7 Trader Joe’s Dinners That Will Feed Your Entire Family for Under $15

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Feeding a family of four (or more) doesn’t have to make you go broke or require hours in the kitchen. That’s because we’ve got Trader Joe’s. The specialty grocery store has introduced millions of us to exciting new flavors from around the world that just so happen to be affordable, to boot. 

We’ve gathered a series of recipes that prove eating well on a budget isn’t just possible, it’s actually pretty easy when you know which products to grab. From hearty wraps to warming chilis, each of these meals delivers maximum flavor and nutrition without the premium price tag.

Here are seven Trader Joe’s dinners that will feed your family of four for under $15.

Thai Peanut Lavash Wraps

Total Cost: $14.16 (feeds 4-6)

Ingredients:

• Thai Peanut Satay Sauce – $2.29
• Potatoes, Peppers & Onions (frozen bag) – $3.49
• Lavash Bread – $3.99
• Beefless Ground Beef – $3.99
• Whipped Garlic Spread (optional) – $3.39

Instructions: Cook beefless ground beef in a skillet, add frozen potatoes and peppers, then stir in peanut satay sauce. Spread garlic on lavash, add filling, fold and toast until golden.

Why it’s perfect for families: From Conscious Chris’ Lazy Trader Joe’s meal series, these protein-packed wraps are crispy, creamy and loaded with bold peanut flavor that appeals to both kids and adults. The hands-on eating makes dinner fun, while the hearty filling keeps everyone satisfied without needing sides. Win-win!

Battered Fish Nugget Tacos

Total Cost: $13.65 (feeds 4)

Ingredients:

• Battered Fish Nuggets (Frozen) – $5.99
• Corn Tortillas – $2.69
• Organic Broccoli Slaw – $2.99
• Plain Greek Yogurt – 99 cents
• Limes – 99 cents

Instructions: Cook fish nuggets until crispy, warm tortillas and mix broccoli slaw with yogurt and lime juice. Assemble tacos and serve with extra lime. (Pro-tip: Make it vegetarian by swapping out the fish for the meatless mandarin nuggets but don’t use the sauce packet.)

Why it’s perfect for families: These fresh, crunchy tacos feel like a special restaurant meal but come together in under 20 minutes. The mild fish and creamy slaw are kid-approved, while adults love the bright, zesty flavors.

Classic Pepperoni Calzone

Total Cost: $11.46 (feeds 4)

Ingredients:

• Plain Pizza Dough – $1.49
• Pizza Sauce – $1.99
• Fresh Mozzarella – $3.99
• Sliced Pepperoni – $3.99

Instructions: Let dough come to room temperature, stretch into a circle, then top half with sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Fold over, seal edges and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes. You can easily make additional calzones by simply purchasing more dough for just an additional $1.49. (Pro-tip: Make it vegetarian by swapping out the pepperoni for Trader Joe’s meatless pepperoni.)

Why it’s perfect for families: This homemade calzone tastes like takeout but costs a fraction of the price and feeds the whole family. Kids love the pizza flavors, and parents appreciate how easy it is to customize with different fillings.

Hearty Veggie Chili

Total Cost: $12.95 (feeds 6-8)

Ingredients:

• Beefless Ground Beef – $3.99
• Kidney Beans (2 Cans) – 99 cents each
• Black Beans (2 Cans) – 99 cents each
• Organic Red Bell Peppers – $3.99
• Yellow Onion – $1.50
• Garlic (3-Pack) – $1.29 

Instructions: Sauté diced onion and garlic, add beefless ground beef, then stir in peppers and all the beans. Season with chili powder and simmer for 20 minutes until thick.

Why it’s perfect for families: This hearty, veggie-packed chili is filling enough to satisfy big appetites while being mild enough for kids. With loads of protein and fiber, it’s nutritious comfort food that tastes even better as leftovers.

Curry Tempeh Stir Fry

Total Cost: $12.25 (feeds 4)

Ingredients:

• Organic 3-Grain Tempeh – $2.49
• Ready Veggies (Stir Fry Mix) – $3.49
• Green Bell Pepper – $1.49
• Thai Style Red Curry Sauce – $3.49
• Garlic (3-Pack) – $1.29

Instructions: Brown sliced tempeh until crispy, sauté vegetables and garlic and then add tempeh back with curry sauce. Stir everything together and cook until heated through.

Why it’s perfect for families: This absolutely delicious and protein-rich stir fry delivers bold, restaurant-quality curry flavors that even picky eaters enjoy. It’s ready in under 20 minutes and can be served over rice to stretch the meal even further for growing appetites.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Total Cost: $13.25-$14.25 (feeds 4-6)

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti – 99 cents
• Turkey Meatballs (Frozen) – $5.99 *or* Meatless Meatballs (Frozen) – $4.99
• Marinara Sauce – $2.99
• Parmesan Cheese – $2.99
• Garlic (3-Pack) – $1.29

Instructions: Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Sauté garlic and then add sauce and heat turkey meatballs in marinara sauce. Toss everything together. Top with freshly grated Parmesan.

Why it’s perfect for families: This classic comfort meal delivers familiar flavors that kids love while providing plenty of protein to keep everyone full. The frozen meatballs make it incredibly easy, and leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Chicken Sausage and Rice Skillet

Total Cost: $13.96 (feeds 4-6)

Ingredients:

• Chicken Apple Sausage – $3.99
• Frozen Brown Rice – $2.99
• Fire Roasted Bell Peppers & Onions – $3.99
• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend – $2.99

Instructions: Slice and brown the chicken sausage, add frozen rice and peppers to the same skillet and cook until heated through. Top with cheese and let melt.

Why it’s perfect for families: This one-pan wonder combines protein, vegetables and grains in a single skillet that’s ready in 15 minutes. The sweet apple sausage appeals to kids while the colorful peppers sneak in extra nutrition without any complaints.

Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of July 7, 2025. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

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