I love cooking; but once in a while, I just want to make something as easy and fast as possible.
Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed
And for those times: Trader Joe’s always has my back. It’s no secret by now that I’m low-key (or maybe high-key) obsessed with TJ’s. Thanks to its frozen aisle finds, and ever-changing seasonal items, three ingredients can go a seriously long way.
Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed
And for those times: Trader Joe’s always has my back. It’s no secret by now that I’m low-key (or maybe high-key) obsessed with TJ’s. Thanks to its frozen aisle finds, and ever-changing seasonal items, three ingredients can go a seriously long way.
So for your lazy cooking pleasure, I wanted to share some of my all-time favorite meals that you can whip together with just three Trader Joe’s ingredients. (If you also have a go-to easy meal, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!)
1.
Tortellini Salad With Prosciutto and Brussels Sprouts
• How to make it: Boil tortellini according to package directions and rinse under cold water. Sauté or roast the Brussels sprouts and mix with the cooked pasta along with prosciutto, torn into bite-size pieces. Enjoy hot or chilled.
• TJ’s tip: Don’t sleep on the refrigerated pasta section at Trader Joe’s. You’ll find all sorts of goodies like butternut squash ravioli, caprese ravioli, and cacio e pepe stuffed pasta, all of which would taste heavenly in this pasta salad.
• How to make it: Boil tortellini according to package directions and rinse under cold water. Sauté or roast the Brussels sprouts and mix with the cooked pasta along with prosciutto, torn into bite-size pieces. Enjoy hot or chilled.
• TJ’s tip: Don’t sleep on the refrigerated pasta section at Trader Joe’s. You’ll find all sorts of goodies like butternut squash ravioli, caprese ravioli, and cacio e pepe stuffed pasta, all of which would taste heavenly in this pasta salad.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
• How to make it: Heat up the frozen shakshuka in a skillet according to package directions. Once defrosted, make little pockets in the shakshuka and crack eggs into the crevices. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs cook until the whites are opaque (about eight minutes). Sprinkle with feta cheese and enjoy.
• TJ’s tip: If you don’t have the time or energy to bake eggs, eat the shakshuka with TJ’s fully cooked and peeled hard-boiled eggs or sous vide eggs. Instead of feta, you could also add chickpeas for more protein.
• How to make it: Heat up the frozen shakshuka in a skillet according to package directions. Once defrosted, make little pockets in the shakshuka and crack eggs into the crevices. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs cook until the whites are opaque (about eight minutes). Sprinkle with feta cheese and enjoy.
• TJ’s tip: If you don’t have the time or energy to bake eggs, eat the shakshuka with TJ’s fully cooked and peeled hard-boiled eggs or sous vide eggs. Instead of feta, you could also add chickpeas for more protein.
• How to make it: Heat the mandarin orange morsels in a skillet according to package directions, then add the fried rice and cook in the same pan according to package directions. Toss everything in the mandarin orange sauce (included) and top with a fried egg.
• TJ’s tip: Swap the mandarin morsels for the real mandarin orange chicken if you’re not vegetarian. And if you follow a vegan diet, just swap out the egg for some additional veggies or furikake Japanese all-purpose seasoning.
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.
TJs tip: 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.
6.
Turkey Bolognese and Marinated Vegetable Rice Bowl
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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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed
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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
7.
Creamy Cauliflower Gnocchi With Broccoli
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Ingredients: Cauliflower Gnocchi + Broccoli (fresh or frozen) + Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce
• How to make it: Cook the cauliflower gnocchi. I find that roasting it on a baking sheet or sautéing it in a little bit of olive oil is best. It makes the gnocchi crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Cook the broccoli and combine, then toss with the autumnal harvest sauce.
• TJ’s tip: Of course, you could use any TJ’s frozen gnocchi if you don’t love the cauliflower version. I especially love the sweet potato gnocchi. If you have Parmesan in your fridge, add a generous sprinkle.
• How to make it: Cook the instant ramen according to package directions. Simultaneously boil water in a saucepan and boil the eggs for six minutes until soft-boiled with a runny yolk. Pat the tofu dry, slice it into cubes, and fry it in a skillet. Add the tofu to the soup and top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg.
• TJ’s tip: If vegetarian isn’t your thing, there are so many ways you can spice up instant ramen. Look for Trader Joe’s tempura shrimp, fully cooked pork belly, or any frozen dumplings or wontons.
• How to make it: Cook the instant ramen according to package directions. Simultaneously boil water in a saucepan and boil the eggs for six minutes until soft-boiled with a runny yolk. Pat the tofu dry, slice it into cubes, and fry it in a skillet. Add the tofu to the soup and top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg.
• TJ’s tip: If vegetarian isn’t your thing, there are so many ways you can spice up instant ramen. Look for Trader Joe’s tempura shrimp, fully cooked pork belly, or any frozen dumplings or wontons.
• 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).
• TJ’s tip: 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.
• 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).
• TJ’s tip: 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.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: I’ve made this recipe with shrimp, smoked salmon, and even tofu instead of chicken. Whatever protein you use, it always tastes delicious.
How to make it: Heat the meatballs according to package directions. In the meantime, sauté the sweet potato ribbons until tender. Add the meatballs to the sweet potato and toss in the creamy basil pasta sauce.
TJ’s tip: If you’re vegetarian, you can find meatless meatballs in the frozen aisle. And if sweet potato noodles aren’t your thing, try making this with fresh egg fettuccine.
12.
Lobster Ravioli Alfredo
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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.
TJ’s tip: 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.
How to make it: Defrost the cauliflower rice according to package directions and cook the carne asada. Slice the meat into pieces and serve over the Mexican cauliflower rice with a big scoop of guacamole on the side.
TJ’s tip: Cauliflower rice can easily get soggy when cooked on the stove top. For the crispiest texture, try roasting it on a baking sheet. Just drizzle a little oil over the rice and roast it at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. It makes a world of difference.
• How to make it: Cook the chicken, then toss it in the pita bread with plenty of hummus.
• TJ’s tip: You can really customize this recipe to fit your preferences. It tastes awesome with the shawarma chicken thighs, but it’s equally as delicious with TJ’s gyro slices or frozen falafel. I always love adding hummus, but you could opt for cucumber tzatziki, creamy cauliflower dip, romesco dip, etc.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
• How to make it: Heat up the bulgogi beef fried rice according to package directions and toss with the chili onion crunch. Crack an egg over the rice and cook until the yolk just barely sets.
• TJ’s tip: If you need a bit more protein, add the frozen Korean-style short ribs to the bulgogi beef. You can add a bit more kimchi for flavor, but the bulgogi kit already includes it.
Ingredients: Hearts of Palm Pasta + Cherry Tomatoes + Genova Pesto
• How to make it: Cook the hearts of palm pasta according to package directions. In a skillet, cook the cherry tomatoes in olive oil until they are jammy and slightly blistered. Add the tomatoes to the hearts of palm pasta and toss everything with the pesto.
• TJ’s tip: Soak the hearts of palm pesto in milk for about half an hour before cooking them in order to neutralize the flavor. Then, sauté in olive oil with some salt and pepper. They’ll take on the taste and texture of spaghetti.
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.
TJ’s tip: 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.
How to make it: Cook the chilaquiles according to package directions and heat up the refried beans. Fry an egg in a non-stick skillet. Top the chilaquiles with a scoop of refried beans and fried eggs.
TJ’s tip: This hearty meal works for just about any time of day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I also love making a similar meal but replacing the chilaquiles for a Cuban-style citrus garlic bowl.
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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
22.
Spinach Artichoke Pasta With Chicken Sausage
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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.
• TJ’s tip:Soy chorizo also works great here if you’re vegetarian.
• How to make it: Heat up the rice, sauté the stir-fry vegetables in a pan, then combine everything with the spicy pumpkin curry sauce and bring to a simmer.
• TJ’s tip: This is one of my favorite meatless meals because it’s still filling and delicious, but you can always add a fourth ingredient for extra protein. Tofu, shrimp, salmon, stir-fry beef, or chicken works great.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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!
• How to make it: Cook the frozen breaded chicken according to package directions. When the chicken is almost cooked, top each piece with a slice of mozzarella and prosciutto. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted.
• TJ’s tip: If you like chicken, Trader Joe’s breaded chicken tenders are a game changer. Make easy caprese chicken by topping them with mozzarella and bruschetta sauce or Mexican-style chicken topped with guacamole and Monterey Jack cheese. The possibilities are endless.
26.
Avocado Toast With Smoked Salmon
Hannah Loewentheil / Via tasty.co, Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed / Via tasty.co
• How to make it: Lightly toast bread and mash up avocado in a small bowl. Feel free to add pantry staples like lemon juice or red pepper if you have it. Top the bread with mashed avocado a sliced smoked salmon.
• TJ’s tip: Trader Joe’s nova salmon pieces are a serious steal. The quality is amazing, and the salmon pretty much melts in your mouth. There’s also everything but the bagel-seasoned salmon for those who like a bit more flavor, and the ahi-crusted smoked tuna is delicious too.
Hannah Loewentheil / Via tasty.co, Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed / Via tasty.co
• How to make it: Lightly toast bread and mash up avocado in a small bowl. Feel free to add pantry staples like lemon juice or red pepper if you have it. Top the bread with mashed avocado a sliced smoked salmon.
• TJ’s tip: Trader Joe’s nova salmon pieces are a serious steal. The quality is amazing, and the salmon pretty much melts in your mouth. There’s also everything but the bagel-seasoned salmon for those who like a bit more flavor, and the ahi-crusted smoked tuna is delicious too.
How to make it: Heat up the scallion pancakes and the pork belly according to package directions. Place a few slices of pork belly on top of the scallion pancake and top with a fried egg.
TJ’s tip: If you don’t eat pork (or don’t like pork belly) there are plenty of proteins you can swap in here from Korean-style short ribs to pre-marinated teriyaki chicken. Or skip the meat all together and top your scallion pancakes with egg and tangy kimchi.
• How to make it: Heat up the frozen zucchini spirals according to package directions and heat up the fully cooked chicken. Combine both in a skillet and toss with pesto.
• TJ’s tip: If you don’t love zucchini noodles but you want a pasta alternative, try Trader Joe’s sweet potato ribbons or the hearts of palm pasta. Or just opt for your favorite kind of noodle!
• How to make it: Heat up the frozen zucchini spirals according to package directions and heat up the fully cooked chicken. Combine both in a skillet and toss with pesto.
• TJ’s tip: If you don’t love zucchini noodles but you want a pasta alternative, try Trader Joe’s sweet potato ribbons or the hearts of palm pasta. Or just opt for your favorite kind of noodle!
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.
TJ’s tip: For an easy lunch or quick dinner, stuff pita pockets with tzatziki (TJ’s has both an avocado and a cucumber version) and kibbeh.
How to make it: Brown the beef in a skillet and set aside. Heat the rice in the microwave according to package directions. Assemble the rice, the five-layer dip, and the cooked beef in bowls and serve.
TJ’s tip: Swap the ground beef for whatever protein you like best. Think: ground chicken, flank steak, soyrizo, or even roasted sweet potato.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
Ingredients: Frozen Fully-Cooked Shrimp + Broccoli (fresh or frozen) + Hatch Chile Mac ‘n’ Cheese
• How to make it: Cook mac ‘n’ cheese in the oven or microwave according to package directions, and thaw the shrimp. Cook the broccoli according to package directions. Toss everything together in a skillet until cheesy.
• TJ’s tip: Swap in different proteins and veggies for endless iterations of this satisfying and cozy meal. I love jazzing up mac ‘n’ cheese with TJ’s frozen breaded chicken and blue cheese, turkey meatballs, and romesco sauce, or with a bunch of veggies like Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
• How to make it: Heat up the risotto according to package directions then sauté the Brussels sprouts and combine. Cook the scallops on the stovetop. I usually sprinkle them with salt and pepper, then pan-sear them in a little bit of butter or olive oil for about two minutes on each side. Plate the scallops on top of the Brussels and mushroom risotto.
• TJ’s tip: Trader Joe’s fresh sea scallops are one of my go-tos. In my experience, they are great quality, taste super fresh, and they’re more affordable than your usual sea scallops. For crispier scallops, coat them in a tiny bit of flour before searing.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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!
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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!
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
37.
Chicken Asada Rice and Bean Bowls
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Ingredients: Rice + Cuban-Style Black Beans + Chicken Asada
•How to make it: Cook each of the ingredients according to package directions and assemble in a big bowl.
• TJ’s tip: If you don’t love black beans, try using refried beans or Trader Joe’s premade Mexican-style corn and quinoa salad. Instead of on rice, you can also try this on a tortilla in taco or burrito form.
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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
• 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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
40.
Crispy Fish Tacos
Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed
Ingredients: Tortillas + Battered Fish Nuggets + Southwestern Salad Kit
• How to make it: Heat up the fish nuggets, toss together the salad kit, and heat up some tortillas on the stovetop or in the microwave. Assemble everything into tacos.
• TJ’s tip: I love the southwestern salad kit because it tastes like a slaw perfect for tacos. It has cotija cheese, tortilla strips, cabbage, cilantro, and a really delicious spicy avocado dressing. I often leave the dressing off the salad and then drizzle it on top of my tacos like a crema. Try making these tacos with your favorite like filling (think: coconut shrimp, pork belly, carnitas, skirt steak, or portobello mushrooms).
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.
TJ’s tip: 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.
42.
Miso Soup With Tempura Shrimp and Bok Choy
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Ingredients: Miso Ginger Broth + Tempura Shrimp + Baby Shanghai Bok Choy
How to make it: Boil the bok choy for about two minutes until it’s bright green and tender. Cook the tempura shrimp according to package directions. Heat up the miso ginger broth in a sauce pan. Stir the package of soy dipping sauce into the miso ginger broth for extra flavor. Right before you’re ready to eat, add the bok choy and the tempura shrimp to the broth.
TJ’s tip: To take this soup to the next level, try adding some shiitake mushrooms and a soft boiled egg.
• How to make it: Cook the chicken thighs according to package directions and slice into bite-size pieces. Add the Mediterranean-style salad to a bowl and place the chicken and a scoop of hummus on top. Drizzle with the included salad dressing.
• TJ’s tip: Not big on chicken? Try Trader Joe’s fully cooked frozen falafel for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
• How to make it: Cook the chicken thighs according to package directions and slice into bite-size pieces. Add the Mediterranean-style salad to a bowl and place the chicken and a scoop of hummus on top. Drizzle with the included salad dressing.
• TJ’s tip: Not big on chicken? Try Trader Joe’s fully cooked frozen falafel for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
44.
Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas
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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.
TJ’s tip: 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.
• How to make it: Fry some bacon and set aside. Sauté the vegetable hash in the leftover bacon grease and add sliced chicken sausage. Sauté until everything is cooked through, then add back in diced bacon and serve.
• TJ’s tip: Make this meal totally vegetarian-friendly by leaving out the bacon and instead making it with fried eggs and soyrizo.
• How to make it: Dice avocado and place it in a mound on a plate. Dice slices of ahi tuna and place the tuna on top of the avocado. Drizzle with lemon or soy sauce, if you have it on hand. Enjoy with tortilla chips.
• TJ’s tip: If you can’t find (or don’t love) Trader Joe’s ahi tuna, you can make this easy yet sophisticated meal with smoked salmon or canned tuna/salmon.
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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
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.
• TJ’s tip: 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.
What are your favorite easy dinners from Trader Joe’s that only need a few ingredients? Share in the comments!
