Who loves to plan lunch?
Yep, me neither.
I've got to be honest, planning dinner makes me want to take a nap. I get finished with our weekly dinner plan, only to realize we need to eat breakfast and lunch too?
This is too much.
A short time ago, our weekly lunches could be some form of leftovers. Those were the days you guys. Three kids later, our kitchen hasn't seen a leftover since 2007. Our people like to eat.
I've got a hunch, your family might be like ours. You really want to save money on lunch but don't know where to begin? I've got your back.
Here is a simple weekly lunch plan. My meal plan comes right from my local Aldi store. Everything you need for lunch, you can pick up there. No extra special trips required.
Of course, if you shop at another grocery store, you can use my plan there too! Do what works for you.
At the end of this post, I included a shopping list and a prep ahead option. If you want to prep your lunches on the weekend, this option is for you!
Also, check out our FREE Aldi prep ahead lunch plan below. It includes free printable shopping list and prep schedule.
This lunch plan is for 4 people. My kids are older so adjust portions as needed!
Ready to pack lunch?
MEAL 1 - SALAMI + PROVOLONE ON WHEAT
This lunch is a crowd pleaser at my house. Grill up salami and provolone on whole wheat bread. I grill these up in the morning while the coffee is brewing. It doesn't take much time and is so good.
Serve with some veggie chips and fresh fruit.
MEAL 2 - PEPPERONI QUESADILLA
Pepperoni quesadillas are my boy's absolute favorite lunch! It could not be more simple. Take one 8" flour tortilla, layer with shredded cheddar cheese and turkey pepperoni. Lay another tortilla on top. Place in a skillet with a little butter and cook until crisp and the cheese is melted. Slice in triangles.
I served this with leftover pumpkin muffins and sliced plums.
MEAL 3 - FROZEN PIZZA
My husband was out of town all week and I found a lonely pizza at the bottom of the freezer! LUNCH! Sometimes lunch is using what you have and a frozen pizza is a cheap way to feed your people.
Serve with veggie chips and grapes.
MEAL 4 - PROTEIN BOX
Hard boil 2 eggs and place in your lunch container. We love Aldi's whole wheat mini bagels for breakfast and lunch! For this lunch, we toasted 2 bagels and spread with peanut butter.
Serve with sliced apple, slices of cheddar cheese, and grapes.
SHOPPING LIST
8" flour tortillas
1 dozen eggs
1 bag of mini whole wheat bagels
1 package of turkey pepperoni
1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese
One frozen pizza
Peanut butter
Block of Cheddar Cheese
Package of pre-made muffins or box muffin mix or ingredients to make your own muffins.
100% WHOLE WHEAT BREAD
1 package of salami
1 package of provolone cheese slices
Veggie Chips
Fresh Fruit *:
Strawberries
Grapes
Plums
Apples
*note on fresh fruit: feel free to substitute whatever fruit is in season at your local Aldi! Frozen fruit is also a great option!
PREP AHEAD GUIDE
Have a busy week? Use this prep ahead guide to prepare all your lunches over the weekend! Prep once and have lunch ready all week!
PRODUCE: Wash all your fresh produce. Cut the strawberries and place in an air-tight container. Remove grapes from stem and place in air-tight container.
Hard boil eggs. Place in your refrigerator.
Muffins: If making muffins at home, prep those now. Cool and place in your refrigerator.