I Tried Every Family-Sized Frozen Dinner at Aldi. Here Are the Best 3.

After all of the cooking my family has done at home this year, the regular favorites in our dinner rotation don’t have the spark they once had. While takeout is of course an option (and a great way to support our favorite local restaurants), we prefer to fill our freezer with ready-made meals as a faster and more affordable option for meals that can be prepared at a moment’s notice.

As a regular at our local Aldi, I usually keep my eyes peeled for family-sized freezer meals that are ready to heat and eat. Aldi’s freezer section stocks an ever-changing lineup, but there are a few consistent items you’ll find week after week. During my most recent trip, I packed my cart with every family-style meal I could find.

Aldi’s freezer cases are filled with everything from individual proteins and veggies to ice creams and complete all-in-one meals. For this suppertime showdown, I chose meals that offered more than just a single serving. When given the choice between stovetop or oven and microwave instructions, I opted against the microwave on all accounts. I followed the preparation instructions exactly and used the full amount of any sauces included. I also plated the dinners according to the suggested serving size. Here are the best three meals that my family and I tried.

Aldi’s freezer version of this takeout favorite is ready in just 12 minutes, which is certainly faster than any takeout I’ve ever ordered. Upon opening the bag, you’ll find nests of frozen noodles among an abundance of bright vegetables that go straight into a hot, oiled skillet or wok. There is a generous portion of savory sauce, so I recommend adding it incrementally after the noodles unfurl. Don’t stop at stir-fry either — try simmering this freezer find in broth for a quick and easy soup.

Imagine the luxury of enjoying steamed mussels in a delicate garlic butter sauce at home on a weeknight — for less than $3! Aldi delivers on all fronts with this easy restaurant-style dinner that can also do double duty as an elegant appetizer. The shells of the bivalves open to reveal tender meat after just minutes steaming on the stove. The sauce is light and buttery with a gentle garlicky aroma. I recommend pairing with one of Aldi’s famous take-and-bake breads to sop up every last drop of the broth.

Aldi’s shepherd’s pie is made with seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a rich sauce and capped with buttery mashed potatoes. The star bursts of buttery mashed potatoes are dusted with paprika, giving this meal a homestyle feel with none of the effort. I expected the filling to have a few more veggies though, so if you make this, plan to supplement with a side of something green to complete the meal.

Which frozen meals are always on your Aldi list?