15 Kid-Friendly Trader Joe’s Dinners Everyone Will Love

Trader Joe’s is a lifesaver when it comes to feeding the family, especially on those busy nights when you need something quick and kid-approved. Whether you want to sneak in some veggies or keep things simple with familiar flavors, they’ve got you covered. The best part? These meals don’t require much time or effort but still taste like you spent all day in the kitchen. From cheesy pasta to flavorful tacos, there’s something here for every picky eater and grown-up alike.

Shrimp Alfredo with Whole Wheat Pasta

Trader Joe’s Shrimp Alfredo is a family favorite, featuring their frozen whole wheat pasta and shrimp. To prepare, thaw and cook the shrimp according to package instructions, while boiling the pasta in salted water. In a skillet, warm a jar of Alfredo sauce, adding a tablespoon of butter and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Once the shrimp and pasta are cooked, toss them together in the skillet with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side of garlic bread. This simple dish takes less than 20 minutes to prepare and is a surefire hit.

Pesto Pasta with Chicken Sausage

For a quick dinner, try Trader Joe’s pesto pasta with chicken sausage. Cook 8 oz of fusilli pasta in boiling salted water while heating the pre-cooked chicken sausage in a separate pan. Drain the pasta and toss it with ½ cup of Trader Joe’s pesto, stirring in the sausage. For added texture, mix in ¼ cup of sun-dried tomatoes and a handful of baby spinach. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with a green salad. This well-rounded meal is ready in 15 minutes and packed with flavor.

Coconut Curry Chicken with Rice & Broccoli

Trader Joe’s Coconut Curry Chicken is a flavorful, family-friendly option. Begin by cooking one bag of frozen jasmine rice as per the package directions. In a pan, heat the pre-cooked curry chicken while steaming 2 cups of broccoli florets. Once everything is cooked, combine the chicken, rice, and broccoli in a large bowl. Pour over ½ cup of extra curry sauce if desired, and mix until well-coated. Serve hot with naan bread on the side for a complete meal. This dish combines rich flavors with ease and convenience.

Tortellini with Pesto and Sundried Tomatoes

Trader Joe’s refrigerated tortellini cooks up fast for an easy weeknight meal. Boil a package of tortellini in salted water until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with ½ cup of Trader Joe’s pesto, adding ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and texture. For a bit of freshness, fold in a handful of arugula just before serving. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. This meal is light, flavorful, and quick, perfect for busy families.

Orange Chicken and Cauliflower Rice

A healthier spin on takeout, Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. Heat the frozen chicken according to package instructions while sautéing a bag of cauliflower rice in olive oil with a pinch of salt. Once cooked, toss the chicken with the provided orange sauce in a pan until evenly coated. Serve the chicken over the cauliflower rice with steamed snap peas on the side. The combination of sweet, tangy chicken and light rice is a great way to keep dinner both fun and nutritious.

Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti

Trader Joe’s frozen turkey meatballs paired with their spaghetti is a classic family meal. Boil 12 oz of spaghetti in salted water while heating the meatballs in marinara sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and toss it with the warm sauce and meatballs. For a little extra flavor, mix in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. This easy and hearty dinner is both kid-approved and satisfying.

Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread

Trader Joe’s vegetarian chili pairs perfectly with their boxed cornbread mix. Start by baking the cornbread according to package instructions, adding 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. While the cornbread bakes, heat a can of vegetarian chili in a saucepan, adding ½ cup of frozen corn for extra texture. Once the cornbread is ready, slice it and serve with a bowl of warm chili, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. This comforting dish is both hearty and satisfying.

Mini Cheeseburgers with Sweet Potato Fries

Trader Joe’s frozen mini cheeseburgers make for a fun and quick dinner. Bake the sliders according to the instructions on the package while cooking a bag of sweet potato fries in the oven. Once both are done, serve the cheeseburgers on mini brioche buns with ketchup and pickles. Add a side of the crispy sweet potato fries, and for a balanced meal, offer sliced apples or carrot sticks. This kid-friendly meal is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Chicken Tacos with Black Beans

Trader Joe’s pre-cooked chicken strips simplify the process of making delicious chicken tacos. Warm a pack of tortillas while heating the chicken in a skillet. To assemble, place the chicken in the tortillas, and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with a side of Trader Joe’s canned black beans, heated and seasoned with cumin and garlic powder. Squeeze a bit of lime over the tacos and enjoy this flavorful, customizable meal.

Chicken Fried Rice

Trader Joe’s frozen chicken fried rice is a quick and flavorful dinner option. Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet and adding the frozen fried rice, stirring occasionally. In a separate pan, scramble two eggs and set aside. Once the fried rice is heated through, mix in the scrambled eggs and an additional cup of frozen peas and carrots. For more protein, add pre-cooked diced chicken breast or tofu. Finish with a drizzle of soy sauce and a sprinkle of green onions for garnish.

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Trader Joe’s cauliflower crust pizza is a fun, healthier twist on traditional pizza. Preheat the oven to 425°F and bake the frozen crust for about 10 minutes. While the crust is baking, prepare your toppings: ½ cup of marinara sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and your choice of toppings like pepperoni or bell peppers. Spread the sauce on the crust, sprinkle with cheese, and add toppings. Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This gluten-free option is a delicious hit with both kids and adults.

Beef Birria Tacos

Trader Joe’s beef birria makes taco night exciting and easy. Heat the pre-cooked birria in a skillet, breaking it apart as it warms. Warm your corn tortillas in a separate pan, then fill them with the birria meat. For extra flavor, top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve alongside a simple avocado salad or Mexican rice. These tacos are flavorful, fun to eat, and perfect for a quick dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Trader Joe’s mac and cheese can be made even more nutritious by adding broccoli. Cook the frozen mac and cheese according to package instructions. While it heats up, steam 1 cup of broccoli florets until tender. Stir the broccoli into the mac and cheese, and for extra creaminess, add ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with a side of grilled chicken or on its own for a complete meal. This easy dinner is comforting, cheesy, and full of hidden veggies.

Meatless Meatballs with Polenta

For a vegetarian dinner, try Trader Joe’s meatless meatballs with polenta. Heat a bag of Trader Joe’s pre-cooked polenta slices in a skillet with a little olive oil until crispy on both sides. In a separate pan, simmer the meatless meatballs in marinara sauce. Once the polenta is golden, top each slice with a few meatballs and some sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. This meatless meal is hearty, satisfying, and full of rich Italian flavors.

Mushroom Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce

Trader Joe’s mushroom ravioli pairs beautifully with a simple brown butter sauce. Cook the ravioli in salted water until tender, about 3-4 minutes. In a small skillet, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat, stirring until it turns golden and nutty. Toss the drained ravioli in the brown butter, and for added flavor, mix in 1 tablespoon of chopped sage and a handful of Parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. This rich, flavorful dinner feels fancy but takes less than 15 minutes to make.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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