7 Day Budget Meal Plan (April 13-19)

A 7 day flexible, budget-friendly meal planner to take the guesswork out of making dinner. All the ingredients are from Aldi because I'm a big believer in a one-stop-shop and staying on a budget. The plan includes the recipes and an itemized shopping list to make it all really easy!

Hello, and welcome to the first Savvy Bites dinner plan using all ingredients from Aldi UK. If you're USA-based, I'm sure you can get most of these items at your local Aldi, too. So here we are. In unprecedented times and unchartered territory. But the fact of the matter is, while we're all on lockdown, we're eating and cooking more than we ever have before. Partly out of necessity and partly out of stress relief, often both. I've included 7 recipes but, depending on the size of your household you may have leftovers. Or, if you're able, you may decide to support one of your local eateries and order takeout or delivery.

Why Aldi

I know many people might be new here, so let me just explain a few things real quick. I don't work for Aldi, nor have I ever. I'm not affiliated with them in any way except that they are my favourite grocery store and I think what they do is remarkable. Like many of you, I'm sure, I used to do my primary shop at Aldi, and then go to one or two other shops for "bits and bobs". It was costing me too much time and too much money. So, I decided to use my chef training and get creative and disciplined about making recipes using only ingredients from Aldi. And so far, it's been a hit!

About the meal plan

Meal planning has been an integral part of my life since I was a kid. Being raised in a single-parent household on a fixed income, it was vital that we didn't buy more than we needed and certainly never wasted anything. All of that means that I know a tonne about sticking to a budget and making a lot out of not very much. In times like these, both skills have come in handy. So, these meal plans are a way that I can help you navigate some waters you may not have a lot of experience with.

The recipes

Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is a delicious blend of tangy and sweet flavours, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tender chicken pieces are coated in a flavourful sauce, combined with vibrant vegetables and juicy pineapple.

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Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach and Artichokes

Creamy pesto gnocchi! Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines the freshness of baby spinach, the tang of marinated artichokes, and the rich taste of gouda cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Easy Chicken Thai Noodle Soup with Red Curry

This Thai noodle soup is a vibrant and aromatic dish, perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with flavors from red curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh herbs!

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The BEST Sweet Potato Curry

This sweet potato curry is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Packed with nutritious ingredients and aromatic spices, it’s a delicious and healthy option that’s also great for meal prepping and freezing.

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The Best Easy Vegetable Pasta Bake

This vegetable pasta bake is a hearty and healthy dish that's perfect for a family dinner. Packed with colourful vegetables and flavourful tomato sauce, it's a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Make This Recipe

Shopping list

Because it's so important to make sure that we're going out as few times as possible, these meal plans require you to go to one shop only, Aldi. The itemized list is categorised so that you get all your fresh stuff at once, dairy, meat etc without having to zig-zag through the shop. The recipes on this weeks list have less than 15 ingredients each. This number will include larder items you already have, like ketchup and soy sauce. Before you go shopping, have a quick cross-check of the list with your fridge and larder so you don't buy anything unnecessary.

I've linked all the recipes above so that you can go to each one for the top tips and the step by step photos and instructions.

Print Shopping List

Larder Store/ Store Cupboard

• 1 box cornflour
• 1 box chicken or vegetable stock cube (or water)
• 1 bottle cider vinegar (or regular)
• 1 bottle soy sauce (dark or light is fine)
• 1 bottle ketchup
• 500g demerara sugar
• 1 tin of pineapple slices or pieces (keep the juice)
• 500ml vegetable oil for frying the chicken
• 1 bag rice- basmati or brown
• 500g gnocchi 
• 1 jar marinated grilled artichokes
• 1 bag spinach
• 1 bottle white wine (optional)
• 1 jar dried oregano
• 1 jar dried basil
• 1 jar Thai red curry paste
• 1 jar Honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 pack Rice Noodles
• 2 tins Coconut Milk
• 1 tin Sweet Corn (tin or frozen)
• 1 jar Pesto
• 1 bottle Olive oil
• 1 small pack cashews
• 500g Pasta

Fresh Fruit & Veg

• 1 bulb garlic
• 4 yellow/ brown onion
• 2 red onion
• 1 inch piece ginger
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• yellow pepper
• mixed peppers
• 1 bunch basil
• 2 limes
• 250g mushrooms
• 500g sweet potatoes
• 1 bag spinach
• 1 bunch basil
• 1 bunch coriander

Meat & Dairy

• 4 boneless skinless chicken
• extra mature gouda or similar
• 300ml single cream
• 500g Cheese (preferably mozzarella)
• 300ml double cream

Meet the Chef!

Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.

Learn more about me →