchini noodles: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are tender-crisp.
5. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional). Serve immediately.

Estimated Cost Per Serving:

Assuming you use half the shrimp, one zucchini, and small portions of the other ingredients, the cost per serving is approximately $4.00.

Why It’s Better Than Takeout:

This dish is lighter, fresher, and significantly lower in calories and sodium than traditional shrimp scampi from a restaurant. You control the amount of oil and salt, and the zucchini noodles add a healthy dose of vegetables.

2. Hearty Black Bean Burgers on Brioche Buns

Ditch the greasy fast-food burgers and whip up these flavorful black bean burgers on soft brioche buns. They’re packed with protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained ($0.79)
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice ($1.29 per bag)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion ($0.99)
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (any color) ($1.49)
• 1 clove garlic, minced ($0.99)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder ($1.49)
• 1 teaspoon cumin ($1.49)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs ($0.99)
• 2 brioche buns ($2.49)
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa ($prices vary)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the black bean mixture: In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork. Add cooked brown rice, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well.
2. Add breadcrumbs: Stir in breadcrumbs until the mixture is firm enough to form patties.
3. Form the patties: Divide the mixture into two equal portions and form into patties.
4. Cook the burgers: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, until heated through and slightly browned.
5. Assemble the burgers: Place the patties on brioche buns and top with your favorite toppings.

Estimated Cost Per Serving:

Assuming you use half the black beans, half the rice, and portions of the other ingredients, the cost per serving is approximately $2.75.

Why It’s Better Than Takeout:

These black bean burgers are much healthier than fast-food burgers, which are often loaded with fat and sodium. They’re also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings to create a truly personalized burger experience.

3. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Elevate the classic comfort food combo of tomato soup and grilled cheese with this gourmet twist. The creamy tomato soup is made from scratch, and the grilled cheese croutons add a delightful crunch and cheesy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes ($1.49)
• 1 onion, chopped ($0.99)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.99)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ($3.49)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil ($1.49)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar ($1.99)
• 1 cup chicken broth ($1.79)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream ($1.99)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 slices white bread ($0.89)
• 2 slices cheddar cheese ($2.99)
• 1 tablespoon butter ($3.49)

Instructions:

1. Make the tomato soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
4. Add broth and cream: Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently.
5. Make the grilled cheese croutons: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top with cheddar cheese and the other slice of bread, butter-side up. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Cut into croutons: Cut the grilled cheese into small cubes.
7. Serve: Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons.

Estimated Cost Per Serving:

Assuming you use half the crushed tomatoes, half the onion, and portions of the other ingredients, the cost per serving is approximately $3.50.

Why It’s Better Than Takeout:

This homemade tomato soup is much richer and more flavorful than canned soup from the store or bland tomato soup from a restaurant. The grilled cheese croutons add a fun and delicious twist, making this a truly comforting and satisfying meal. It’s also lower in sodium and preservatives than most takeout options.

4. Chicken Fajita Bowls with Cilantro-Lime Rice

Skip the pricey Mexican takeout and create these vibrant and flavorful chicken fajita bowls at home. They’re packed with protein, vegetables, and a zesty cilantro-lime rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts ($2.99)
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced ($1.49)
• 1 onion, sliced ($0.99)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ($3.49)
• 1 packet fajita seasoning ($0.79)
• 1 cup white rice ($0.99 per bag)
• 2 cups chicken broth ($1.79)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro ($1.99)
• 1 lime, juiced ($0.49)
• Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, avocado ($prices vary)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Cut the chicken breasts into strips. Slice the bell pepper and onion.
2. Cook the chicken and vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the fajita seasoning and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Make the cilantro-lime rice: In a medium saucepan, combine white rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
4. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cilantro-lime rice between two bowls. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Add your favorite toppings.

Estimated Cost Per Serving:

Assuming you use half the chicken, half the bell pepper, and portions of the other ingredients, the cost per serving is approximately $4.25.

Why It’s Better Than Takeout:

These chicken fajita bowls are much healthier and more affordable than ordering fajitas from a Mexican restaurant. You can control the amount of sodium and fat, and the cilantro-lime rice adds a fresh and flavorful twist. Plus, you can customize the toppings to your liking.

5. Pasta with Creamy Pesto and Sausage

Skip the expensive Italian restaurant and enjoy this simple yet satisfying pasta dish at home. The creamy pesto sauce is easy to make, and the sausage adds a savory protein boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (any shape) ($0.89)
• 1 pound Italian sausage ($3.49)
• 1/4 cup pesto ($2.99)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream ($1.99)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ($2.49)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing and cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together pesto and heavy cream.
4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and sausage to the bowl with the pesto sauce. Toss to coat.
5. Serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Estimated Cost Per Serving:

Assuming you use half the pasta, half the sausage, and portions of the other ingredients, the cost per serving is approximately $3.75.

Why It’s Better Than Takeout:

This pasta dish is much more affordable than ordering pasta from an Italian restaurant. It’s also easy to customize – you can use your favorite type of pasta, sausage, or pesto. Plus, you control the amount of salt and fat, making it a healthier option.

Tips for Saving Money at Aldi

Here are some additional tips for maximizing your savings at Aldi:

• Shop the weekly ad: Aldi releases a weekly ad featuring special deals and discounts. Be sure to check it out before you shop to see what’s on sale.
• Buy store brands: Aldi’s store brands are typically much cheaper than name-brand products, and they often taste just as good.
• Look for red stickers: Red stickers indicate clearance items, which are priced to sell quickly.
• Bring your own bags: Aldi charges for bags, so bring your own to save money and reduce waste.
• Plan your meals: Planning your meals in advance can help you avoid impulse purchases and ensure that you only buy what you need.

Conclusion

With a little planning and creativity, you can create delicious and budget-friendly meals using ingredients from Aldi that are even better than takeout. These five recipes are just a starting point – feel free to experiment and create your own variations based on your taste preferences and dietary needs. So, ditch the delivery apps and embrace the deliciousness of home-cooked Aldi meals! You’ll save money, eat healthier, and have fun in the process. Happy cooking!