12 Budget-Friendly Family Dinners You Can Create for Under $10 at Aldi

Dinner doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive to be good. Some of the best meals come from simple ingredients that don’t cost much but still fill everyone up. Aldi makes it easy to pull that off, especially when you’re feeding a whole family and trying to keep things under budget. With a little creativity and the right picks from their shelves, you can throw together something tasty without overthinking it. These dinners are proof that $10 can go a long way when you shop smart and stick to the basics.

Chicken Thighs With Mushrooms and Penne

Chicken thighs are one of Aldi’s most budget-friendly meat options, and they bring more flavor than chicken breast. A 2.5-pound pack of Kirkwood bone-in thighs is just the right size for a family meal. Pair it with a box of Reggano penne and Simply Nature canned diced tomatoes for a cozy pasta dish. Saute some fresh mushrooms from the produce section to add an earthy taste and extra texture. You can even sprinkle a bit of grated cheese on top if you have some in the fridge. This dinner comes to about $7.52 total or $1.88 per serving.

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwiches

With Goldhen large eggs and Appleton Farms sliced bacon, you’ve already got two breakfast staples ready to go. Toast up a few L’Oven Fresh English muffins and add slices of Happy Farms cheddar for a warm, satisfying sandwich. The ingredients are enough to make eight servings, which comes in handy if you’re feeding a larger family or saving for the next day. You’ll still have eggs and bacon left over to use in other meals, too. It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing combo that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This one totals around $9.03, breaking down to just $1.30 per sandwich.

Shrimp Jambalaya

Aldi’s Fremont Fish Market frozen shrimp pairs perfectly with a box of Chef’s Cupboard jambalaya mix. Throw in a chopped onion for extra flavor and texture, and you’ve got a dish with Southern flair that doesn’t take much time or effort. This one-pot meal is full of flavor, and it makes cleanup easier, too. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to something new without going over budget. Everything cooks down into a rich, spicy bowl that tastes like it took a lot longer to prepare than it did. The full meal costs $8.37, with a cost per serving of about $2.09.

Cheesy Mushroom Baked Potatoes

Start with a bag of fresh baking potatoes from Aldi’s produce section. After roasting them until soft, split them open and fill with sautéed mushrooms and shredded Happy Farms mild cheddar cheese. The hot potatoes help melt the cheese right into the filling, making each bite rich and satisfying. You can even top it with a little sour cream or chopped green onions if you have some on hand. It’s simple, cozy, and a smart way to turn basic ingredients into something that feels special. The total is around $6.77, with each serving costing about $1.70.

Mushroom Quesadillas

A package of Pueblo Lindo flour tortillas goes a long way, especially when paired with Happy Farms shredded cheese and a pan of sautéed mushrooms. Cook the quesadillas on a skillet until golden on both sides, then slice and serve with salsa or sour cream if you have extras. This quick dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and only takes a few ingredients. You’ll end up with crispy, gooey quesadillas that can be doubled for leftovers or next-day lunches. It’s a great choice when you’re short on time but still want something warm and satisfying. The meal comes in at $5.37 total, which is about $1.34 per serving.

Spaghetti With Meat Sauce

Reggano spaghetti and Priano traditional pasta sauce make a classic combo that’s hard to mess up. Add in ground beef or Italian sausage, and you’ve got a hearty dish that fills up the whole table. Just season with salt, pepper, and maybe a dash of garlic powder if it’s in your pantry. One box of pasta easily stretches to four servings or more, and the sauce is rich enough that you won’t need extras. It’s a go-to dinner that hits the spot without hurting your wallet. Altogether, this meal costs $9.28, or $2.32 per serving.

Shrimp Scampi

Frozen Fremont Fish Market shrimp works great in this simple scampi, especially when paired with Reggano spaghetti or linguine. Sauté garlic in Carlini olive oil, add the shrimp, and finish it off with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of dried herbs. The flavors feel fancy, but it all comes together in about 20 minutes. You’ll get a satisfying seafood dinner that feels like a treat without going over budget. Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies if you want to round out the meal. The total is around $6.78, which breaks down to about $1.70 per serving.

Hot Dogs and Fries

You can grab a pack of Parkview hot dogs and L’Oven Fresh buns for a fun, casual dinner. For the fries, slice up a few fresh potatoes and cook them in Carlini vegetable oil until golden and crispy. Add ketchup from Burman’s for dipping, and you’ve got a full plate that everyone will enjoy. The best part is that the leftover oil and potatoes can be used for more meals later in the week. It’s a backyard cookout vibe without firing up the grill or spending too much. This combo rings in at $9.11, or about $2.28 per serving.

Burgers

Try Aldi’s fresh 80/20 ground beef patties, which are filling and flavorful even without fancy toppings. Add them to toasted L’Oven Fresh burger buns and let everyone customize with their favorite condiments. You can use leftover Burman’s ketchup or slice up a tomato and lettuce if available. Each patty is about a half pound, so they’re perfect for hungry eaters. It’s a homemade burger night that feels like fast food but for a lot less money. Total cost comes to $8.98, with each serving around $2.25.

Pancakes and Bacon

Baker’s Corner pancake mix only needs water, which keeps things super simple. Fry up some Appleton Farms bacon on the side while the pancakes cook, and breakfast-for-dinner is ready to go. You can add bananas, blueberries, or chocolate chips to the batter if you have them. It’s a fun, flexible meal that can be sweet or savory depending on your mood. And since the mix goes a long way, you’ll have plenty left for another morning. This meal totals just $5.58, coming out to around $0.70 per serving.

Yogurt With Berries and Granola

Friendly Farms vanilla yogurt pairs well with fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries, both of which are usually available in Aldi’s produce section. Sprinkle on a generous handful of Millville granola for crunch and you’ve got a layered bowl that tastes like dessert. This works for a light dinner, snack, or breakfast-for-dinner kind of night. It’s also easy to prep ahead in containers if your family is on different schedules. Healthy, tasty, and no cooking required. Altogether, the cost is $7.18, or around $1.80 per serving.

Vegan Burgers and Potato Salad

Earth Grown vegan patties make this a great meat-free meal option that still feels filling. Grill or pan-fry the patties and place them on L’Oven Fresh buns with your favorite toppings. For the side, boil peeled potatoes and mix them with Burman’s mayo, mustard, and a pinch of salt to make a quick potato salad. You can add chopped pickles or celery if you’ve got some handy. It’s a full plate that works for plant-based families without blowing the grocery budget. The total is about $9.42, which breaks down to $2.36 per serving.

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