Budget meal plan: 5 meals for £20

Its Week 3 of 5 meals for £20 This week I went to Aldi to see if I could do it... and it was just as easy! I love Aldi and I only stopped shopping there because I couldn't resist the middle aisle! But I had a bit more self control this time and managed to stick to my list! Total cost: £19.95 when shopping in-store. 

You can read Week One's menu here!

Week 2 here

The Aldi meal plan

What was my main ingredient?

When I am budget meal planning, I always pick one or two ingredients which will be used throughout several meals. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it saves money! This week most of my recipes contained flour, milk and potatoes! I made a few white sauces as staples in the pasta and fish pie and used an entire bag of potatoes!

One disclaimer, I did use Asda peas this week! Don't come for me! I actually had half a bag left and I wouldn't be money savvy if I didn't use them up... plus if I bought a new bag of peas every week I think my freezer would overflow with peas! 

What do I need for this Aldi meal plan?

Meal one: Toad in the hole

It is an English classic! Who doesn't like a toad in the hole? I made it once before and it was bit too doughy so this weeks one was definite improvement! In fact, I and my brother round for dinner and he gave it a 9/10 and said to ring him next time I am making it (he is a VERY harsh critic so a 9 is AMAZING). 

Meal two: One pan fry up

I am not joking when I say this was AMAZING. I always feel so naughty when we have a breakfast for dinner! But it is Adam's fave so he was delighted! If you are a meat eater feel free to add some bacon!

Meal three: Creamy mushroom pasta

It has taken me a long time to perfect the art of the white sauce! When I was planning this weeks meal plan I knew I fancied toad in the hole, so I decided that I would reuse the flour and milk and came up with a creamy mushroom pasta! 

Meal four: Fish pie

I LOVE fish pie, but I didn't think I would be able to get it in this series as fish can be super expensive, but here it is! I actually made so much that I had enough to make three pies and freeze two for a later date. Aldi used to do a fish pie mix which would've made this much cheaper, but it seems to have been discontinued! I used smoked basa and prawns. 

Meal five: Chicken balls and chips

When I became veggie 15 years ago, it was pretty much quorn sausages and that was it! I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see so many meat alternatives in the aisles. When I saw these chicken balls I knew I had to try them and they didn't disappoint! Plus, Albie ate at my mums that day so it mean't more chicken balls for me and Adam.