In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be a challenge. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s offers a variety of delicious freezer meals that are perfect for those busy days when you need something quick and satisfying.
From savory entrees to delightful snacks, here are the 10 best Trader Joe’s freezer meals that will make your life easier and your taste buds happier.
1. Fully Cooked Falafel $3.99/12 oz
Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Falafel are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, packed with authentic Mediterranean flavors of chickpeas, herbs, and spices. They’re perfect for a quick snack, salad topping, or stuffed into pita bread for a satisfying meal.
Nutritional Facts (per 3-piece serving)
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Chickpeas, Onions, Water, Wheat Flour, Canola Oil, Salt, Garlic, Cumin, Coriander, Parsley, Baking Powder, Black Pepper.
Preparation Instructions
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place falafel on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place falafel on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook falafel for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
2. Chicken Gyoza Potstickers $3.99/16 Oz
These Chicken Gyoza Potstickers are filled with a savory mixture of chicken, cabbage, and spices, wrapped in a delicate dough. They’re great as an appetizer or a main dish when paired with rice or noodles.
Nutritional Facts (per 4-piece serving)
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Leg Meat, Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Cabbage, Water, Onion, Tapioca Starch, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Wheat, Salt, Alcohol), Sesame Oil, Salt, Cane Sugar, Ginger Powder, Soybean Oil, Chopped Garlic, White Pepper, Black Pepper.
Preparation Instructions
- Pan Fry: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add frozen gyoza and cook until bottoms are golden brown. Add 1/4 cup of water, cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes until water evaporates.
- Boil: Add frozen gyoza to boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Drain and serve.
- Steam: Place gyoza in a steamer over boiling water for 7-10 minutes until heated through.
3. Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi $3.49/16 Oz
Trader Joe’s Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi turns traditional gnocchi inside out by stuffing it with tomato sauce and mozzarella. It’s a delightful twist that’s sure to please pasta lovers.
Nutritional Facts (per 1 cup serving)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Potato, Unbleached Wheat Flour, Crushed Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Citric Acid), Liquid Whole Eggs, Mozzarella Cheese (Milk, Salt, Microbial Rennet, Lactic Acid Starter Culture), Salt, Liquid Egg Whites, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onions, Basil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Garlic.
Preparation Instructions
- Stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add frozen gnocchi and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and heated through.
- Microwave: Place gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish with a tablespoon of water. Cover and heat on high for 4-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Mandarin Orange Chicken $4.99/22 oz
One of Trader Joe’s most popular items, the Mandarin Orange Chicken features crispy battered chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s a quick way to enjoy a Chinese takeout classic at home.
Nutritional Facts (per 1 cup serving without sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 21g
Ingredients
Battered Chicken Dark Meat Chunks: (Chicken Dark Meat, Water, Corn Starch, Flour [Unbleached Enriched Wheat Flour, Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Whole Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Salt, White Pepper, Green Onion, Garlic, Ginger)
Sauce: (Sugar, Water, Vinegar, Light Soy Sauce [Soybean, Water, Salt, Wheat Flour], Modified Food Starch, Dark Soy Sauce [Soybean, Water, Straw Mushroom Extractives, Salt, Wheat Flour], Garlic, Green Onions, Ginger, White Pepper, Sake, Mandarin Orange Peel, Orange Juice, Red Chile), Soybean Oil.
Preparation Instructions
- Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until crispy.
- Sauce Preparation: In a saucepan, heat the sauce packet over medium heat until warm.
- Combine: Toss cooked chicken with warmed sauce and serve immediately.
5. Kimbap $3.99/8.11 oz
Trader Joe’s Kimbap is a Korean-style rice roll filled with vegetables and protein, wrapped in seaweed. It’s a flavorful and convenient meal that’s perfect for on-the-go eating.
Nutritional Facts (per 3-piece serving)
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
Seasoned Rice (Water, Rice, Sesame Oil, Salt, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar), Fried Tofu and Braised Burdock (Water, Sliced Fried Tofu [Soybeans, Water, Soybean Oil, Calcium Chloride, Canola Oil, Calcium Carbonate], Burdock Root, Corn Syrup, Soy Sauce [Water, Fermented Soybeans, Salt], Cane Sugar), Stir-Fried Carrot (Carrot, Soybean Oil, Salt), Pickled Radish (Salted Radish [Radish, Salt], Cane Sugar, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Lemon Concentrate), Seasoned Spinach (Spinach, Sesame Oil, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Salt), Seaweed.
Preparation Instructions
- Microwave: Place kimbap pieces on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes until warmed.
- Stovetop: Lightly oil a pan and heat kimbap over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Mini Beef Tacos $4.49/15 oz
These Mini Beef Tacos are bite-sized corn tortillas filled with seasoned beef, making them a fun and tasty snack or appetizer. They’re great for parties or quick meals.
Nutritional Facts (per 4-piece serving)
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients
Beef, Corn Tortillas, Onions, Tomatoes, Green Chilies, Spices, Salt, Garlic Powder, Paprika.
Preparation Instructions
- Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place tacos on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes.
7. Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese $2.99/14 Oz
Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese is a rich and creamy dish made with a blend of Cheddar, Havarti, Swiss, and Gouda cheeses. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready in minutes.
Nutritional Facts (per 1 cup serving)
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
Cooked Macaroni Pasta, Cheddar Cheese, Havarti Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Gouda Cheese, Milk, Butter, Wheat Flour, Salt, Spices.
Preparation Instructions
- Microwave: Remove lid and cover with a paper towel. Heat on high for 5-6 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer mac ‘n cheese to an oven-safe dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
8. Mac and Cheese Bites $3.99/10 oz
These Mac and Cheese Bites combine creamy mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb coating. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party food.
Nutritional Facts (per 3-piece serving)
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
Cooked Elbow Macaroni (Water, Enriched Durum Wheat Flour [Semolina, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]), Milk (Whole Milk, Vitamin D3), Four Cheese Blend (Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme, Annatto {Color}], Gouda Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme, Annatto {Color}], Havarti Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme], Swiss Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme]), Breadcrumbs (Wheat Flour, Sugar, Yeast, Salt), Cornstarch, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Barley Malt), Egg, Water, Onion, Pepper Jack Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Jalapeno Peppers, Salt, Microbial Enzyme), Heavy Cream, Pecorino Romano Cheese Blend (Pecorino Romano Cheese [Pasteurized Sheep’s Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme], Hard Grating Cheese [Milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Microbial Enzyme], Cheese Whey Solids, Cornstarch), Unsalted Butter, Cream Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk and Cream, Salt, Stabilizers [Guar Gum, Carob Bean Gum]), Salt, Garlic, Cayenne Pepper Sauce (Aged Cayenne Red Peppers, Distilled Vinegar, Water, Salt, Garlic Powder), Paprika, Garlic Powder, Nutmeg.
Preparation Instructions
- Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place bites on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Air Fryer: Cook bites at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
9. Vegetable Fried Rice $2.99/16 oz
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice is a quick and easy side dish or meal, loaded with rice, peas, corn, carrots, and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Nutritional Facts (per 1 cup serving)
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Cooked Rice (Rice, Water), Carrots, Edamame (Soybeans), Corn, Green Peas, Leeks, Red Bell Peppers, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Sweet Cooking Rice Wine (Water, Mirin [Water, Rice, Alcohol, Salt, Koji {Aspergillus Oryzae}], Sugar, Lactic Acid), Contains 2% or Less of Canola Oil, Sugar, Onions, Seaweed Extract (Water, Kelp Extract, Dextrin, Alcohol, Salt, Xanthan Gum), Salt, Sesame Oil.
Preparation Instructions
- Stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add frozen rice and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway.
10. Beef Birria $7.99/16 oz
Beef Birria is a flavorful Mexican stew featuring tender beef cooked in a rich, spicy sauce. Trader Joe’s version is perfect for making birria tacos or enjoying over rice.
Nutritional Facts (per 1 cup serving)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sodium: 1090mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: less than 1g
- Protein: 32g
Ingredients
Beef, Water, Onions, Crushed Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Citric Acid [Acidifier]), Chile Peppers, Salt, Distilled White Vinegar, Spices, Garlic.
Preparation Instructions
- Stovetop: Pour contents into a saucepan and heat over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 4-5 minutes, stirring halfway.
Conclusion
With these delicious and convenient Trader Joe’s freezer meals, you can enjoy a variety of cuisines without spending hours in the kitchen. Stock up your freezer, and you’ll always have a tasty meal ready for those busy days!
