9 Trader Joe’s Go-To Items for Busy People Who Hate Cooking
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Preparing elaborate meals isn’t for everyone. If a demanding schedule and a distaste for cooking keeps you out of the kitchen, Trader Joe’s has you covered with new and classic items.
The beloved grocer is stocked with prepared foods and frozen meals that can be quickly heated and served. Keep reading to discover nine go-to items to keep on your shopping list.
Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Ravioli
- Price: $3.99
Crafted in Italy, goat cheese and caramelized onion ravioli from Trader Joe’s is ready in less than five minutes. Serve it with pasta sauce or simply toss in olive oil for a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the price.
Pad See Ew
- Price: $3.99
You won’t regret keeping a few containers of this frozen pad see ew from Trader Joe’s in your freezer. Simply heat it for a few minutes and enjoy — or serve with rice to make it extra filling.
Stuffed Peppers
- Price: $6.99
Ready-to-eat, these stuffed peppers from Trader Joe’s are filled with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, long grain and wild rice and veggies, topped with parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Each package contains two servings.
Spicy Alfredo Fusilloni Pasta
- Price: $4.79
Embark on a culinary adventure with spicy Alfredo fusilloni pasta. This Italian-Korean fusion consists of giant fusilli pasta covered with a spicy Alfredo sauce — a blend of traditional cream, grated cheese and butter with gochujang — sure to delight your tastebuds.
Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Price: $3.49
Topped with a smoky Chipotle sauce, the chicken burrito bowl from Trader Joe’s is packed with seasoned chicken breast, brown rice, red quinoa, black beans, corn, bell peppers and cheddar cheese. Simply heat and serve this flavorful and hearty frozen meal in a matter of minutes.
Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Price: $4.99
A classic comfort food, this creamy mac and cheese heats quickly in the microwave or stovetop. Made with plentiful quantities of Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar, Parmesan and mild cheddar cheeses, this mix is melded together with heavy cream and butter.
Mandarin Orange Chicken
- Price: $5.49
Simply put, Mandarin orange chicken is a party in your mouth. Pop this crispy breaded chicken in the oven — or microwave — then toss with the sweet and spicy orange sauce and serve with rice or veggies for a meal that won’t have any leftovers.
Korean Japchae Fried Rice
- Price: $3.99
Sourced from a supplier in Korea, the Korean japchae fried rice is vegan. Feast on a base of white rice and glass noodles, topped with thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, peppers, onions and carrots, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Riced Cauliflower Bowl
- Price: $3.99
Perfect for a low-carb diet, this guilt-free riced cauliflower bowl is vegan and gluten-free. Filled with chopped sweet potatoes, red onions, tofu and chickpeas, enjoy a wholesome meal requiring essentially zero effort.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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