17 Delicious Aldi Dinner Recipes That Taste Like a Million Bucks (But Aren’t)

Are you tired of boring and expensive dinner recipes? Aldi’s affordable options are a great place to start, with everything from hearty stews to flavorful seafood dishes at a fraction of the cost.

You can make delicious meals without breaking the bank, and that’s exciting news for your taste buds and wallet.

Aldi has a wide range of yummy dinner ideas that are easy to make and fun to eat.

You can choose from many different recipes, like chicken, beef, or fish, and add your favorite vegetables and spices.

With Aldi’s help, you can create a amazing dinner that tastes like a million bucks tonight!

Affordable Braised Short Ribs Recipe

Tender and flavorful short ribs in a rich sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 short ribs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
5. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside.
6. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it is softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
8. Add the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the pot, stirring to combine.
9. Return the short ribs to the pot and bring the sauce to a boil.
10. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
11. Braise the short ribs for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until they are tender and falling off the bone.
12. Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly.
13. Serve the short ribs with the rich sauce spooned over the top.

Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake

Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake is a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to release their juices.
5. Stir in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomato sauce mixture, and grated mozzarella.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil before serving.

Easy Chicken Fajitas

Savor the flavor of Mexico with Easy Chicken Fajitas, a spicy and savory dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 small flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Slice the chicken into thin strips and season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
6. Warm the flour tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble the fajitas by placing the chicken and vegetable mixture onto the tortillas and adding desired toppings.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Baked Salmon With Lemon and Herbs

Baked salmon with lemon and herbs is a flavorful and healthy dinner option.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 4 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon fillets.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place a sprig of rosemary and thyme on each salmon fillet.
7. Slice the lemons and place a slice on top of each salmon fillet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

A comforting and flavorful stew made with tender beef and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and potatoes to the pot.
4. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Add the garlic, beef broth, and thyme to the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

A flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with roasted vegetables and quinoa.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large sweet potato
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 large red onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: feta cheese, chopped fresh herbs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.
4. Peel and chop the sweet potato into 1-inch cubes.
5. Seed and chop the red bell pepper into 1-inch pieces.
6. Peel and chop the red onion into 1-inch pieces.
7. Mince the garlic.
8. Place the sweet potato, bell pepper, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet.
9. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
10. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
11. Add the broccoli florets to the baking sheet and continue to roast for an additional 5 minutes.
12. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide among bowls.
13. Top the quinoa with the roasted vegetables and season with salt and pepper to taste.
14. Optional: top with feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole

Hearty one-pot chicken and rice casserole for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute.
5. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice with oil and mix with the chicken and onion.
6. Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
8. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and continue to cook, covered, for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
9. Serve the one-pot chicken and rice casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Pan-Seared Steak With Garlic Butter

Pan-Seared Steak With Garlic Butter is a mouthwatering dish with a savory flavor.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs steak
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter.
3. Season the steak with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 10-12 minutes.
7. Remove the steak from the oven and top with garlic butter.
8. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Tender chicken breasts stuffed with a savory spinach and feta filling.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture.
5. Close the incision and secure the filling with toothpicks if needed.
6. Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil.
7. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Hearty slow cooker chili con carne for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 500g minced beef
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of kidney beans
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 1 can of diced green chilies

Instructions

1. Brown the minced beef in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pan and cook until the vegetables are soft.
3. Stir in the chili powder and cumin and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and diced green chilies to the slow cooker.
5. Add the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.

Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers, a colorful and flavorful dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 zucchinis, cut into slices
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken, bell pepper, onion, garlic, zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
3. Brush skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy.

Creamy Mushroom and Leek Soup

Creamy Mushroom and Leek Soup is a rich and comforting dish perfect for cold evenings.

Ingredients

• 2 medium leeks, chopped
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped leeks until they are softened.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme.
9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Baked Chicken Parmesan With Pasta

Crispy baked chicken topped with melted mozzarella cheese and served with pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
3. Prepare breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
4. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Dip each chicken breast in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.
6. Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Drizzle olive oil over chicken and bake for 20-25 minutes.
8. Spoon marinara sauce over chicken and top with mozzarella cheese.
9. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
10. Serve chicken with cooked pasta and top with Parmesan cheese.

Roasted Chicken and Potato Dinner

Delicious roasted chicken and potato dinner for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 2-3 large potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Peel and chop the potatoes into large chunks.
5. Place the potatoes in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and arrange the potatoes around it.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
8. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving with roasted potatoes.

Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish made with shrimp, garlic, and butter.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup cooked linguine

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Add the white wine, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half.
7. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.
8. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss with the sauce.
9. Serve the shrimp over cooked linguine and garnish with parsley.

Vegetable and Bean Chili

Hearty and flavorful Vegetable and Bean Chili perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 can corn
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté in a large pot until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the chili powder and cumin and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, red bell pepper, and corn to the pot.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Herb-Crusted Pork Chops With Roasted Carrots

Herb-Crusted Pork Chops With Roasted Carrots is a delicious and easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 4 carrots
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the pork chops with olive oil and coat with the herb mixture.
4. Place the pork chops on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Peel and chop the carrots into 1-inch pieces.
6. Toss the carrots with honey and olive oil.
7. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
8. Serve the herb-crusted pork chops with roasted carrots.

Conclusion

You’ll be living like royalty on a pauper’s budget with these Aldi dinner recipes, a true “feast of the gods” without breaking the bank. Just like King Midas, everything you touch turns to gold – or in this case, delicious meals that taste like a million bucks, but aren’t. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your wallet.