16 Budget-Friendly Trader Joe’s Meals for Under $10

Sometimes you just need a quick, affordable meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Trader Joe’s is a goldmine for those of us trying to cook delicious meals without breaking the bank. Whether you’re feeding a family or just whipping up something for yourself, it’s possible to make filling, flavorful dishes for under $10 with items from their shelves. The best part? You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to pull these off. I’ve gathered 16 different meal ideas that are easy to prepare, won’t cost much, and are perfect for keeping dinner interesting throughout the week.

Spicy Quick Chicken Chili

Use one can of Trader Joe’s Black Beans, one can of Trader Joe’s Fire Roasted Tomatoes, half a bag of frozen corn, and one pound of chicken thighs. First, sauté diced onions and garlic in a pot, then add the chicken thighs and brown them on all sides. Afterward, add the beans, tomatoes, and corn to the pot. Season with chili powder, cumin, and salt to taste. Simmer everything together for 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and shreddable. Serve hot with shredded cheese or sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.

Battered Fish Nugget Tacos

This meal requires one pack of Trader Joe’s Battered Fish Nuggets, eight small tortillas, one bag of coleslaw mix, and one bottle of Trader Joe’s Cilantro Dressing. Bake or air-fry the fish nuggets until crispy. Warm the tortillas, and in a separate bowl, mix the coleslaw with the cilantro dressing. To assemble, place a fish nugget in each tortilla and top it with the dressed coleslaw. Add a squeeze of lime for brightness. This easy recipe makes for a light yet satisfying meal.

Classic Pepperoni Calzone

You’ll need one package of Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough, one cup of marinara sauce, one package of mozzarella cheese, and a pack of pepperoni. Roll out the pizza dough, fill half with the sauce, cheese, and pepperoni slices, and fold the dough over to form a calzone. Pinch the edges to seal, then bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden. It’s a quick, delicious take on pizza, but more fun to eat.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Buy one box of jumbo pasta shells, a container of ricotta cheese, one bag of frozen spinach, and a jar of marinara sauce. Cook the shells according to the package instructions, then mix the spinach (thawed and drained) with the ricotta. Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F. This dish is creamy, tangy, and rich.

Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti

Pick up a bag of Trader Joe’s frozen turkey meatballs, a box of spaghetti, and a jar of marinara sauce. Boil the spaghetti according to package directions, and while that’s cooking, heat the turkey meatballs in a pan. Once they’re hot, pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti for a traditional, hearty meal that feeds four easily.

Chicken Fried Rice

Use one bag of Trader Joe’s frozen Chicken Fried Rice and two eggs. Heat the fried rice in a pan according to the package directions, then scramble the eggs in a separate skillet. Mix the eggs into the fried rice for an added layer of protein. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, and the eggs elevate the texture and flavor.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

Grab one block of Trader Joe’s Extra Firm Tofu, one bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables, and a bottle of soyaki sauce. Press and cube the tofu, then fry it in a pan until golden. Add the frozen vegetables and cook until they’re warmed through, then pour in the soyaki sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve with rice or noodles. It’s an easy way to enjoy a plant-based dinner.

Pork Carnitas Tacos

Pick up one pack of Trader Joe’s Pulled Pork Carnitas, one bag of mini tortillas, and a jar of salsa verde. Heat the carnitas in a skillet until crispy and warmed through. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave. To assemble, place the carnitas in each tortilla, and top with a spoonful of salsa verde. You can also add fresh cilantro or diced onions for extra flavor. This simple yet flavorful meal is perfect for taco night.

pinach and Mushroom Quesadillas

Grab one pack of Trader Joe’s Flour Tortillas, a bag of frozen spinach, one container of sliced mushrooms, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Sauté the mushrooms and spinach in a pan until softened, then set aside. In another skillet, place a tortilla and sprinkle cheese over half. Add the spinach and mushroom mixture, then fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden and the cheese has melted. These quesadillas are crispy on the outside, with a rich, savory filling inside.

Shrimp Stir-Fry with Rice

Buy one bag of Trader Joe’s Frozen Shrimp, one bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables, and one bottle of soy sauce. Thaw and cook the shrimp in a pan until pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp and add the stir-fry vegetables to the same pan, cooking until heated through. Toss the shrimp back in, and add soy sauce to taste. Serve over steamed rice for a quick and healthy meal packed with protein and vegetables.

Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese

Get one carton of Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato Basil Soup and a loaf of sourdough bread with sliced cheddar cheese. Heat the soup in a pot according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, make grilled cheese by buttering the sourdough slices and toasting them in a pan with cheddar cheese inside until golden and melted. Serve the soup alongside the grilled cheese for a comforting and simple meal. Perfect for cooler days.

Eggplant Parmesan

Pick up one package of Trader Joe’s Frozen Breaded Eggplant, one jar of marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Heat the breaded eggplant slices in the oven according to package instructions. Once done, layer the eggplant slices in a baking dish, topping each layer with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This vegetarian dish is a comforting and flavorful option for dinner.

Lentil and Vegetable Soup

You’ll need one box of Trader Joe’s Pre-Cooked Lentils, one bag of frozen mixed vegetables, and vegetable broth. In a large pot, combine the lentils, vegetables, and broth, bringing everything to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of cumin for extra depth of flavor. Let the soup cook for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Serve hot with a slice of bread for a warm and nutritious meal.

Chili Lime Chicken Burgers

Purchase a pack of Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chicken Burgers, burger buns, and sliced cheese. Cook the burgers in a pan or on the grill until fully cooked through. Toast the buns and add a slice of cheese to each burger during the last minute of cooking to melt it. Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on the buns, and add any toppings like lettuce, tomato, or avocado. These burgers are zesty and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Get one package of Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef, one bag of frozen broccoli, and soy sauce. Sauté the beefless ground beef in a pan until browned. Add the frozen broccoli and cook until heated through. Pour in soy sauce and let everything simmer for a few minutes. Serve over rice for a simple, hearty meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes. It’s a healthy, plant-based take on the classic dish.

Tortellini with Marinara

Buy one package of Trader Joe’s Cheese Tortellini and a jar of marinara sauce. Cook the tortellini in boiling water until they float to the top, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Drain and add the tortellini to a pot with warmed marinara sauce. Stir to coat the tortellini evenly in the sauce. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top. This meal is incredibly simple yet satisfying, perfect for busy nights.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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