I Shop At Trader Joe's Wayyy More Than I'd Like To Admit, And These Are My Favorite Cheap And Easy Recipes

These recipes are pretty much impossible to mess up — and none of them breaks the bank.

I love Trader Joe's for so many reasons, but above all, it's my favorite place to stock up on affordable and creative ingredients for low-effort but seriously tasty meals.

Hannah Loewentheil

I'm constantly trying new flavor combinations and whipping up easy recipes, but these are some of my favorite tried-and-true T.J's meals that call for four ingredients or fewer. Besides the ingredients listed, all you'll need are basic ingredients from your kitchen (think: olive oil, salt, and pepper).

Hannah Loewentheil

1. Easiest Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breasts + Bruschetta Sauce + Genova Pesto + Mozzarella

How to make it: Defrost the chicken according to package directions (if you have an air fryer, the results will be extra delicious). When about 2 minutes remain, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer or oven. Top each chicken tender with a slice of mozzarella and a scoop of bruschetta sauce. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted. Drizzle each with a spoonful of pesto.

Get creative: You can always swap the breaded chicken tenders for plain old chicken, or try this same creation on a turkey burger. Finally, if you don't eat meat, try using sliced eggplant for a lightened-up take on eggplant parm.

2. Spicy Summer Corn and Burrata Ravioli

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Zucchini + Sweet Corn, Burrata & Basil Ravioli + Roasted Corn + Chili Onion Crunch

How to make it: Defrost the corn according to package directions and sauté the zucchini in olive oil until just charred. Cook ravioli according to package directions and drain, retaining a bit of the starchy pasta water. Combine the ravioli, zucchini, and tomato in a skillet. Toss with chili onion crunch, olive oil, and a tablespoon or 2 of pasta water. Season with salt and pepper. 

Get creative: The premade ravioli selection at TJ's is spectacular, IMO. Grab a container of your favorite one and choose the toppings from there. Try the caprese ravioli topped with blistered tomatoes and pesto, or lobster ravioli tossed in vodka sauce with your favorite summer veggies. 

3. Easy Pork Fried Rice

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Eggs + Fully Cooked Pork Belly + Vegetable Fried Rice + Soyaki

How to make it: Heat up the pork belly in a skillet and set aside. Add the vegetable fried rice to a skillet coated with olive oil. Once defrosted, add the pork and continue sautéing. Add the eggs and stir to combine. Toss everything in soyaki sauce and serve.

Get creative: Not a fan of pork belly? Pick any protein to toss into the mix. Personally, I'm a huge fan of Trader Joe's frozen red Argentinian shrimp. And you can always bulk up the fried rice with more veggies.

4. Everything Bagel Seared Salmon

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Salmon Fillets + Cherry Tomatoes + Leeks + Everything Bagel Seasoning

How to make it: Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the leeks. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes are jammy and the leeks are tender. Transfer to a plate. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the salmon pieces skin-side up. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until just opaque. Sprinkle the salmon with everything but the bagel seasoning and top with the sautéed leeks and tomatoes.

Get creative: You can easily turn this into a sheet pan meal: Just slice the veggies and place them on a baking sheet with the salmon fillets. Drizzle everything with olive oil, salt, pepper, and everything seasoning. Bake in the oven at 400°F. Make the most of your leftovers by boiling some noodles for a chilled pasta salad.

5. Chicken Tortellini Soup

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Chicken Broth + Chicken Tenders + Cheese-Filled Tortellini + Mirepoix 

How to make it: Add chicken and chopped carrots, celery, and onion mirepoix to a pot and cover with chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and whatever herbs you have on hand. Bring the broth to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and continue cooking. Simultaneously boil a salted pot of water for the tortellini. Add the the cooked tortellini to the chicken and vegetable soup and serve.

Get creative: You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth and leaving out the chicken all together for additional protein like chickpeas or extra veggies. Want to eliminate even more cooking time? Start with Trader Joe's fully cooked chicken breast. And to add tons of flavor with little effort, look no further than herbs. A bay leaf, a few springs of thyme, or a bunch of chopped parsley and dill goes a long way.

6. Kung Pao Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Bowls

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Kung Pao Chicken + Asian Style Vegetables + Thai Wheat Noodles

How to make it: Heat the kung pao chicken according to package directions in a skillet. Meanwhile, defrost the vegetables (either in the microwave or in the same skillet as the chicken). Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles. Once the noodles are cooked, add those to the skillet as well. Add the kung pao sauce packet and/or the stir fry packet depending on how saucy you want your meal. Stir everything together and serve!

Get creative: There are so many ways to customize your bowl: Swap fully cooked microwave rice or frozen rice cakes in place of the Thai wheat noodles. Instead of the kung pao chicken, try honey walnut shrimp, tempura cauliflower, or chicken-less mandarin orange morsels. There are so many frozen-aisle finds just begging to be stir-fried into this better-than-takeout dinner.

7. Soffritto Potato and Egg Skillet

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Baby Potatoes + Eggs + Spinach + Soffritto Seasoning Blend

How to make it: Halve or dice the potatoes. Toss them in olive oil and soffritto seasoning and bake in the oven at 425°F or air-fry until golden and crispy. Defrost the spinach according to package directions. Toss the spinach and the potatoes in a skillet with more seasoning. Prepare the eggs to your liking: Crack the eggs right into the potato hash and cook until the whites set, or poach/scramble them and serve them on top of the vegetables. 

Get creative: Jazz up this breakfast skillet with the help of any additional veggies; your favorite breakfast meat, like bacon, Soyrizo, or sausage; and some hot sauce (I'm a big fan of Green Dragon).

8. Barbecue Jackfruit Sliders

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Shredded Cabbage + Sweet Pull Apart Aloha Rolls + Green Jackfruit in Brine + Truffle Flavored BBQ Sauce

How to make it: In a small bowl, toss the cabbage with olive oil, salt, and pepper (optional to add anything like mayo, lime juice, or vinegar). Set aside. Cook the jackfruit with barbecue sauce in a skillet until tender and resembles the consistency of pulled pork. Serve the barbecue jackfruit in pull-apart rolls topped with slaw.  

Get creative: Jackfruit takes on the flavor of whatever it's cooked in, so play around with simmering it in different sauces. If barbecue sauce isn't your thing, try jackfruit in yellow curry over rice or cook it in enchilada sauce and toss it into tortillas. 

9. Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Pasta Alfredo

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Pappardelle Pasta + Asparagus Sauté + Lightly Smoked Salmon + Limone Alfredo Sauce

How to make it: Cook the pasta according to package directions and sauté the asparagus and mushrooms in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Combine cooked pasta and vegetables in a skillet and add lightly smoked salmon. Toss everything with the Alfredo sauce until coated.

Get creative: With a bag of pasta and some tinned fish, you're never far from a cheap and delicious meal. If you're not a huge salmon fan, try tossing spaghetti with canned tuna or smoked trout, capers, olive oil, and grated Parmesan.

10. Hash Brown Eggs Benedict

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Eggs + Hash Browns + Smoked Salmon + Avocado

How to make it: Defrost the hash browns according to package directions. Top each hash brown with a generous piece of smoked salmon and sliced avocado. Poach eggs, and once cooked, pat them on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Top each hash brown with a poached egg.

Get creative: Take advantage of TJ's frozen aisle to whip up a satisfying breakfast. In addition to hash browns, you can start your creation with frozen waffles, potato latkes, or even naan. And if smoked salmon isn't your favorite, swap it for bacon. 

11. Carne Asada Cauliflower "Rice" Bowls

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Riced Cauliflower + Carne Asada + Melange à Trois Bell Peppers + Jalapeño Sauce

How to make it: Add cauliflower rice and peppers to a skillet with olive oil and sauté until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the carne asada on a grill or grill pan according to the directions. Slice the cooked carne asada and plate over the cauliflower rice–and–pepper medley. Dress with jalapeño sauce.

Get creative: Swap the cauliflower rice for regular rice, tortillas, or even a big green salad at the base. I'm also a big fan of TJ's Pollo Asado. Put it on a sheet pan with peppers and onions and serve it in tortillas fajita-style.

12. Breakfast Sausage and Potato Egg Hash

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Eggs + Shredded Sharp Cheddar + Breakfast Sausage + Roasted Potatoes With Peppers and Onions

How to make it: Slice the chicken sausage into coins and brown them in a skillet. Set to the side. Add the roasted potatoes with peppers and onions and continue sautéing until defrosted. Add the chicken sausage back into the skillet. Make little pockets and crack an egg into each pocket. Cover with a lid and cook until the whites are opaque and the yolks are cooked to your liking. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. 

Get creative: You can easily make this meal vegetarian by swapping in plant-based sausage or Soyrizo. Or leave out the meat altogether and add your favorite sautéed veggies. 

13. Coconut Masala Cauliflower Curry

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Cauliflower + Coconut Milk + Masala Simmer Sauce + Rice

How to make it: Cut the cauliflower into florets and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the cauliflower on a baking sheet at 425˚F for 20–30 minutes, flipping once, until the florets are just charred. Simmer the coconut milk and masala sauce in a pot. Once simmering, add the roasted cauliflower florets and toss to coat. Microwave the rice according to package directions and serve with the cauliflower masala.

Get creative: Not feeling cauliflower tonight? Try this recipe with chickpeas, shrimp, chicken, or even tofu. You can always bulk it up with whatever vegetables are in your fridge. And in addition to masala sauce, TJ's has some delicious red, green, and yellow curry simmer sauces that go perfectly with coconut milk.

14. Seafood Fiocchetti Pasta

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Cheese Filled Fiocchetti With Pink Sauce + Parmesan Reggiano + Seafood Blend + Peas

How to make it:  Defrost the seafood blend and the peas according to package directions. Once defrosted, pat the seafood blend dry to remove excess moisture. Cook the fiocchetti in a skillet according to package directions. Once defrosted, add the seafood and peas and toss to combine in the pink sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Top with grated Parmesan.

Get creative: You can add basically any protein to this pasta and it will taste delicious. Or leave the meat/seafood out altogether and double up on some summer veggies.  

15. Pickle Falafel Pita Pockets

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Pita Bread + Dill Pickle Mini Falafel + Feta, Pepper Drop and Olive Antipasto + Zhoug Sauce

How to make it: Toast the pita bread if desired. Heat the mini falafel according to package directions (try using an air fryer for extra crispiness). Add several falafel balls and a scoop of the antipasto mix to each pita, and drizzle with the zhoug sauce.

Get creative: Frozen falafel is such an easy and filling protein to keep around for lazy meals, but there are plenty of other options to fill your pita with. Don't sleep on the precooked gyro. It's one of my absolute favorite TJ's buys. Same goes for the chickpeas tossed in cumin and parsley. 

16. Brie and Prosciutto Naan Pizza

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Tandoori Naan + Brie + Prosciutto + Fig Butter

How to make it: Defrost the naan in the oven according to package directions. Remove the naan and drizzle it with fig butter. Top each piece with slices of Brie and prosciutto. Place in the oven for another 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Get creative: With naan as your base, the flatbread combinations are endless. Trader Joe's premade pizza dough (found in the refrigerated aisle) is also deceptively good. It just requires a bit more work!

17. Korean-Inspired Short Rib Rice Bowls

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Korean Style Beef Short Ribs + Rice + Baby Bok Choy + Kimchi

How to make it: Steam or sauté the baby bok choy and microwave the rice. Cook the Korean short ribs according to package directions. Top each rice bowl with sliced short ribs, wilted bok choy, and kimchi. 

Get creative: You can really customize these Asian-inspired bowls with your favorite ingredients. For starters, consider the frozen teriyaki chicken, shrimp tempura, and fully cooked pork belly. 

18. Crispy Fish Tacos

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Breaded Cod Fillets + Tortillas + Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Salsa + Guacamole

How to make it: Defrost the breaded cod fillets according to package directions and heat up the tortillas on the stove top with some olive oil or butter. Place a breaded cod fillet in each tortilla, and top with a generous spoonful of salsa and guacamole.

Get creative: Tacos are probably my number one go-to lazy meal. Grab a bag of tortillas and your favorite protein and you're halfway there. I've tried just about everything: fish nuggets, popcorn shrimp, battered halibut, fully cooked pork carnitas, chicken adobo, and more. I really love making tacos with TJ's Southwest salad kit because it comes with an excellent spicy avocado dressing.

19. Baked Meatball Sandwiches

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Brioche Buns + Bread & Butter Pickle Chips + Italian Style Cooked Meatballs + Magnifisauce

How to make it: Heat the meatballs according to package directions and toast the brioche buns. Place the cooked meatballs in the buns and top with pickles and the sauce. Drizzle the buns with olive oil and place the meatball sandwiches in the oven. Bake uncovered at 350°F until golden and toasted.

Get creative: Add a little marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella into the mix to take these baked meatballs sandwiches to the next level. If you want to switch things up, replace the meatballs with your favorite deli meat, like honey ham, and Swiss cheese. Add a little garlic mustard aioli and you are ready to rock.

20. Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Nectarine Summer Salad

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Mozzarella + Prosciutto + Nectarines + Balsamic Glaze

How to make it: Slice the nectarines into slices and arrange on a plate. Break apart or slice the mozzarella and the prosciutto slices and plate it with the nectarines. Drizzle everything with balsamic glaze. 

Get creative: This OG summer salad never fails. Try throwing the nectarines on the grill to make them taste even more delicious. Oh, and if you can find burrata at your local TJ's, it's always a good idea. Alternatively, try using grilled Halloumi.

21. Pork Belly Ramen

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Miso Ginger Broth + Spicy Miso Ramen Soup + Egg + Fully Cooked Pork Belly

How to make it: Boil water and cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Add another cup of miso ginger broth and stir to combine. Slice the fully cooked pork belly and heat it up in a skillet until crispy. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg for about six-minutes. Pour the ramen noodles and soup into a bowl and garnish with the sliced soft boiled egg and a fe slices of pork belly.

Get creative: If you're not crazy about pork belly, there are so many ingredients you can use to jazz up your instant ramen. Try the frozen tempura shrimp, Sriacha tofu, or some vegetables like baby bok choy or shiitake mushrooms. Trader Joe's also has a bunch of seasonings and condiments I love to use to give my ramen a flavor boost. Chili onion crunch, multipurpose umami seasoning blend, and white miso paste are just a few ideas to get you started. 

22. Lightened-Up Chicken Cacio e Pepe

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Grilled Chicken + Spinach + Squash + Frozen Cacio e Pepe

How to make it: Heat the grilled chicken slices according to package directions. Sauté the spinach and squash in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Cook the cacio e pepe in a skillet according to package directions. Add the heated chicken and sautéed vegetables to the pasta skillet and coat everything in the cheese sauce.

Get creative: This combination of fully cooked grilled chicken, veggies, and pasta is foolproof. Play around with whatever concoctions sound best. Personally, I'm a big fan of the gnocchi alla sorrentina. Of course, if you don't eat meat, you can just load up on vegetables. 

23. Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Frittata

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Eggs + Garden Vegetable Hash + Goat Cheese + Shredded Potato Hash Browns

How to make it: Heat the oven to 400°F. Whisk 6 eggs, a bit of milk from your fridge (cream, dairy milk, or nut milk), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside. In an oven-safe skillet, sauté the vegetables and the shredded hash brown potatoes in olive oil. Once tender, press the veggies and potatoes toward the bottom of the pan to form a layer and sprinkle them with goat cheese. Pour the beaten eggs over the veggies and cheese and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until the eggs are totally set. Slice and serve. 

Get creative: The humble frittata is one of the most versatile foods on Earth. It's totally appropriate to enjoy any time of day, and you can pretty much use whatever combination of vegetables, meat, and cheese you like best. Need some inspiration? Try making this baked egg dish with broccoli and cheddar, bacon and Gruyère, or sun-dried tomato and broccoli. 

24. Tuscan Cauliflower Gnocchi Skillet

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Cauliflower Gnocchi + Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup + Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage + Kale

How to make it: In a skillet, sauté the cauliflower gnocchi with olive oil or butter until just crispy. Set aside. Slice the sausage into coins and add to the skillet. Pan-fry until heated through. Place the gnocchi and the sausage into the skillet and cover with tomato and roasted red pepper soup. Add the kale and simmer until the soup thickens and coats the gnocchi like a sauce.

Get creative: It's so easy to turn this meal into a vegetarian one. Just leave out the chicken sausage and double up on more vegetables. Or add your favorite cheese!

25. Easy Pork Milanese

Hannah Loewentheil / Via instagram.com

What you need: Boneless Pork Loins + Panko Breadcrumbs + Eggs + Lemony Arugula Basil Salad kit

How to make it: Slice each pork loin into to halves and pound them into thin, uniform pieces. Dredge the pork in egg and then panko breadcrumbs. Cook them in the air fryer or in oil until golden brown and crispy. Then plate the pork cutlets and top them with the tossed lemony arugula salad.

Get creative: You can make this same recipe using boneless chicken breasts or, if you're vegetarian, with eggplant. Or, if you just want to save time, start with T.J's frozen, breaded chicken. I personally love adding a little extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon to enhance the arugula salad. 

26. Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Multigrain Frozen Waffles + Eggs + Sliced Gouda Cheese + Uncured Apple Smoked Bacon

How to make it: Defrost the waffles according to package directions and fry the bacon in a skillet. Place a few pieces of bacon and a slice or 2 of cheese between the 2 waffles. Prepare your eggs however you like them (scrambled, fried, etc.) and place the egg on top of the cheese. Place the waffle sandwich in a skillet for a minute on each side until the cheese is melted.

Get creative: Behold, the savory breakfast sandwich. Add a condiment to take this baby to the next level. A drizzle of chili sesame oil, hot honey, or even maple syrup is life-changing. It might sound strange, but I love Trader Joe's frozen waffles topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers. It's like a bagel, only the ideal combination of sweet and savory. 

27. Carnitas Tacos

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Organic Coleslaw Kit + Tortillas + Fully Cooked Carnitas + Avocado (optional)

How to make it: Mix the coleslaw kit with the dressing and set aside. The carnitas are already completely cooked, so just heat them up according to the package directions. I heat them up in a skillet over medium heat. Heat up the tortillas. I put them in the same skillet I used to heat up the carnitas. That way the tortillas soak up a bit of the leftover fat and get nice and crispy. Put the slaw and the carnitas on top of the tortillas and serve as is, or garnish with any extra toppings (jalapeño, avocado, Cotija cheese, or a squeeze of lime). 

Get creative: Tacos are one of my favorite throw-together meals, and you can make a million different easy variations using Trader Joe's ingredients. Grab a bag of tortillas, a salad kit (I am loving the Elote salad mix these days), some avocado or pre-made guacamole, and your favorite Trader Joe's protein and you've basically got taco night done for you.

28. Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Chicken Shawarma + Couscous + Hummus + Grecian Style Eggplant With Tomato & Onions

How to make it: Cook the chicken shawarma according to package directions and simmer the couscous. Plate the couscous and top with scoops of hummus, eggplant, and sliced chicken shawarma.  

What you need: If you want to cut back on carbs, try making this bowl with cauliflower tabbouleh or cauliflower rice at the base. In addition to chicken shawarma, I love this Middle Eastern–inspired bowl with frozen, fully cooked falafel or gyro. 

29. And Finally, Paratha Breakfast Burritos

Hannah Loewentheil

What you need: Malabar Paratha + Eggs + Pico de Gallo + Shredded Mexican Style Cheese Blend

How to make it: Heat the paratha in a skillet according to package directions. Set aside on a plate. Beat eggs with salt and pepper and add to the nonstick skillet. Cook as if you were making an omelet, and do not touch until the eggs are set. Place the paratha on top of the egg and flip the pan so that the eggs are on top. Add a scoop of pico de gallo and sliced avocado on the egg, and wrap everything in the paratha as if it were a burrito. 

Get creative: Parathas are like flaky, Indian-inspired tortillas, but you can also make a breakfast burrito with TJ's scallion pancakes or Taiwanese green onion pancakes.

What are your favorite easy meals using minimal Trader Joe's ingredients? Tell us in the comments!