As I’m a personal chef, my day is spent cruising around the city searching for the freshest ingredients, creating dainty menus, and preparing dishes that make even the most picky of eaters smile. So after feeding all these other folks all day, the last thing that I feel like doing is come home and feed myself and my family too. Wander through Aldi’s freezer aisle a convenience utopia that’s been my weeknight hero. These are no frozen dinners you know; they’re made with passion, bursting with flavor from top to bottom, and economical to boot. I’ve lost count of nights spent meandering their freezer aisles, and I’m delighted to share with you my standouts.
- Delivers Taste Without Sacrificing Time: Aldi frozen dinners bring restaurant-grade taste in minutes.
- Budget Genius: Delicious food for prices that won’t break the bank.
- Easy and Trustworthy: Ideal for weeknights when time is scarce or evenings with friends when plans are spontaneous.
A trial and error taste has led to 14 jewels in the freezer which occupy permanent shelf space. Not only are they easy, they’re so dramatic that my evening dinner guests are sure I spent hours cooking in the kitchen. From Italian standbys to Asian standbys, they all have the advantage of ease of preparation along with excellent flavor. I’ve tested all of them, experimenting with cooking techniques in an effort to unlock ultimate flavor, and look forward to experimenting with the first seven. Let’s delve into why these Aldi discoveries are a private chef’s stress-free secret weapon for great dinners.
Priano Stuffed Shells: Italian Comfort in Every Bite
When I’m craving the warm, comforting embrace of Italian cuisine, Priano Stuffed Shells are my go-to. At just $4.69 for a 20-ounce tray, these oversized pasta shells are stuffed to the brim with creamy ricotta and mozzarella, nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce. They’re the kind of dish that feels like a hug from Nonna, without the hours of prep work. I’ve served these at casual family dinners, and they’ve earned rave reviews every time. Honestly, they taste so homemade, you’d never guess they came from a freezer.
- Affordable Indulgence: Gourmet flavor at a fraction of restaurant prices.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family meals or cozy nights in.
- Customizable: Top with extra cheese or herbs to customize.
The texture of the shells is my point of failure. The pasta is al dente, not mushy. And the cheesy interior is melted and stringy. The marinara sauce is just right never too sweet, never too sour and in the right amount. I prefer to place these in the oven at 375°F for 25 minutes total, and then top them with a sprinkle of speedy salad, and voila, supper. I topped them with more Parmesan and basil one night, and my friends were absolutely sure that I had spent the whole day cooking away in the kitchen. Aldi’s stuffed shells show us that convenience is as delicious as love.
For each one of you chilly winter nights when you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, these shells are here for you each time. They have 15g of protein per serving, which is a very satisfying amount for a frozen food. I’ve even caught my finicky eating nephew stealing a second serving, great endorsement! Having a large crowd to feed or indulging yourself, this meal turns a raunchy night into a postcard Italian vacation. Keep a tray ready in your freezer, and soon enough, you’ll be blessing yourself.
Fusia Chicken Fried Rice: Takeout Flavor, No Waiting
Nothing hits takeout hunger quite like Aldi’s Fusia Chicken Fried Rice. It’s $5.49 for a 22-ounce bag and is a lifesaver when I get hankering for Asian flavor without delivery fees or an extended wait. It’s filled with juicy chicken, light scrambled eggs, and crunchy veggies such as carrots and peas, all coated in a rich sauce. I’ve served it to friends who swore it was from our neighborhood Chinese restaurant. It’s that good.
- Real Flavor: Similar to your favorite restaurant fried rice.
- Fast Prep: Cooked in as short a time as 7-8 minutes on the stovetop.
- Flexible Serving: Best served with other Asian dishes or alone.
The good thing about this fried rice is that you get the texture and flavor mix. The rice isn’t soggy, the chicken isn’t tough, and the vegetables are crisp. I adore how the sauce sticks to all of the rice and isn’t greasy, it’s literally like takeout. Pan-fry 7-8 minutes, as quickly as you can, and dinner will be ready before delivery can be arranged. I prepare it quite often with Aldi’s Fusia Orange Chicken so that I can have a full-on Asian meal at home. It’s a weeknight favorite, particularly when I just don’t feel up to making something from scratch.
At 13g of protein per serving, it’s significantly larger than I need as a full-sized main course on its own, although I myself add a fried egg on top for a splash of élan. My takeout-happy boyfriend now gets this instead of our previous favorite. It’s affordable, delicious, and relaxed what more can you ask for? Store one in your freezer for the evenings when only fried rice will do.
Mama Cozzi’s Stone Baked Veggie Pizza: Gourmet Slice
I’m a pizza snob, so I like to think that I have high expectations regarding my pizzas, but Mama Cozzi’s Stone Baked Veggie Pizza has me in its clutches. It’s $8.79 for 19.7 ounces of pie and is simply filled to the brim with vibrantly colored vegetables such as red onions, bell peppers, and olives, all sitting atop a crispy stone-baked crust. It’s my Friday night movie snack or my last-minute friend-visit appetizer. This is no frozen pizza, no longer gourmet heaven above the pizzerias down the block. I’m addicted, and I know you’ll be too.
- Crispy Perfection: Pizzeria-perfect crunch from stone-baked crust.
- Veggie-Packed: Fantastic way to get more vegetables on your plate.
- Easy to Elevate: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a bit of extra cheese and it’s your own personal flavor.
The crust is the true star, with the crunchy outside sturdy enough to stand up to stringy mozzarella and hearty tomato sauce. The vegetables are fresh and crisp-tasting and never soft, like always complained of when it comes to frozen pizza. I cook it at 425 for 10-12 minutes, and the cheese just bubbles every time. I added some olive oil and fresh arugula leaves on it one evening, and I almost felt like I was dining at a fancy Italian restaurant. It’s that great tasting and that easy to use. It’s a party-night or weeknight-night-in favorite.
It’s so bountiful, it’ll feed a small crew with no problem, and the vegetable filling makes it sort of healthy without losing flavor. My so-called pizza snob friends won’t even believe me when I inform them the pie is from Aldi’s freezer shelf. It’s one of those favorites in my household, and I always have one on hand for those nights only pizza will suffice. Trust me, this pie will lift you up with each bite.
Specially Selected Champagne Sauce Scallops Shrimp Shrimp: Elegance Made Easy
Aldi’s Specially Selected Champagne Sauce Scallops Shrimp is my guilty pleasure when I feel fancy-free yet too lazy even to raise a finger. The preheat-and-serve meal, featuring succulent shrimp and delicate scallops swimming in decadent champagne sauce, is the kind that should be found on the menu of a five-star restaurant. At a few dollars a 16-ounce package, it’s luxury at discount prices. I’ve served it for date nights, and my partner still talks about how fancy it felt. It’s a true gem for special occasions.
- Restaurant-Quality: It tastes like a dish served in an upscale seafood restaurant.
- Simple Prep: Heat and serve over rice or pasta in minutes.
- Luxurious Sauce: The champagne cream makes each bite luxurious.
Here, the seafood is newly wonderful shrimp and scallops never rubbery because they’ve been frozen, but still tender and juicy. The champagne sauce is actually the pièce de résistance, that luscious creamy sweetish but not totally in-your-face rich taste that you can just keep going back for more. I enjoy warming it just a bit in a pan and serving it over linguine to slurp every last bite of that sauce. I had it one evening with white wine and it was a mini-vacation in my mouth.
With 23g of protein and 5g of carbs per serving, it’s as decadent as it is beautiful. It’s just lovely when you can serve your guest of honor or your dessert without sacrificing an hour or two of cook time. It’s my new favorite for impromptu dinner parties because it never fails. Even my chef colleagues, with only hopeful thinking, requested the recipe only to be amazed that it’s frozen. Keep this handy when you’re in the mood for some sophistication with minimal effort. It’s having a gourmet chef on speed dial.
Season’s Choice Eggplant Cutlets: Italian Simplicity at Its Best
Eggplant Parmesan is one of my favorite dishes, but prepping fresh eggplant can be a chore. That’s why Aldi’s Season’s Choice Eggplant Cutlets, priced at $4.99 for a 16-ounce bag, are a lifesaver. These pre-breaded, pre-cooked slices make whipping up a classic Italian dish a breeze. I’ve used them for quick dinners and even impressed clients with a “homemade” eggplant Parm. They’re a busy chef’s dream come true.
- Time-Saver: No salting and breading that eggplant hassle.
- Versatile: Excellent to have on hand for Parmesan, sandwiches, or salads.
- Crispy Delight: Golden, crunchy coating guaranteed.
The cutlets turn out crispy on the outside and retain the eggplant nice and tender and flavorful inside. I enjoy how they spare me from the hassle of having to fry up fresh eggplant, but provide me with that true Italian flavor. 10 minutes per side at 400°F bake, marinated and topped with marinara and mozzarella, and restaurant-quality dinner. We’ve taken these to a dinner party once, and everyone was raving over the “from-scratch” flavor. It’s our little secret that it was so little effort.
These cutlets are incredibly versatile, making them a staple in my freezer. I’ve sliced them for sandwiches, layered them in casseroles, or served them with a side of greens for a light meal. With their ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. My family now requests these regularly, and I’m happy to oblige. They’re proof that convenience and quality can go hand in hand.
Kirkwood Buffalo Style Chicken Wings: Game Day Glory
Game day, or that unexpected hot hunger craving, Kirkwood Buffalo Style Chicken Wings are my solution. For an inexpensive price for a serving of cooked wings, they offer a full-strength, good heat kick buffalo sauce. I’ve had parties and served them there; they’re all gone before I can refill the platter. They’re always a party favorite that never fails. These wings are my guilty pleasure, and I have no apology for saying it.
- Party-Ready: Just right for parties or for enjoying alone.
- Perfect Heat: Spicy hot without burning out your taste buds.
- Crispy Texture: Tasty juicy middle, crunchy outside when baked.
The wings are juicy and still tender, with the outside crunch retaining when 400°F baked for 25 minutes. The buffalo sauce is just right, coating well over each wing but not excessively drippy. Serve them with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for that real pub atmosphere. I added extra sauce to some game night night for a little extra kick, and my party guests were discussing them nonstop.
At 17g of protein per serving, they’re an excellent snack or meal. These wings have rescued me on numerous wild weeknight evenings when I’m in desperate need of something delicious and quick. They’re even suitable for serving over rice as an entree or for a crowd as an appetizer. My boyfriend, a buffalo wing junkie, insists these have the flavor of the chain sports bar’s. Keep a bag in your freezer, and you’ll never forego a taste-filled evening. They’re the ultimate luxury to rich decadent play.
Bremer Bistro Lasagna with Meat Sauce: Comfort in Every Bite
Comfort food doesn’t get any better than this, and a warm, comforting lasagna is the best of the best. Bremer Bistro Lasagna with Meat Sauce is the MVP of my freezer storage shelf. This frozen dish loads up on plenty of tender pasta, meaty deep sauce, and stringy cheesy goodness into something basically homemade-flavored. It’s the one I go to when I don’t want to mess around with prep time and a warm comforting dinner. I have had the pleasure of having guests over for dinner, and everyone devours it. It’s a blanket in a bowl.
- Hearty and Filling: Ideal for serving a hungry crowd.
- Homemade Flavor: Flavors that pass the homemade dinner test.
- Easy Preparation: Simple prep and serve.
The pasta is al dente, never soggy, and the meat sauce is rich with depth from those slow-cooked strong herbs. Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan form a fluffed creamy crust that provides you with those heavenly crunchy edges. Bake 45 min at 375°F, let it rest 10, and you’re holiday-tastically fabulous dinner. I made it once before for a potluck, and even I didn’t get seconds. It’s soothing and reassuring at 16g of protein per serving.
This lasagna is a weeknight miracle or a blast to serve as a party. Aromatized just sufficiently for family supper, and leftovers (if you can have any) are enhanced the following day. My picky cousin, never eager to eat anything frozen, couldn’t manage too much of it. Keep this one in your freezer for those evenings when you crave comfort food with little effort. Hug in a pan, thanks to Aldi’s shelves.
Deutsche Küche Chicken Schnitzel: German Twist by My Own Kitchen
Aldi’s Deutsche Küche Chicken Schnitzel is the winner when I am craving something hearty and German-flavored. At just $3.95 for a 24-ounce package, breaded chicken cutlets are delivered to my dinner plate with very little effort on my part and a wonderful German flavor. They’re a flashback taste of when I was in Munich and fell in love with the schnitzel at a small, intimate cafe in the city. I’ve served them to others who can’t believe that they were from the freezer. They’re a weeknight lifesaver that’s like a mini-vacation.
- True Taste: Missing the taste of original German schnitzel.
- Quick Prep: Crisp and prepared in mere six minutes on the pan.
- Budget-friendly: Elegant taste at a price that can’t be beat.
The schnitzels are fully breaded with a golden, crispy outside but a juicy chicken inside. I just adore how they pan brown without needing a lot of oil and taste as though fried up fresh. Pan-fry them a minute or two on each side, and you will have an elegant but comfort meal. I have served them with mashed potatoes and cucumber salad at a dinner party and my friends all raved about the “restaurant quality.” At 17g of protein and only 13g of carbs per serving, they’re a satisfying option for any night. These schnitzels are so good that they can be the center of a whole meal or just the star attraction as a full sandwich with some mustard.
They’ve rescued me on a wild night when I want something special without the trouble. Even my own family ask for them regularly, my brother most of all, who’s never satisfied with variations on first loves. Have a pack in the freezer as an effortless journey to Germany without having to leave home. They’re a gateway to frozen as more of an epicurean experience.
Priano Chicken Florentine & Farfalle: A Creamy, Cozy Delight
Aldi’s Priano Chicken Florentine & Farfalle is my secret weapon for turning a hectic evening into a moment of calm. For $6.15 for 22 ounces, the dinner includes tender chicken, flawlessly prepared bowtie pasta, and creamy spinach Parmesan sauce. It’s the kind of dinner that turns into a hug in a bowl, a big one from your grandmother after a night of work. I made it for my group of book clubbers, and all the other ladies thought I’d spent the entire day cooking. It’s a frozen meal that isn’t made in bulk at all. Upscale
- Comfort: Restaurant taste in an easy prep box.
- Quick Prep: Microwavable in just six minutes.
- High in Protein: 25g of protein per serving to keep you satisfied.
Chicken is as tender as can be and farfalle al dente, soaking up the rich, creamy sauce perfectly. Spinach provides a fresh, green flavor, and Parmesan a rich one. I adore how all the ingredients are blended together all within six minutes in the microwave and is a Godsend on wild nights. I have served it with green salad and white wine one evening and have felt as though I am dining in a chic bistro.
My notoriously picky pasta-devouring boyfriend declared it to be a new favorite. It is ideal for one of those nights when you simply want something cozy with less effort. It serves two, or is enough for tomorrows leftovers. I have even used it as the foundation for a casserole with some added in extra vegetables for change. It’s my reliable best friend in my freezer, ever ready to bail me out of dinner disasters. It’s a pantry staple in every busy foodie kitchen by taste and convenience.
Specially Selected Mussels in Garlic Butter Sauce: Seafood Refinement
If you’re bringing a dash of elegance with minimal effort, Aldi’s Specially Selected Mussels in Garlic Butter Sauce is a gem. Only $3.65 in a 16-ounce jar, freshly prepared mussels float in a garlicky, richly flavored sauce topped with some minced parsley on the surface. A beachside seafood dinner years ago, minus the cost of the restaurant, it was reminiscent. I’ve used them as an appetizer for a party supper, and everyone is always impressed. Gourmet seafood in its unassuming and ordinary packaging.
- Restaurant-Worthy: It reminds you of what you’d be served at a restaurant by the beach.
- Quick Prep: Five minutes of microwaving.
- Indulgence Low-Carb: 15g of protein and a mere 4g of carbs per serving.
The mussels themselves are tender, juicy, and sweet, and each one of them has a natural sweetness that is matched perfectly by the aromatic buttery sauce. The garlic and parsley themselves create a pungent, addictive flavor that nearly begs to be served a top crust bread on which to sop up every last drop of sauce to be had. I microwave them a few or ten minutes to heat them up through, and voilà.
I served them one evening on an Aldi baguette, and my visitors remarked that I must have dined at a gourmet seafood restaurant. At 130 calories per serving, it’s indulgent but not thick. These mussels are my hands-down favorite for ultra-fast, high-end dinner or appetizer fare. They’re ideal date night or post-work when you require a luxurious treat. My seafood-disliking sister was convinced by the velvety sauce and silky texture. Have a pack frozen and be prepared for instant satisfaction when the time is right. They’ll make you think that frozen is decadent too.
Mediterranean Style Chicken Quinoa Bowl: Healthy and Filling
My go-to option of Aldi’s is the Mediterranean Style Chicken Quinoa Bowl when I feel like eating something healthy without compromising on taste. And at only $3.75 for 10.5 ounces of bowl, it’s packed with quinoa, chicken, and Mediterranean favorites like tomatoes, olives, and feta. It’s the type of lunch that gets me through crazy workdays. I’ve been stripping it bare for picnics, and all of my friends are asking where I bought it. This bowl is witnessing to the fact that healthy is tasty and convenient.
- Nutrient-Dense: Healthy combination of protein, vegetables, and grain.
- Rapid Prep: Three or four minutes in the microwave.
- Fresh Flavors: True Mediterranean flavor in each bite.
The quinoa is fluffy and light, the chicken strong but not heavy. The tomatoes and the olives are a refreshing splash of coolness, the feta a tangy creamy slap. I am surprised how it is prepared within minutes in the microwave, just right for my hectic schedule. I have had this crazy nutty day at work, and it was a taste of the Mediterranean. It has 17g of protein per serving and tastes almost as nice as when you are full.
This bowl is a favorite quick lunch or in-office supper when I am in a hurry. It is simple to pair with a side salad or alone. My gym-buddy friend enjoys it as a post-workout snack, and I can understand why. Keep a few of these handy in the freezer for a quick healthy meal when you’re too hectic. It’s little bowl but loaded with flavor, just what you want for a hectic day.
Fusia Orange Chicken: Takeout Flavor Without the Wait
Aldi’s Fusia Orange Chicken is my answer to Chinese takeout cravings without the delivery hassle. At $3.45 for a 26-ounce package, it delivers crispy, tender chicken coated in a sweet-and-tangy orange sauce. It reminds me of late-night takeout runs in college, but with better quality and a lower price tag. I’ve served it to my family, and they thought I’d ordered from our favorite spot. It’s a weeknight winner every time.
- Restaurant Rival: Flavors along. Side by side with your go-to Chinese restaurant.
- Crispy Perfection: Crispy chicken post-saucing.
- Family-Friendly: Feeds a crowd on budget price.
Chicken bakes to ideal crispiness at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, and the sauce adheres without getting sticky. Deep and balanced orange flavor with only the perfect zip. I like to toss the chicken in the sauce and serve it over rice as a complete meal. I served it one evening with Aldi’s fried rice and it was completely a hit for our family night meal.
With 13g of protein per serving, it’s a filling meal that never fails. This orange chicken is a lifesaver when I crave takeout but don’t feel like leaving the house. It’s so versatile that I can serve it over noodles or vegetables for my version. My picky kids and I inhale it every time. Have one in your freezer and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing fast meal on busy evenings when you need it. It is like having your Chinese take-out at home.
Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets: The Classic Red Bag
Aldi’s Kirkwood Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets, or “Red Bag Chicken,” are a cult food. And they ought to be. For $8.79 for a package of 24 ounces, they’re simple, crunchy, and tasty. I use them on sandwiches, on salads, the whole shebang. I’ve served them to customers who believed they were eating gourmet fast food. This is one of my staples in the pantry.
- Versatile Star: Excellent in salads, sandwiches, or just as an entree.
- Crispy and Juicy: Quick-food goodness, made at home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The adults and the kids like it too.
The breading is perfect, providing the chicken with the good golden crunch without overwhelming the chicken. I oven-bake them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, and they are perfect. I used buns and pickles to make chicken sandwiches on one night, and people informed me that they were just as tasty as one of the chains.
The fillets are so convenient to utilize that I even mince them to be added to pasta. They contain 10g of protein per serving, and thus they are a guaranteed hit for any meal. The fillets are a godsend on busy nights or last-minute parties. They’re big enough to serve an entire family, and leftovers can be added to lunchboxes. My busy mom neighbor now stocks up on these due to my recommendation. Stock your freezer with the Red Bag Chicken, and you’ll always have a quick, delicious solution. It’s no wonder Aldi fans can’t stop raving about them.
Earth Grown Vegan Black Bean Chipotle Burger: A Vegetarian Paradise
For a veggie burger meat lovers love, too, is Aldi’s Earth Grown Vegan Black Bean Chipotle Burger. You’ll receive four 10-ounce patties in a box for $3.65. They’re in smoked, spicy flavor. My favorites when I’m craving to spice it up with something nutritious. I’ve served them at barbecues, and even my meat-loving friends requested seconds. Vegetarians and veggie skeptics will gnaw on these burgers.
- Big Flavor: Black beans and Chipotle peppers are the stars.
- Use Everywhere: Great on a taco, burger, or salad.
- Healthy Choice: 130 calories and 5g of protein per patty.
Chipotle peppers, black beans, and corn combine to offer rich, smoky flavor with a perfect zing. They pan-fry or grill to golden brown, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. My personal favorite is topping them on a bun with salsa and avocado for spice. I snacked them up in tacos at a Fourth of July party last summer, and they stole the show. This burger is the absolute best proof that you don’t have to be an animal to love zany and delicious plant-based food.
These patties are ideal to use in sliders or even for a quick dinner when I don’t feel like having something heavy but delicious. They’re that good that they have the potential to be the centerpiece of numerous meals, from salads to grain bowls. My veggie sister adored them when I took them to her, and now some are stored in her freezer too. Keep one package on hand for a healthy, speedy solution at a moment’s notice. They’re evidence that the frozen dinner isn’t healthy, but also delicious.
