Trader Joe’s is a great place for busy families to find fast, tasty, inexpensive meal options. They have a lot of frozen food choices that can help make dinner easy, even if you’re really busy.
Whether you have a small family or a big one, Trader Joe’s frozen meals are great for those busy nights when you don’t have time to cook a meal from scratch.
Here, we break down seven of the best Trader Joe’s freezer meals that will help you get dinner on the table fast, with minimal effort but maximum satisfaction.
Top Trader Joe’s Freezer Picks
1. Mandarin Orange Chicken
Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is consistently one of the top-rated items among shoppers, and for good reason. This meal brings together crispy breaded chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce that’s both sweet and savory.
- Price: $4.99 per bag
- Serving Size: One bag feeds 2-3 people, but you should grab two for larger families.
- How to Cook: Bake it in the oven and toss it with steamed broccoli for a complete meal, or serve over rice for a comforting, well-rounded dish.
It’s a hit with kids & adults alike, making it the ultimate go-to when you need a meal fast without sacrificing flavor.
2. Kimbap
Trader Joe’s Kimbap (Korean-style sushi rolls) is the perfect option for those nights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner. These rolls are filled with seasoned rice, vegetables, and a bit of protein, and they are ready in minutes.
- Price: $4.99
- How to Cook: Heat them in the microwave for 2 minutes for an easy meal that feels special without the prep time. Pair it with some miso soup or a salad for a balanced meal.
If you love authentic Korean food but need more time to make it from scratch, Trader Joe’s Kimbap is an excellent freezer find.
3. Mini Beef Tacos
Trader Joe’s Mini Beef Tacos are a tasty meal for both kids and adults. The small tacos have seasoned beef and salsa inside gluten-free corn tortillas.
- Price: $4.29
- How to Cook: For a quick dinner option, bake, air fry, or microwave these. For a complete meal, serve them with sides like beans, rice, or a simple slaw.
If you want to jazz up taco night without the mess, these mini tacos are a fantastic and convenient option.
4. Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese
Trader Joe’s Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese is a freezer aisle favorite that delivers big on flavor. Made with a blend of cheddar, havarti, gouda, and Swiss cheeses, it is rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
- Price: $2.99 per box
- Serving Size: One box feeds 2-3 people, but you can quickly bulk it up with frozen peas, bacon, or chicken.
- How to Cook: Heat it in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy dinner.
Add roasted vegetables or a salad on the side for a more balanced meal, and you have a simple dinner that the whole family will love.
5. Fully Cooked Falafel
Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Falafel is a winner for a plant-based, protein-rich option. These falafels are packed with flavor and ready to serve, making them a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
- Price: $3.99 for a 12-piece bag
- How to make: Heat them up in the oven or microwave, then add them to a pita with tahini, lettuce, and tomatoes for a quick sandwich. Or, you can put them on a salad or enjoy them with hummus and roasted vegetables..
These naturally vegan falafels make them an excellent option for plant-based families.
6. Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
Trader Joe’s Chicken Gyoza Potstickers are a freezer staple for busy nights. These dumplings are filled with flavorful chicken and vegetables and can be cooked in several ways, including pan-frying, steaming, or air-frying.
- Price: $3.49 per bag
- How to Cook: Crisp them up in a pan or air fryer and serve them with rice and steamed veggies for a balanced dinner. Add them to chicken broth for a simple and quick dumpling soup.
They’re a hit with kids, and their versatility makes them an excellent choice for a last-minute meal.
7. Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi
Trader Joe’s Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi reinvents traditional gnocchi by stuffing each potato dumpling with tomato sauce and mozzarella. This one-bag wonder is perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.
- Price: $3.49 per bag
- How to Cook: Pan-fry the gnocchi until golden and crispy, then add a sprinkle of Parmesan and some baby spinach for a complete, one-pan meal.
This food feels special but is still simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Conclusion:
Trader Joe’s freezer section has many delicious & convenient options for families on the go. If you’re looking for quick and tasty meals like mac ‘n cheese, kimbap, gyoza, or mini tacos, these seven options will help you save time without sacrificing flavor.
Next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, stock up on these freezer essentials to make weeknight dinners a breeze!