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Ovens & Ranges

The 10 best frozen meals from Trader Joe's

Keep these on hand for awesome last-minute dinners

Best Trader Joe's frozen food Credit: Trader Joe's / Getty Images

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

On the nights when I don't have the time or energy to cook, Trader Joe's is the answer. The affordable grocer is infamous for their amazingly delicious pre-made frozen meals, and word has traveled fast—my coworkers do the same thing. Here are our staff favorites to stock up on for when inspiration is lacking but hunger is lurking.

1. Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onions

Harvest Grains
Credit: Trader Joe's

Harvest Grains

I always keep these on hand for last-minute guests. Pop the flakey bites into the oven and in 10 minutes, you'll have warm, cheesy tangy cheese cups topped with sweet caramelized flavor. It's the best of both flavor worlds in just a few minutes. I'd be excited if I got something so delicious at a restaurant for triple the price. —Jessica Teich, Staff Writer

2. Bibimbap Bowl

Bibimbap
Credit: Trader Joe's

Bibimbap

Ever since my favorite Korean restaurant closed, I get my bibimbap fix from Trader Joe's. I have to bring my own kimchi, though. —Cindy Bailen, Staff Writer

3. Reduced Guilt Mac & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese
Credit: Trader Joe's

Macaroni and cheese

This is an easy, low-calorie microwavable meal for nights I don't feel like cooking or eating that much. I always have one of these in the freezer because these nights seem to happen often. —Samantha Matt, Audience Development

4. Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

Gyoza
Credit: Trader Joe's

Gyoza

There's always a bag of Trader Joe's chicken gyoza potstickers and chow mein in my freezer. The pairing has become a go-to weeknight dinner when my wife and I are too tired to cook a real meal. Both are easy to make and can be ready in under 20 minutes. Top it all off with some TJ's Gyoza Dipping Sauce and you'll be in love. —Dan Wroclawski, Managing Editor, News & Features

5. Turkey Burgers

Turkey Burgers
Credit: Trader Joe's

Turkey Burgers

My fiance and I always have Trader Joe's frozen turkey burgers in our freezer. They're super easy to grill on the George Foreman for quick weeknight meals. We usually have them with rice or baked sweet potatoes. —Samantha Matt, Audience Development Manager

6. Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Dolmas
Credit: Trader Joe's

This gnocchi is more like tasty sweet potato pillows that you can't stop eating. It comes in an addicting brown butter sage sauce—I throw the pasta in a frying pan with half a bag of fresh spinach and dinner is ready in 5 minutes, flat. —Jessica Teich, Staff Writer

7. Mandarin Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken
Credit: Trader Joe's

Orange Chicken

This frozen fried chicken comes with a delicious orange sauce for a result that rivals any Chinese restaurant I’ve ever been to. I love to serve it alongside the veggie fried rice. —Jessica Teich, Staff Writer

8. Mac & Cheese Bites

Mac and cheese bites
Credit: Trader Joe's

Mac and cheese bites

I am a huge fan of mac and cheese alone, but when you cover it with the savory goodness of fried breadcrumbs, I am much more than a fan. In fact, I leave my body when eating them. Trader Joe's mac and cheese bites are a glorious appetizer to serve at gatherings and an amazing pick-me-up dinner on days when you just can't. —Samantha Matt, Audience Development

9. Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer
Credit: Trader Joe's

Palak Paneer

When I have the itch for Indian food, but lack the budget for the restaurant, or the skill for making it myself, the Trader Joe's palak paneer manages to scratch that itch just fine. BYO basmati rice. —Andrew Winson, Data Entry Manager

10. Vegetable Fried Rice

Fried Rice
Credit: Trader Joe's

Fried Rice

This tasty rice is chock-full of hearty veggies like edamame, leeks, peppers, and corn. Throw it in a frying pan with a little oil for a quick, filling dinner. Layer it under the mandarin chicken for a crazy-satisfying meal that beats takeout in flavor and price. —Jessica Teich, Staff Writer

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