Too Busy to Be Bothered? These Trader Joe's Dinners Can Be Made in a Matter of Minutes

In case you haven't explored the magical aisle of frozen food at Trader Joe's, let us enlighten you. There's no shame in the frozen game, especially when you're on the go and have zero time to cook, but if you're going to do it, you should know what's actually worth buying. From frozen pasta to everyone's favorite healthy cauliflower gnocchi, and yes, even a cauliflower tot casserole, there is a slew of must-have items that can be heated in minutes. Keep reading to find out which frozen meals are worth picking up and why, and don't forget to look for them on your next Trader Joe's run!

Prices and products may vary by Trader Joe's location.

— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes

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Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Butter and Sage
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Butter and Sage

The name of Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Butter and Sage is enough to make us drool all over ourselves. The sweet potato is (debatably) more flavorful than regular gnocchi, and it's so easy to make! Pop it in the microwave or oven, and dinner is served.

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Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken

If you want an easy dinner that's delicious, Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is great go-to. It taste better than takeout (seriously!).

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Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

One taste of the Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings and you'll be addicted. Each dumpling is filled with chicken and a rich broth that will have you head over heels for this frozen find.

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Trader Joe's Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Trader Joe's Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese

Let's face it, frozen mac and cheese isn't the best version of the widely-known dinner (boxed mac and cheese, you have our hearts!). But, and yes there's a but, Trader Joe's Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese may be the only exception. Every chile-infused bite packs a punch, the creamy texture is delicious and when made in the oven, it's the real deal.

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Trader Joe's Penne Arrabbiata
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Trader Joe's Penne Arrabbiata

There's no denying the addictive nature of Trader Joe's Penne Arrabbiata. The pasta is dairy-free, flavorful, and comes with a sauce included!

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Trader Joe's Mushroom Ravioli With Mushroom Truffle Sauce
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Trader Joe's Mushroom Ravioli With Mushroom Truffle Sauce

You'll lust over this Trader Joe's Mushroom Ravioli With Mushroom Truffle Sauce. Every bite is packed with creamy flavor, and the ravioli's melt right in your mouth.

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Trader Joe's Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Trader Joe's Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

Whether you munch on the Trader Joe's Chicken Gyoza Potstickers as a snack, or pair them with rice and kimchi, they're a great frozen steal.

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Trader Joe's Chicken Tikka Masala
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Trader Joe's Chicken Tikka Masala

Ideal for those on a diet and on the go, the Trader Joe's Chicken Tikka Masala won't disappoint. One box is 360 calories, and its portion size won't leave you hungry for more. Pack it for lunch at work or keep it frozen for dinner, it's the perfect meal to satisfy your taste buds.

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Trader Joe's Kale Gnocchi

Gnocchi-lovers will be happy to discover the new Trader Joe's Kale Gnocchi. Found in the frozen section, this pasta alternative even has a nutritional angle — it's made of kale! Don't feel guilty consuming gnocchi ever again, this kale substitute is shame-free.

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Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi

Are you really a TJ's fan if you haven't tried the Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi? The pasta substitute is gluten-free, yummy, and takes less than 10 minutes to make. Top it with your favorite sauce, and you'll soon make a trip back for more.

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Trader Joe's Chicken Fried Rice

With three-and-a-half servings per container, this Trader Joe's Chicken Fried Rice will last you more meals than one. Pair it with dumplings or add it to the side of a much larger meal; it's versatile (and tasty) enough to be eaten with or without other foods.

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Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gratin

Your mouth will water at the thought of this Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gratin. Complete with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with parmesan and herbed breadcrumbs, you'll wish you could eat this tasty treat every night.

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Trader Joe's Veggie Burger

Veggie burgers can be hit or miss, but this Trader Joe's Veggie Burger is, of course, a hit. The sweet Thai chili sauce is downright delicious, and its vegetable blend packs so much flavor.

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Trader Joe's Chile Lime Chicken Burgers

Ideal for veggie wraps, scrambles, in a bun, or eaten as is, the Trader Joe's Chile Lime Chicken Burgers are undeniably good.

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Trader Joe's Burrata, Prosciutto, and Arugula Flatbread

Pizza fans will go crazy for this Trader Joe's Burrata, Prosciutto, and Arugula Flatbread. The taste of the pie, for being frozen, is worth raving over. Don't skim over this treat the next time you're at TJ's, it's too good to ignore.

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Trader Joe's Asparagus Risotto

The Trader Joe's Asparagus Risotto has a creamy texture and delicious taste that will leave you begging for more. The best part? It only takes five minutes to make!

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Trader Joe's Cauliflower Tot Casserole

Skip classic tater tots for this Trader Joe's Cauliflower Tot Casserole. Each potato is replaced with cauliflower, and you can't even tell. Best made in the oven, you'll eat this frozen dish in a flash.

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