Struggling to keep meals interesting without overspending? Meet Family Budget Meal Plan 136—a complete weekly menu planner filled with budget-friendly family meals that deliver flavour without the fuss.
Aldi Budget Meal Plan Like this plan? Pin it to your Meal Planning board!
Discover more affordable family meal ideas in our collection of meal plans, including slow cooker specials, quick and flexible budget plans, and a variety of chicken and pasta recipes ideal for busy households.
🛒 What’s Included in Meal Plan 136?
- 5 cost-effective recipes: A mix of pasta dishes, one-pot meals and slow cooker favourites.
- Itemised shopping list: Helps you track what you already have and what to buy.
- Prep and leftovers guide: Practical tips for meal prep and creative ways to use leftovers.
Like all our family budget meal plans, this one is free to use and will remain available at no cost.
You can prepare all five recipes to create leftovers for lunches, or choose a couple to rotate through the week. Each recipe is crafted to fit into a busy routine while keeping costs down.
👩🍳 Budget family meal plan recipes and printable meal plan
Print the meal plan (PDF)
- Slow cooker bolognese
- Sausage and bean casserole
- Cheesy broccoli gnocchi
- Slow cooker lentil soup
- Easy one-pot cauliflower curry
The secret to cooking on a budget
Cheap meals don’t have to be bland or repetitive. This plan emphasises simple pasta dishes, convenient one-pot meals and reliable slow cooker recipes. Each dish focuses on maximum flavour from minimal ingredients, making meal prep quicker, easier and more economical.
🌿 Pantry Staples: Less is More
This plan is designed to use a small set of versatile ingredients across multiple recipes to keep costs low and reduce waste. Expect to see the same staples appearing throughout the week, which makes shopping simpler and storage easier.
- Olive oil
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dried herbs and spices
Before you shop, check your cupboards, fridge and freezer for items you already have—especially fresh garlic, lemons, limes and herbs.
Meal plan FAQs
Yes. Recipes are straightforward and clearly explained, suitable for kitchen novices and experienced cooks alike.
Yes. Meal plans are flexible so you can swap recipes to suit tastes, dietary needs and what’s in your pantry.
Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram to see new recipes, tips and community shares. Join our private Facebook group to swap ideas and photos with other home cooks.
Ready to make tasty meals without breaking the bank?
- Step 1: Subscribe to receive weekly meal plans, budget tips and exclusive recipes straight to your inbox.
- Step 2: Join our Meal Planning Club on Facebook to share dishes, swap tips and get support from fellow budget cooks.
- Step 3: Download the free guidebook for extra meal planning help, including a shopping list and prep tips.
With a little planning and the right recipes, affordable, delicious meals are well within reach.
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I’m Debs—a Cordon Bleu-trained chef. I create simple, reliable recipes and meal plans that help you put delicious dinners on the table quickly while keeping costs low. My recipes include step-by-step instructions and practical tips drawn from years in professional kitchens.
Learn more about me →