At-home meal prep makes the most financial sense in the current economy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), between March 2024 and March 2025, the cost of "food-away-from-home" rose by 3.8 percent.
Tackle high takeout prices when you save money at Aldi. The budget-friendly retailer has prepared meals that taste just as good (if not better than) restaurant fare.
From a gourmet goat cheese pizza to fresh pasta salad, our roundup features affordable ready-to-heat-and-eat entrees. The best part? They all cost $8 or less.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Casa Mamita Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas
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Price: $3.99
Corn tortillas, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chili serrano, jalapenos, and seasonings, topped with a subtly sophisticated sauce, give this meal for two an authentic flavor.
The quick lunch or dinner is easy to prep. Microwave the enchiladas for five to six minutes and serve with spicy salsa, queso, or guac.
Park Street Deli Macaroni and Cheese
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Price: $3.25
Score a 20-ounce tub of refrigerated mac and cheese for $3.25 right now. The rich blend of American and cheddar adds extra creaminess, making this a delicious dinner (or lunchtime) option.
Aldi's low price isn't just cheaper than similar brand-name buys. This economical at-home meal costs less than one medium mac and cheese side at Chick-fil-A ($4.25).
Mama Cozzi's Spicy Sausage Calzone
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Price: $2.39
Save money on this prepared Aldi deli version of the popular pizza parlor product. This refrigerated pocket has the same great taste at a much lower price point.
The seven-ounce handheld features ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, onions, and peppers, along with plenty of spicy sausage.
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Fusia California Rolls
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Price: $5.29
Pass on pricey takeout sushi and defrost these rolls at home. The 15-count pack is a steal for $5.29. And bonus, this bargain buy also includes soy sauce and wasabi. For reference, the Atarashi restaurant chain charges $9.95 for a single order of Snow Crab California Rolls.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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May brings both warmer weather and major sales with the combo of Mother's Day (May 11) and Memorial Day (May 26). Here are some of the best deals to watch for:
- Mattresses, furniture, and large appliances
- Spring clothing clearance
- Garden plants and outdoor furniture
- For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like strawberries, artichokes, and cherries.
Retailers are already prepping for summer while you're just enjoying spring, making May perfect to save money at your favorite retailers.
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Park Street Deli Pork Egg Rolls
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Price: $3.95
Add extra excitement (culinarily speaking) to vegetable stir-fry, orange chicken, or lo mein. This ready-to-serve refrigerated pack of pork, cabbage, onion, and carrot egg rolls microwaves in less than five minutes. Air fry the rolls for a crispier crunch.
Five for $3.95 is a bargain compared to the cost of takeout. A two-count Pork Egg Roll app at P.F. Chang's costs $9.49.
Fusia Chicken Fried Rice
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Price: $6.05
Egg rolls aren't the only affordable Asian-inspired prepared option at Aldi. Score a 22-ounce bag of frozen jasmine rice, chicken, eggs, and vegetables for $6.05. Cook the savory selection on the stove in a skillet or heat this meal in the microwave.
What are the cost savings compared to a similar takeout meal? The chicken fried rice entree costs $15.29 at P.F. Chang's.
Fremont Fish Market Beer Battered Cod Fillets
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Price: $4.09
Just over $4 for fish? These beer-battered cod fillets are a hearty meal that won't break the bank. Add an entire 32-ounce bag of Season's Choice French Fries for $3.19.
Combined, this totals just over $7.25. One order of fish and chips costs $19.90 at Bonefish Grill. And that doesn't include a delivery fee or tip.
Fusia Mandarin Orange Chicken
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Price: $7.29
This classic Chinese chicken dinner is sweet, tangy, and so much more. A citrusy zip gives the foodie find a distinctive flavor that pairs perfectly with stir-fried veggies, tender ramen noodles, or fried rice.
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Bremer Angus Beef Patty Cheeseburger Melt
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Price: $5.49
No time to grill? No problem. You don't have to order takeout. Save money and stay home. Aldi's Angus cheeseburger pita melt is an easy (and affordable) alternative. Simply heat each patty pocket in the microwave for about one minute.
The six-sandwich pack is a bargain for under $5.50. You'll have cash leftover for a bottle of Burman's Spicy Jalapeno Ketchup ($2.45) and Season's Choice Crinkle Cut Potatoes ($3.19).
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Breakfast Best Meat Lovers Breakfast Bowl
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Price: $2.15
Make something more than cereal for breakfast. At $2.15 for seven ounces, this mouthwatering mix of sausage, bacon, cheddar cheese, eggs, and potatoes is a filling meal that costs less than diner fare.
Casa Mamita Layered Chicken Tostada
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Price: $3.89
Tender chicken, pinto beans, olives, and a savory red sauce make this layered stack a must-have meal. Of course, that's not the only reason to try this tostada.
The Mexican-inspired frozen prepared pick also includes two crispy tortillas and a deliciously creamy blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
Park Street Deli Seasoned Pulled Chicken
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Price: $6.59
Slow-cooked BBQ sauce-covered chicken sounds like something on a restaurant menu. But now you can get the fan favorite in Aldi's refrigerated section. And don't worry about firing up the grill or smoker. Microwave this meal in two to three minutes.
Aldi Caprese Pasta Salad
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Price: $5.49
The classic summer salad is back in stock. Unlike Aldi's heat-and-eat prepared meals, this seasonal selection is fully cooked and ready to serve. Just pop open the lid and spoon the pasta, tomato, and mozzarella blend into a bowl.
Mama Cozzi's Roasted Vegetable Pizza with Goat Cheese
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Price: $5.99
Don't waste money on delivery app fees. Aldi's store-brand pizzas are just as good at a fraction of the price.
This gourmet goat cheese pie features roasted veggies, mouthwatering mozzarella cheese, spinach, and a zesty balsamic glaze. Compare $5.99 for this frozen find to $19.49 for a large California Veggie Pizza at California Pizza Kitchen.
Park Street Deli Pork Carnitas
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Price: $6.29
Spice things up with these seasoned and seared slow-cooked pork carnitas. Infused with zesty citrus, the $6.29 foodie find has just the right kick. Don't worry about standing over a hot stove all day. Microwave this Mexican meal in as little as three minutes.
Bottom line
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Swap restaurant meals for affordable make-at-home alternatives. Before you stock up on brand-name buys, look for better deals from Aldi's private label lines.
These generics make it easy to tackle high grocery costs. And bonus, when you shop for prepared entrees, you can also pick up savory sides, a fresh green salad, or a decadent dessert.
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