49 Easy And Cheap Trader Joe's Meals That Call For Just A Few Ingredients

Buzz Feed

29-03-2025

If you've noticed an uptick in your grocery bills recently, you're certainly not the only one. Food seems to be more expensive than ever. But it's still possible (and even easy) to make nourishing and delicious recipes on a budget, thanks to Trader Joe's. I do my grocery shopping here often, and these are some of the minimalist recipes I make on repeat. They all call for just a few simple ingredients and easy steps.
1. Easiest Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients: Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breasts + Bruschetta Sauce + Genova Pesto + Mozzarella
How to make it: Defrost the chicken according to package directions (if you have an air fryer, the results will be extra delicious). When about 2 minutes remain, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer or oven. Top each chicken tender with a slice of mozzarella and a scoop of bruschetta sauce. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted. Drizzle each with a spoonful of pesto.
Get creative: You can always swap the breaded chicken tenders for plain old chicken, or try this same creation on a turkey burger. Finally, if you don't eat meat, try using sliced eggplant for a lightened-up take on eggplant parm.
2. Spicy Summer Corn and Burrata Ravioli
Ingredients: Zucchini + Sweet Corn, Burrata & Basil Ravioli + Roasted Corn + Chili Onion Crunch
How to make it: Defrost the corn according to package directions and sauté the zucchini in olive oil until just charred. Cook ravioli according to package directions and drain, retaining a bit of the starchy pasta water. Combine the ravioli, zucchini, and tomato in a skillet. Toss with chili onion crunch, olive oil, and a tablespoon or 2 of pasta water. Season with salt and pepper.
Get creative: The premade ravioli selection at TJ's is spectacular, IMO. Grab a container of your favorite one and choose the toppings from there. Try the caprese ravioli topped with blistered tomatoes and pesto, or lobster ravioli tossed in vodka sauce with your favorite summer veggies.
3. Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients: Frozen Raw Shrimp + Handmade Flour Tortillas + Fire Roasted Bell Peppers and Onions
How to make it: Thaw the shrimp under cool water. On a sheet pan, arrange the tortillas (flour or corn), the fire roasted vegetables, and the defrosted shrimp. If you have on hand, sprinkle with some pantry spices (salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, chili, etc...) Serve the veggies and shrimp fajita-style in the tortillas.
Get creative: Keep a few packets of Trader Joe's taco seasoning on hand for easy and delicious tacos, fajitas, burrito bowls, and more. The organic spicy taco sauce and jalapeño sauce also make A+ additions to any homemade Mexican-inspired meal.
4. Pulled Pork Sliders
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Aloha Rolls + Pulled Pork + Coleslaw Kit
How to make it: Toast the aloha rolls, heat up the pulled pork according to package directions, and toss the coleslaw with the dressing. Assemble the pork and slaw on rolls and enjoy.
Get creative: I've also tried these sliders with Trader Joe's fish sticks and shrimp burgers, and it always tastes sooo good. So feel free to get creative!
5. Simple Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients: Uncooked Argentinian Red Shrimp + Tortillas + Coleslaw + Salsa
How to make it: Pan-fry the shrimp until they're thoroughly cooked. Fill several tortillas with shrimp and coleslaw to make yummy tacos. Douse each taco with Trader Joe's Corn and Chile Salsa for extra goodness and a slight kick.
Get creative: For an especially hearty meal, serve with a side of rice and beans — or if you're not so keen on coleslaw, skip that ingredient altogether and use rice and beans as an alternative filling.
6. Everything Bagel Salmon
Ingredients: Salmon Fillets + Cherry Tomatoes + Leeks + Everything Bagel Seasoning
How to make it: Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the leeks. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes are jammy and the leeks are tender. Transfer to a plate. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the salmon pieces skin-side up. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until just opaque. Sprinkle the salmon with everything but the bagel seasoning and top with the sautéed leeks and tomatoes.
Get creative: You can easily turn this into a sheet pan meal: Just slice the veggies and place them on a baking sheet with the salmon fillets. Drizzle everything with olive oil, salt, pepper, and everything seasoning. Bake in the oven at 400°F. Make the most of your leftovers by boiling some noodles for a chilled pasta salad.
7. Shrimp Stir-Fry With Cauliflower Rice
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Wild Uncooked Argentinian Red Shrimp + Frozen Cauliflower Rice + Asian Vegetables With Beijing-Style Soy Sauce
How to make it: You can make this dish entirely in one skillet. Start by adding the Asian vegetables and sauté until warm throughout. Add the cauliflower rice and cook until warm. Finally, add the shrimp and cook for about two minutes per side until pink and opaque. Toss everything in the Beijing-style soy sauce and enjoy.
Get creative: Trader Joe's has lots of kinds of frozen rice including white rice, brown rice, vegetable fried rice, and a rice medley. If you're not big on cauliflower rice, just swap it for another option.
8. Chicken Tortellini Soup
Ingredients: Chicken Broth + Chicken Tenders + Cheese-Filled Tortellini + Mirepoix
How to make it: Add chicken and chopped carrots, celery, and onion mirepoix to a pot and cover with chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and whatever herbs you have on hand. Bring the broth to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and continue cooking. Simultaneously boil a salted pot of water for the tortellini. Add the the cooked tortellini to the chicken and vegetable soup and serve.
Get creative: You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth and leaving out the chicken all together for additional protein like chickpeas or extra veggies. Want to eliminate even more cooking time? Start with Trader Joe's fully cooked chicken breast. And to add tons of flavor with little effort, look no further than herbs. A bay leaf, a few springs of thyme, or a bunch of chopped parsley and dill goes a long way.
9. Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Frittata
Ingredients: Eggs + Garden Vegetable Hash + Goat Cheese + Shredded Potato Hash Browns
How to make it: Heat the oven to 400°F. Whisk 6 eggs, a bit of milk from your fridge (cream, dairy milk, or nut milk), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside. In an oven-safe skillet, sauté the vegetables and the shredded hash brown potatoes in olive oil. Once tender, press the veggies and potatoes toward the bottom of the pan to form a layer and sprinkle them with goat cheese. Pour the beaten eggs over the veggies and cheese and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until the eggs are totally set. Slice and serve.
Get creative: The humble frittata is one of the most versatile foods on Earth. It's totally appropriate to enjoy any time of day, and you can pretty much use whatever combination of vegetables, meat, and cheese you like best. Need some inspiration? Try making this baked egg dish with broccoli and cheddar, bacon and Gruyère, or sun-dried tomato and broccoli.
10. Kung Pao Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Bowls
Ingredients: Kung Pao Chicken + Asian Style Vegetables + Thai Wheat Noodles
How to make it: Heat the kung pao chicken according to package directions in a skillet. Meanwhile, defrost the vegetables (either in the microwave or in the same skillet as the chicken). Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles. Once the noodles are cooked, add those to the skillet as well. Add the kung pao sauce packet and/or the stir fry packet depending on how saucy you want your meal. Stir everything together and serve!
Get creative: There are so many ways to customize your bowl: Swap fully cooked microwave rice or frozen rice cakes in place of the Thai wheat noodles. Instead of the kung pao chicken, try honey walnut shrimp, tempura cauliflower, or chicken-less mandarin orange morsels. There are so many frozen-aisle finds just begging to be stir-fried into this better-than-takeout dinner.
11. Easy Pork Fried Rice
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Eggs + Fully Cooked Pork Belly + Vegetable Fried Rice + Soyaki
How to make it: Heat up the pork belly in a skillet and set aside. Add the vegetable fried rice to a skillet coated with olive oil. Once defrosted, add the pork and continue sautéing. Add the eggs and stir to combine. Toss everything in soyaki sauce and serve.
Get creative: Not a fan of pork belly? Pick any protein to toss into the mix. Personally, I'm a huge fan of Trader Joe's frozen red Argentinian shrimp. And you can always bulk up the fried rice with more veggies.
12. Butternut Squash Soup With Chicken Sausage
Ingredients: Butternut Squash Soup + Smoked Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage + Chèvre
How to make it: Heat up the soup on the stove top or in the microwave. Sauté the chicken sausage and slice into bite-size pieces. Add the chicken sausage to the hot soup and garnish with a spoonful of chèvre.
Get creative: You could pretty much spend hours gazing at Trader Joe's selection of fully cooked sausages. You'll find everything from spicy jalapeño chicken sausage to hot Italian sausage. Get creative and find your favorite one!
13. Hash Brown Eggs Benedict
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Eggs + Hash Browns + Smoked Salmon + Avocado
How to make it: Defrost the hash browns according to package directions. Top each hash brown with a generous piece of smoked salmon and sliced avocado. Poach eggs, and once cooked, pat them on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Top each hash brown with a poached egg.
Get creative: Take advantage of TJ's frozen aisle to whip up a satisfying breakfast. In addition to hash browns, you can start your creation with frozen waffles, potato latkes, or even naan. And if smoked salmon isn't your favorite, swap it for bacon.
14. Shakshuka With Chickpeas
Ingredients: Shakshuka starter + eggs + garbanzo beans + Feta cheese
How to make it: Head the shakshuka starter in a skillet according to package directions. Bring to a simmer and add the garbanzo beans. Make little nests in the shakshuka starter and crack eggs into them. Cover the skillet with a lid and continue cooking until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness. Top with crumbled feta cheese.
Get creative: Prefer green shakshuka? Try using Trader Joe's frozen creamed greens with shaved Brussels sprouts and kale as a base. And if you don't love the chickpeas in this meal, jazz up your shakshuka with white beans, jalapeño, avocado, or soyrizo.
15. Coconut Masala Cauliflower Curry
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Cauliflower + Coconut Milk + Masala Simmer Sauce + Rice
How to make it: Cut the cauliflower into florets and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the cauliflower on a baking sheet at 425˚F for 20–30 minutes, flipping once, until the florets are just charred. Simmer the coconut milk and masala sauce in a pot. Once simmering, add the roasted cauliflower florets and toss to coat. Microwave the rice according to package directions and serve with the cauliflower masala.
Get creative: Not feeling cauliflower tonight? Try this recipe with chickpeas, shrimp, chicken, or even tofu. You can always bulk it up with whatever vegetables are in your fridge. And in addition to masala sauce, TJ's has some delicious red, green, and yellow curry simmer sauces that go perfectly with coconut milk.
16. Lazy Eggplant Parmesan
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Eggplant + San Marzano peeled tomatoes + Italian breadcrumbs + Mozzarella cheese log
How to make it: Preheat the oven to 400° F. Slice the eggplant into rounds, coat with salt and pepper, toss with olive oil, and place at the bottom of a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet. While the eggplant roasts, simmer the tomatoes in a pot with salt and pepper for about 20 minutes. Remove the eggplant from the oven and top with the tomato sauce and a log of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle everything with the bread crumbs and continue baking for about five more minutes until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden.
Get creative: Not a huge fan of eggplant? Try a similar recipe with a head of cauliflower — sliced into thick slices and baked into cauliflower Parmesan. Or make Caprese spaghetti squash: slice and roast a spaghetti squash, pull out the strands, mix them with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and bread crumbs, then stuff everything back into the spaghetti squash boat to bake.
17. Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta With Veggies
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Organic polenta + cherry tomatoes + baby Bella mushrooms + goat cheese
How to make it: Sauté the vegetables in olive oil until the mushrooms are tender and the tomatoes are bursting and jammy. Cook the polenta according to the package directions. Top with goat cheese and continue cooking until creamy and melted, then top with sautéed vegetables.
Get creative: Pre-cooked polenta is such a versatile base for a filling meal. Top it with T.J's canned Bolognese sauce and Parmesan cheese or go a different route with pesto and lots of roasted spring veggies.
18. Korean-Inspired Short Rib Rice Bowls
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Korean Style Beef Short Ribs + Rice + Baby Bok Choy + Kimchi
How to make it: Steam or sauté the baby bok choy and microwave the rice. Cook the Korean short ribs according to package directions. Top each rice bowl with sliced short ribs, wilted bok choy, and kimchi.
Get creative: You can really customize these Asian-inspired bowls with your favorite ingredients. For starters, consider the frozen teriyaki chicken, shrimp tempura, and fully cooked pork belly.
19. Tortellini and Chicken Sausage alla Vodka
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Italian four cheese tortellini + vodka sauce + sun-dried tomato chicken sausage + broccoli florets
How to make it: Boil the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, pan-sear the chicken sausage until warm throughout and sauté the broccoli in olive oil until tender. Combine the sliced chicken sausage, tortellini, and broccoli and toss with pasta sauce.
Get creative: Trader Joe's fresh pasta aisle is a wonderland. You'll find all sorts of stuffed pasta filled with everything from ricotta to lobster. Grab the tortellini or ravioli that speaks to you and cook it with your favorite pasta sauce, a vegetable and/or protein, and some cheese.
20. Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Mediterranean style salad kit + Shawarma chicken thighs + Hummus
How to make it: Toss the salad, which includes lettuce, shredded broccoli, pita crisps, sun dried tomatoes, and roasted chickpeas, with the red wine vinaigrette dressing, included in the kit. Meanwhile, cook the pre-marinated chicken thighs according to the package directions either on the grill or in the oven. Once cooked through, slice the chicken and place on top of the salad with a scoop of hummus. Serve warm.
Get creative: You can get creative here and serve the chicken over rice, grains, or even naan bread instead of salad. And instead of hummus, you could always use another one of TJ's many dips like cauliflower tabouleh, tzatziki, or eggplant garlic spread.
21. Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Green jackfruit in brine + Carolina gold barbecue sauce + coleslaw kit + hamburger buns
How to make it: In a skillet, sauté the jackfruit with barbecue sauce for about 25 minutes, until it's tender and easily shreds. Mix the coleslaw with the creamy dressing (included). Toast the burger buns and top with a scoop of coleslaw and jackfruit.
Get creative: If you're not big on jackfruit and you eat meat, Trader Joe's sells fully cooked pulled pork. Or top these buns with ground beef simmered in barbecue sauce.
22. Baked Greek Shrimp and Orzo
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Orzo + Feta, pepper drop, and olive antipasto + large cooked shrimp + diced + fire roasted tomatoes
How to make it: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cook the orzo according to package directions and thaw the shrimp. Place the cooked orzo in a baking dish and top with fire roasted tomatoes, antipasto mixture, and shrimp. Stir to combine. Sprinkle some feta from the antipasto mix on top. Bake for about 10 minutes until warm throughout, the shrimp is pink and opaque, and the cheese is melted.
Get creative: You can try this same recipe with salmon or any of Trader Joe's frozen fish (like the branzino fillets) for a complete Greek-inspired meal. For an extra cheesy meal, replace the antipasto mix for a big block of feta cheese.
23. Four-Ingredient Carbonara
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Egg fettuccine pasta + uncured pancetta + Parmesan cheese + egg
How to make it: Cook the pasta according to package directions. In a skillet, cook the pancetta. Make a pasta sauce by beating grated Parmesan with egg yolk. Combine the cooked pasta and pancetta in a skillet and top with the cheesy egg yolk sauce. Stir to combine, then plate and garnish with more Parmesan.
Get creative: Try this same recipe with cauliflower gnocchi or cheese-filled tortellini to make it even richer. Or if you really don't feel like cooking, pick up a bag of frozen cacio e pepe, then add bacon or pancetta with some more Parmesan cheese. The final result tastes equally as decadent.
24. Pork Belly Ramen
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Miso Ginger Broth + Spicy Miso Ramen Soup + Egg + Fully Cooked Pork Belly
How to make it: Boil water and cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Add another cup of miso ginger broth and stir to combine. Slice the fully cooked pork belly and heat it up in a skillet until crispy. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg for about six-minutes. Pour the ramen noodles and soup into a bowl and garnish with the sliced soft boiled egg and a fe slices of pork belly.
Get creative: If you're not crazy about pork belly, there are so many ingredients you can use to jazz up your instant ramen. Try the frozen tempura shrimp, Sriacha tofu, or some vegetables like baby bok choy or shiitake mushrooms. Trader Joe's also has a bunch of seasonings and condiments I love to use to give my ramen a flavor boost. Chili onion crunch, multipurpose umami seasoning blend, and white miso paste are just a few ideas to get you started.
25. Red Curry Tofu and Vegetables
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Firm tofu + Asian style vegetable stir fry + Thai style red curry sauce + coconut milk
How to make it: Add Thai-style red curry sauce and coconut milk to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the vegetables and cubes of firm tofu and cook until tender.
Get creative: Trader Joe's has a bunch of different simmer sauces from tikka masala to green curry. Combine your favorite curry with coconut milk, your go-to protein, and whatever veggies you have on hand for a home-cooked meal that rivals takeout. Serve it with rice or naan for a filling dinner.
26. Falafel Pita Pockets
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Pita Bread + Dill Pickle Mini Falafel + Feta, Pepper Drop and Olive Antipasto + Zhoug Sauce
How to make it: Toast the pita bread if desired. Heat the mini falafel according to package directions (try using an air fryer for extra crispiness). Add several falafel balls and a scoop of the antipasto mix to each pita, and drizzle with the zhoug sauce.
Get creative: Frozen falafel is such an easy and filling protein to keep around for lazy meals, but there are plenty of other options to fill your pita with. Don't sleep on the precooked gyro. It's one of my absolute favorite TJ's buys. Same goes for the chickpeas tossed in cumin and parsley.
27. Seafood Fiocchetti Pasta
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Cheese Filled Fiocchetti With Pink Sauce + Parmesan Reggiano + Seafood Blend + Peas
How to make it: Defrost the seafood blend and the peas according to package directions. Once defrosted, pat the seafood blend dry to remove excess moisture. Cook the fiocchetti in a skillet according to package directions. Once defrosted, add the seafood and peas and toss to combine in the pink sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Top with grated Parmesan.
Get creative: You can add basically any protein to this pasta and it will taste delicious. Or leave the meat/seafood out altogether and double up on some summer veggies.
28. Carne Asada Cauliflower "Rice" Bowls
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Riced Cauliflower + Carne Asada + Melange à Trois Bell Peppers + Jalapeño Sauce
How to make it: Add cauliflower rice and peppers to a skillet with olive oil and sauté until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the carne asada on a grill or grill pan according to the directions. Slice the cooked carne asada and plate over the cauliflower rice–and–pepper medley. Dress with jalapeño sauce.
Get creative: Swap the cauliflower rice for regular rice, tortillas, or even a big green salad at the base. I'm also a big fan of TJ's Pollo Asado. Put it on a sheet pan with peppers and onions and serve it in tortillas fajita-style.
29. Tuscan Cauliflower Gnocchi Skillet
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Cauliflower Gnocchi + Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup + Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage + Kale
How to make it: In a skillet, sauté the cauliflower gnocchi with olive oil or butter until just crispy. Set aside. Slice the sausage into coins and add to the skillet. Pan-fry until heated through. Place the gnocchi and the sausage into the skillet and cover with tomato and roasted red pepper soup. Add the kale and simmer until the soup thickens and coats the gnocchi like a sauce.
Get creative: It's so easy to turn this meal into a vegetarian one. Just leave out the chicken sausage and double up on more vegetables. Or add your favorite cheese!
30. Miso Wonton Soup
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Frozen Vegetables + Miso Ginger Broth + Frozen Pot Stickers
How to make it: Cook the pot stickers and vegetables according to package directions (but leave the sauce off of the mixed veggies) and heat up the soup. Combine everything and enjoy.
Get creative: Trader Joe's has tons of frozen dumplings like shrimp shumai, vegetable gyoza, and pork pot stickers, so use your favorite. They also sell frozen shrimp tempura for something a bit different. I've also made this recipe using TJ's miso ramen cups.
31. Beef Kibbeh and Cauliflower Tabbouleh Bowls
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Cauliflower Tabbouleh + Avocado Tzatziki + Kibbeh
How to make it: Cook the kibbeh (Middle Eastern stuffed meatballs) according to the package directions. Place a big scoop of avocado tzatziki and cauliflower tabbouleh in a bowl and top with the kibbeh.
Get creative: For an easy lunch or quick dinner, stuff pita pockets with tzatziki (TJ's has both an avocado and a cucumber version) and kibbeh.
32. Chicken Shawarma Couscous Bowls
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Chicken Shawarma + Couscous + Hummus + Grecian Style Eggplant With Tomato & Onions
How to make it: Cook the chicken shawarma according to package directions and simmer the couscous. Plate the couscous and top with scoops of hummus, eggplant, and sliced chicken shawarma.
Get creative: If you want to cut back on carbs, try making this bowl with cauliflower tabbouleh or cauliflower rice at the base. In addition to chicken shawarma, I love this Middle Eastern–inspired bowl with frozen, fully cooked falafel or gyro.
33. Loaded Paella
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Seafood Paella + Smoked Andouille Chicken Sausage + Fresh Chicken Tenders
How to make it: Cook the chicken tenders and the chicken sausage in the oven or on the stove top. Meanwhile, heat up the seafood paella according to package directions. Once cooked, slice the chicken tenders and chicken sausage into bite-size pieces and add to the paella.
Get creative: If you're not into the idea of seafood paella, try the chimichurri rice, which can also be found in the frozen aisle. Loaded with chicken tenders and chicken sausage, it tastes a lot like jambalaya.
34. Peanut Udon Noodle Bowls With Chicken
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Frozen Chicken Strips + Shredded Cabbage with Carrots + Peanut Udon Noodle Salad
How to make it: Heat up the grilled chicken strips and toss them with the peanut udon noodle salad and some extra cabbage in a large bowl. Don't skimp on the peanut ginger dressing.
Get creative: I've made this recipe with shrimp, smoked salmon, and even tofu instead of chicken. Whatever protein you use, it always tastes delicious.
35. Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Cacio e Pepe
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Frozen Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe + Brussels Sprouts + Fully Cooked Uncured Bacon
How to make it: Make the cacio e pepe and heat up the fully booked bacon according to package directions. Dice the bacon into small pieces. Slice and sauté the Brussels sprouts in a skillet. Combine the Brussels sprouts, diced bacon, and cacio e pepe and enjoy.
Get creative: You can make endless combinations of delicious and comforting dinners by jazzing up T.J's frozen pasta options with some extra veggies and protein. In addition to cacio e pepe, look for the cheese filled fiocchetti with pink sauce or the butternut squash mac 'n' cheese for starters.
36. Easy Pork Milanese
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loins + Panko Breadcrumbs + Eggs + Lemony Arugula Basil Salad kit
How to make it: Slice each pork loin into to halves and pound them into thin, uniform pieces. Dredge the pork in egg and then panko breadcrumbs. Cook them in the air fryer or in oil until golden brown and crispy. Then plate the pork cutlets and top them with the tossed lemony arugula salad.
Get creative: You can make this same recipe using boneless chicken breasts or, if you're vegetarian, with eggplant. Or, if you just want to save time, start with T.J's frozen, breaded chicken. I personally love adding a little extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon to enhance the arugula salad.
37. Cauliflower Tempura Stir-Fry
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower + Cauliflower Rice + Stir-Fry Vegetables
How to make it: Defrost the cauliflower rice according to the package directions and reheat the cauliflower tempura. Sauté the stir-fry vegetables in a skillet and toss all of the ingredients together. Dress everything in the kung pao sauce included in the cauliflower tempura packaging.
Get creative: If you have an air fryer, try air-frying the tempura cauliflower. The batter gets so light and crispy that it tastes seriously restaurant quality.
38. Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Mushrooms and Pancetta
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Sweet Potato Gnocchi + Baby Bella Mushrooms + Pancetta
How to make it: Heat up the pancetta in a skillet and set aside. Slice baby bella mushrooms and use the leftover pancetta fat to sauté them. Heat the sweet potato gnocchi according to package directions and toss all the ingredients together.
Get creative: TJ's sells baby bellas, creminis, and shiitakes in addition to frozen mushrooms. In the frozen aisle, you'll also find lots of different kinds of gnocchi including better-for-you kale and cauliflower gnocchi.
39. Shrimp and Corn Elote Salad
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Frozen Shrimp + Lemony Arugula Basil Salad + Mexican-Style Roasted Corn with Cotija Cheese
How to make it: Assemble the salad kit, thaw and cook the shrimp, and heat up the frozen roasted corn. Toss everything together in a big salad bowl and enjoy.
Get creative: For something a bit more indulgent, try using TJ's frozen coconut shrimp. You could also swap in carne asada, precooked carnitas, or any protein you prefer.
40. Spicy Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Bowls
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Beef-Less Ground Beef + Spaghetti Squash+ Arrabbiata Sauce
How to make it: Cook the spaghetti squash. Poke a few slits in the squash with a knife and microwave it for five minutes to soften it. Slice it length-wise, scoop out the seeds, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 40 minutes at 400°F. Using two forks, shred the spaghetti squash and place the strands in a bowl. Set aside. Heat up the beef-less ground beef according to package directions. Once warm, add the squash and toss with the arrabbiata sauce.
Get creative: Spaghetti squash is so versatile, and there are lots of ways you can transform it into an exciting dinner with just a few ingredients. I love making spaghetti squash with shrimp and TJ's creamy spinach dip. It also tastes great tossed with turkey meatballs in a simple tomato sauce.
41. Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Croutons
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Sliced White Bread + Cheddar Cheese + Creamy Tomato Soup
How to make it: Make a grilled cheese sandwich in a buttered skillet with white bread and sliced cheese. Once the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown, set aside the grilled cheese and cut it into small squares. Heat up the tomato soup in a saucepan or in the microwave, and top it with grilled cheese croutons.
Get creative: Trader Joe's premade soups like this creamy tomato, the butternut squash, and the miso ginger are some of the best I've ever tried. Load them up with a few additional ingredients and you've got the perfect lazy meal.
42. Turkey Bolognese and Marinated Vegetable Rice Bowl
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice + "Just Sauce" Turkey Bolognese + Misto Alla Griglia Vegetables
How to make it: Defrost the rice in the microwave and heat the Bolognese and mixed vegetables according to package directions. In a skillet, combine all the ingredients and coat in the turkey Bolognese sauce.
Get creative Go ahead and swap in just about any carb for the rice. A simple spaghetti would do wonders here. Oh, and if you're vegetarian, look for Trader Joe's beef-less ground beef to mix with tomato sauce.
43. Salmon Soba Bowls With Broccolini
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: BBQ Cut Fresh Atlantic Salmon + Broccolini + Vegetable and Soba Noodle Stir-Fry Kit
How to make it: Bake or pan-sear salmon. Soak the soba noodles in water according to package directions and sauté the stir-fry vegetables and broccolini in olive oil. Place the cooked salmon over the soba noodle and veggie bowls, and dress with the soy ginger sauce (included in the stir-fry kit).
Get creative: You'll find another salad kit, miso vegetables, and brown rice stir-fry in the salad aisle that taste equally as delicious paired with salmon. If you don't love fish, try replacing the salmon with TJ's Asian-style chicken sausage.
44. Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Buffalo Ranch Salad Kit + Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breasts + Buffalo Chicken Dip
How to make it: Heat up the breaded chicken tenders and cut them into bite-size pieces. Add them to the buffalo ranch chopped salad (one of my favorite salad kits) with a scoop of the buffalo-style chicken dip for more flavor.
Get creative: If you're buffalo'd out, nix the dip and go for blue cheese, chopped celery, or any of TJ's premade dips. You can always eat this buffalo chicken salad on a wrap or in a pita.
45. Lobster Ravioli Alfredo
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Lobster Ravioli + Alfredo Pasta Sauce + Organic Peas
How to make it: Defrost the peas while you boil water for the ravioli. Once the ravioli is cooked, combine it with the peas and toss in alfredo sauce.
Get creative: You can pretty much swap the peas for any fresh or frozen vegetable and the result is still completely decadent and delicious. I also love making this ravioli with frozen corn or mushrooms for a real treat yourself meal.
46. Naan Flatbread With Tzatziki and Gyro
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Naan (frozen or fresh) + Tzatziki + Gyro Slices
How to make it: Heat up naan according to package directions. If using fresh naan, pop it into the toaster or heat it on the stove. Top the naan with cucumber tzatziki and sliced gyro.
Get creative: The premade spreads and dips section of Trader Joe's is a wonderland. If you're not a big tzatziki fan, try using garlic hummus, jalapeño cauliflower dip, guacamole, or zhoug, for starters.
47. Spinach Artichoke Pasta With Chicken Sausage
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Pasta (like farfalle) + Sausage (like spicy Italian chicken) + Frozen Spinach Artichoke Dip
How to make it: Boil your favorite pasta, heat up the spinach and artichoke dip, and cook the sausage. Combine everything in a big pot and enjoy.
Get creative: Soy chorizo also works great here if you're vegetarian.
48. Pork Carnitas Tacos
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Flour or Corn Tortillas + Fully Cooked Pork Carnitas + Organic Coleslaw Kit
How to make it: Heat up the tortillas. Shred the fully cooked carnitas and heat them in a skillet until the pork is crispy. Mix the dressing into the coleslaw and assemble tacos.
Get creative: TJ's has lots of fully cooked or pre-marinated meats perfect for tacos if you want to switch things up. Some of my favorites are the marinated carne asada and fully cooked pork belly.
49. Chicken Caesar Wrap
Hannah Loewentheil
Ingredients: Grilled Chicken Strips (fresh or frozen) + Handmade Flour Tortillas + A Complete Caesar-Style Salad Kit
How to make it: Heat up the chicken according to package directions. Toss together all components of the Caesar salad kit. Add the chicken to the salad and dress with the included dressing. Fold it all up into a tortilla and enjoy.
Get creative: You can whip up an easy three-ingredient lunch using just about any salad kit + your favorite protein + a tortilla/wrap. Try the Buffalo ranch chopped salad kit with grilled chicken, the Mediterranean-style salad kit with canned tuna fish, or the harvest grain salad with avocado all rolled up in a wrap.
Do you have something to add? What is your favorite quick, cheap, and nourishing Trader Joe's meal that calls for just a few ingredients? Tell us in the comments or in this anonymous form.