The 7 Best Trader Joe’s Freezer Meals for Busy Families

Trader Joe's is a treasure trove of gastronomic goodies on so many fronts: whether it’s snacks, affordable wine, or convenient meal solutions. You’ll find most of the latter in the freezer aisle, which is so jam-packed with clever options, it can be almost overwhelming to decide what to bring home. 

No matter the size of your family, there are quick and easy dinners waiting to be had. Here are seven of our favorite TJ’s freezer meals that save us on the busiest weeknights.

1. Mandarin Orange Chicken

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is a fan favorite and a hit among Simply Recipes editors, too. Associate Editorial Director Myo Quinn always stocks up when she’s at the store. “For my family of five, I make two bags. I roast them with broccoli florets and serve them over rice. It’s the easiest, most satisfying meal for when I don’t have it in me to cook anything from scratch,” she says. 

2. Kimbap

This elusive fan-favorite TJ's freezer find is the ultimate for when you need a last-minute solution for dinner. Myo says, "I live in Central Virginia and often travel two hours to Northern Virginia to eat kimbap. (Myung Ga Gimbap makes the best.) Though I could technically make it at home, it's time-consuming. These are delicious and only take two minutes to heat up."

3. Mini Beef Tacos

Kids (and adults) love bite-sized things and these mini tacos deliver all the fun. They’re filled with pulled beef and roasted tomatillo salsa and because they’re made with corn tortillas, they’re naturally gluten-free.

They have a chicken version, too.  Depending on how much time you have, they can be microwaved, air fried, or baked. Serve them with a side of beans and rice, coleslaw, or Mexican street corn for a much easier taco night.

4. Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese

This rich and creamy macaroni and cheese is made with cheddar, havarti, gouda, and Swiss. Pick up two at $2.99 each to feed a family of four and bulk them up with add-ins to turn them into a cozy and satisfying dinner.

What kind of add-ins? I like frozen peas and crumbled cooked bacon. Leftover roasted vegetables, shredded chicken, and crumbled sausage are all great choices, too.

5. Fully Cooked Falafel

You’ll get twelve fully cooked falafels in this bag for $3.99 and they’re a great protein-rich, naturally vegan base for dinner. Stuff them into spit pita bread halves with tahini sauce, shredded lettuce, sliced cucumber, and tomato for easy sandwiches, serve them over a simple salad, or just enjoy them with your favorite tub of Trader Joe’s hummus and a big tray of roasted vegetables. 

6. Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

Myo also loves to feed her family TJ’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers. “I am never without at least one bag of these dumplings in my freezer. They are so easy to crisp up in the air fryer for a quick meal served with rice and kimchi. My kids adore them!” she says.

If you don’t have an air fryer like me, you can also steam, pan fry, or microwave them. I even like to simmer them in chicken broth with frozen vegetables for a quick and lazy soup.

7. Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi

This is another one you’ll want two bags of but each only costs $3.49. This ingenious potato gnocchi is stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella, which means all you need is olive oil and a generous grated Parmesan cheese to prepare and serve them.

They’re best cooked on the stovetop to help get the outside golden brown and crispy. My favorite way to turn this gnocchi into a one-pan dinner is to toss baby spinach in at the very end of cooking to just wilt it.

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