11 Trader Joe's Recipes (Almost) Easier Than Takeout

Stephanie W.:  Trader Joe's has many easy family dinner recipes but this is my favorite one so far! This layered casserole is super flavorful and easy to make, especially if you use their recommended Pork Carnitas which is already cooked (easily substituted for ground beef if that sounds better to you!). Just layer corn tortilla strips, enchilada sauce, cheese and the meat mixture and bake.

Kelly R:  Warm up a box of Trader Joe’s Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup, add a package of refrigerated Trader Joe’s Spinach Tortellini and simmer until done. Serve sprinkled with grated parmesan. Place a handful of fresh spinach in the individual bowls before pouring the soup, for any family members who are into that!

Kelly R:  This is my tween's favorite dinner...period...and I appreciate that it can be an entirely Trader Joe's meal! Cook 6 Tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling and watching carefully until it just begins to brown. Add about 2 Tbsp washed and dried sage leaves, and continue swirling until the butter is toasty and browned and sage is crisp, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat immediately and serve with 2 packages of Trader Joe's refrigerated cheese tortellini...or try another one of their seasonal ravioli flavors.

Kelly R:  I love using frozen fish and pre-packaged slaw mix from Trader Joe's to make quick and easy fish tacos. Serve this easy Trader Joe's recipe with some raw bell pepper strips and dinner is done! From Trader Joe's

Kelly R:  Doctor up fried rice for one of the easiest one pan meal ideas! Cook the frozen Trader Joe's Vegetable Fried Rice on the stovetop, scoot it over to the side of the pan and scramble 2 eggs. Mix it all together with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil and soy sauce. You can also add in leftover chicken, pineapple, or veggies...it's a great clean-out-the-fridge meal.

Kelly R:  Roasted veggies are so easy and delicious, and this quick dinner cooks them alongside gnocchi on a sheet pan for a filling vegetarian meal. This is my favorite way to cook Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi, if you have a bag in your freezer! From How Sweet Eats

Kelly R:  This veggie-heavy version of wonton soup is a tasty Trader Joe's recipe that comes together in minutes. Heat boxed Trader Joe's Miso Ginger Broth in a pan, add sliced baby bok choy and shredded carrots, and simmer for a few minutes. Add some frozen Trader Joe's Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons and cook until wontons are done. Garnish with green onions.

Kelly R:  Keep the ingredients on hand, and this Trader Joe's dinner idea is a family friendly pantry meal you can always have in a pinch. Combine and heat 1 box Trader Joe's Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup, 1 bag frozen Trader Joe's Chimichurri Rice, a can of drained corn (or frozen Roasted Corn) and a can of drained black beans.

Kelly R:  We love a good meatball sandwich in our house, and they're an easy Trader Joe's meal idea that comes together fast. Brown frozen Trader Joe's Turkey Meatballs on the stove, then simmer in your favorite marinara until warmed through. Place meatballs into Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns with a slice of provolone cheese. Toast in the oven to melt the cheese, and serve with sauce for dipping.

Kelly R:  One of my family's favorite Trader Joe's dinner ideas is to thaw the frozen naan bread, and top with their pizza sauce (in the refrigerated produce section) and shredded cheese. We like the Quattro Formaggi blend for all of our homemade pizzas. Let the kids add their own toppings, heat in the oven or toaster oven, and dinner is served!

Kelly R:  This salad is a healthy Trader Joe's recipe that can easily be served deconstructed for kids who prefer it that way. Cook any variety of Trader Joe's frozen potstickers according to the package. Serve over a salad composed of shredded cabbage, edamame, shredded carrot, chopped snow peas, bell peppers, cucumbers, green onion and chopped peanuts. Drizzle with Trader Joe's Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette or another favorite dressing.