15 Trader Joe’s Best Quick Meals for Busy Weeknights

Busy weeknights can be a real struggle when you’re trying to get dinner on the table fast, but Trader Joe’s has your back. With so many great ready-made options and simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up a meal in no time. These meals are quick to prepare, delicious, and will save you from reaching for takeout. So, here’s a list of super-easy dinner ideas to get you through those hectic nights when cooking feels impossible. Trust me, these will be your new go-to meals!

Mandarin Orange Chicken with Broccoli and Rice

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a fan favorite for a quick dinner. Toss a bag of frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, steam a bag of frozen broccoli and microwave Trader Joe’s frozen jasmine rice. Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sauce provided. Serve the orange chicken over the steamed rice and broccoli. This meal provides a balance of protein, veggies, and carbs, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Gorgonzola Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage

Use Trader Joe’s frozen Gorgonzola gnocchi and chicken sausage for a fast meal. Start by cooking the chicken sausage in a skillet until browned, then remove and set aside. Add the frozen gnocchi to the skillet, cooking until they’re heated through. Toss the cooked sausage back in, along with a handful of baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts slightly. This creamy and savory dish comes together in about 15 minutes.

Beef Bulgogi with Cabbage over Rice

Trader Joe’s pre-marinated beef bulgogi makes this meal a breeze. Cook the beef bulgogi in a pan over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. While the beef cooks, sauté shredded cabbage in a separate skillet until soft. Serve the beef over Trader Joe’s frozen rice, and top with the sautéed cabbage. The flavors of sweet and savory bulgogi pair perfectly with the crispy cabbage. This dish is ready in under 20 minutes.

Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice

Trader Joe’s frozen shrimp and Thai-style vegetable fried rice combine for an easy stir-fry. Sauté the shrimp in a hot skillet until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp, and then cook the frozen fried rice in the same skillet for about 5 minutes. Stir in the shrimp and a spoonful of Trader Joe’s Thai red curry sauce for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot. This meal is full of bold flavors and ready in under 15 minutes.

Cauliflower Gnocchi with Pesto and Peas

This healthier take on gnocchi is perfect for a quick dinner. Sauté Trader Joe’s frozen cauliflower gnocchi in olive oil until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. In a separate pan, heat frozen peas with a little water until tender. Toss the gnocchi with a couple of spoonfuls of Trader Joe’s pesto and the warmed peas. Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately. This meal is light yet satisfying, and can be ready in under 20 minutes.

Breaded Chicken and Arugula Salad

Trader Joe’s frozen breaded chicken breasts make for a delicious, crispy salad. Bake the chicken breasts at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, toss together arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette. Once the chicken is cooked, slice it and serve it over the salad. Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan for added flavor. This meal is light, fresh, and takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup

For a hearty and warming meal, Trader Joe’s pre-made Italian sausage and lentil soup is a great option. Heat the soup in a pot over medium heat until simmering. While the soup heats, you can prepare a simple side salad with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette. Serve the soup with a slice of toasted Trader Joe’s sourdough bread. This meal is comforting and perfect for cold nights, taking less than 10 minutes to prepare.

Chicken Potstickers and Stir-Fried Vegetables

Trader Joe’s frozen chicken potstickers make a quick and satisfying meal. Heat the potstickers in a pan with a bit of oil, cooking until browned on each side. While they cook, stir-fry a bag of frozen mixed vegetables with soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil. Serve the potstickers alongside the vegetables with a drizzle of Trader Joe’s gyoza dipping sauce. This simple meal is ready in about 15 minutes and delivers great flavor.

Mediterranean Falafel Salad

This Mediterranean-inspired dish is full of fresh flavors. Heat Trader Joe’s frozen falafel in the oven according to package instructions. While they cook, assemble a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives. Toss the salad with Trader Joe’s tzatziki sauce as a dressing. Once the falafel is ready, place them on top of the salad and serve with warm pita bread. This meal is both refreshing and hearty, taking about 20 minutes to prepare.

Mac and Cheese with Hatch Chile

Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese is a quick and creamy dinner option. Simply microwave the mac and cheese according to the package instructions. For added texture and flavor, stir in a handful of shredded rotisserie chicken and top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs. Heat under the broiler for a few minutes until the top is golden brown. This dish has a slight kick from the Hatch chiles and is ready in under 10 minutes.

ofu, Veggie, and Noodle Stir Fry

For a plant-based meal, try Trader Joe’s tofu and vegetable stir fry. Start by sautéing cubed tofu in a hot skillet until golden brown. Remove the tofu and stir-fry a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables with soy sauce and garlic. Once the veggies are cooked, stir in the tofu and add a package of Trader Joe’s cooked stir-fry noodles. Toss everything together and serve with a drizzle of sesame oil. This vegan meal is ready in just 15 minutes.

Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burger

Trader Joe’s quinoa cowboy veggie burgers are great for a quick and healthy dinner. Cook the veggie burgers according to package instructions, either on the stovetop or in the oven. While they cook, prepare a simple salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a lemon vinaigrette. Serve the veggie burgers on Trader Joe’s brioche buns with a slice of cheese and a spoonful of salsa. This meal is light yet satisfying and can be ready in under 20 minutes.

One-Pot Spaghetti with Marinara and Meatballs

This one-pot meal is perfect for busy nights. Cook Trader Joe’s frozen meatballs in a skillet until heated through. Add a jar of Trader Joe’s marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. While the sauce heats, boil spaghetti until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the sauce and meatballs. Toss to combine, and serve with grated Parmesan. This classic meal is ready in just 20 minutes.

Pork Carnitas Tacos

Trader Joe’s fully cooked pork carnitas make taco night a breeze. Heat the carnitas in a skillet until warmed through. Serve the carnitas in Trader Joe’s corn tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add a dollop of guacamole or salsa for extra flavor. This meal is quick, flavorful, and can be on the table in under 10 minutes.

Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles

For a low-carb option, try Trader Joe’s frozen shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles. Sauté the shrimp scampi in a skillet until the shrimp are cooked through. Add a bag of Trader Joe’s frozen zucchini noodles and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Toss everything together and top with grated Parmesan cheese. This meal is light, fresh, and takes just 10 minutes to prepare.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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