28 Super Simple Trader Joe’s Meals You Can Make With Just 3 Ingredients
Craving fast, delicious meals without a mountain of prep or cleanup? These three ingredient Trader Joe’s combos save time, taste amazing, and keep your budget in check.
You will mix and match beloved TJ’s staples into weeknight heroes, lazy weekend lunches, and last minute dinners. Grab a basket and let these simple ideas do the heavy lifting so you can eat well without stress.
1. Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Chicken Sausage and Spinach
Pan sear the sweet potato gnocchi in a little oil until edges caramelize and turn golden. Slice the chicken sausage and brown it alongside, letting the flavors mingle.
Toss in a few handfuls of spinach until it wilts, then season with salt and pepper.
You get savory, slightly sweet, and super satisfying bites in minutes. The gnocchi’s pillowy texture pairs perfectly with juicy sausage and tender greens.
It is ideal for weeknights when you need comfort fast without sacrificing taste.
2. Cauliflower Gnocchi With Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
Crisp the cauliflower gnocchi in a nonstick pan until golden on the outside and soft inside. Spoon in basil pesto to coat every nook, then toss through halved cherry tomatoes.
Let the tomatoes just warm so they burst slightly and sweeten the sauce.
This combo tastes fresh, herby, and surprisingly hearty. You will love the contrast between crisp gnocchi and juicy tomatoes.
It is a quick dinner that feels sunny and bright no matter the season.
3. Orange Chicken, Fried Rice, and Broccoli
Bake or air fry the orange chicken until crisp, then toss in the packet sauce. Heat the fried rice in a skillet, letting some grains toast for extra flavor.
Steam or microwave broccoli until just tender and still bright green, then season lightly.
Everything tastes like upgraded takeout with minimal effort. The sweet tangy chicken pairs beautifully with savory rice and fresh broccoli.
You will have dinner ready before your cravings fade.
4. Shawarma Chicken Pitas With Tzatziki
Cook the shawarma chicken until browned and juicy, then slice thin. Warm the pitas so they turn soft and pliable.
Spread a thick layer of tzatziki inside each pita, add chicken, and tuck in crisp greens or onions if you like.
The flavors are garlicky, lemony, and cooling all at once. It is handheld comfort that feels restaurant ready.
You will crave this rotation worthy lunch every week.
5. BBQ Pulled Pork, Cornbread, and Coleslaw
Warm the BBQ pulled pork until saucy and tender. Bake or microwave the cornbread until fluffy and fragrant.
Pile the pork onto your plate with a hunk of cornbread and a scoop of coleslaw for crunch and tang.
The combination hits sweet, smoky, and cool textures in perfect balance. You will feel like you catered without lifting much effort.
It is a perfect weekend feast or an easy midweek treat.
6. Tuscan Kale Caesar With Grilled Chicken and Croutons
Massage the kale from the Caesar kit with dressing until glossy and tender. Add sliced grilled chicken for protein and crunch in the croutons.
Shower with the included parmesan so the salty bite lifts everything.
This salad eats like a full meal while staying crisp and satisfying. You will appreciate the hearty greens that do not wilt quickly.
It is a reliable lunch when you need fuel without fuss.
7. Butter Chicken With Basmati and Peas
Heat the butter chicken until the sauce turns silky and aromatic. Cook basmati rice or microwave a pouch for speed.
Stir in a handful of peas to the hot rice, then spoon the butter chicken over the top.
The result tastes like comfort in a bowl with rich spices and gentle sweetness. You will get warmth and satisfaction without delivery fees.
Perfect for chilly nights when you want something cozy fast.
8. Ricotta Ravioli With Arrabbiata and Arugula
Boil the ricotta ravioli until just tender. Warm the arrabbiata sauce until it simmers, then toss the ravioli in to coat.
Finish with a handful of arugula so it wilts slightly from the heat.
The peppery greens and spicy tomato sauce make creamy ravioli shine. You will love how fast it comes together while still feeling special.
It is pasta night simplified yet still worthy of a glass of wine.
9. Turkey Meatballs, Marinara, and Polenta
Simmer turkey meatballs in marinara until heated through and saucy. Cook instant polenta with broth or water until creamy.
Spoon polenta into bowls and crown with meatballs and extra sauce.
This delivers Italian comfort with minimal stirring. The polenta catches every drop of tomato richness, making each bite soothing.
You will keep this in your back pocket when you need satisfying without fuss.
10. Chili Lime Chicken With Cuban Black Beans and Rice
Grill or sauté the chili lime chicken until charred and juicy. Warm Cuban black beans until they bubble and taste seasoned.
Serve over fluffy rice with a squeeze of lime to brighten everything.
The zesty chicken and savory beans create a balanced bowl that feels complete. You will get protein, fiber, and comfort all in one go.
It is a dependable dinner that never gets boring.
11. Shrimp Stir Fry With Vegetable Fried Rice and Gyoza Dipping Sauce
Sauté shrimp until just opaque and bouncy. Add a bag of stir fry vegetables and cook until tender crisp.
Toss with vegetable fried rice, then splash in gyoza dipping sauce for salty sweet depth.
The meal tastes like a fast hibachi fix at home. You will appreciate how the sauce ties everything together with minimal measuring.
It is weeknight friendly and endlessly repeatable.
12. BBQ Chicken Pizza With Burrata
Bake the frozen BBQ chicken pizza until bubbly and crisp at the edges. As soon as it comes out, tear burrata over the top so it melts into creamy puddles.
Finish with cracked pepper for balance.
The upgrade makes frozen pizza feel pizzeria fresh. You will get smoky, sweet, and luscious bites in every slice.
Perfect for movie night when effort should stay low and pleasure high.
13. Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Breakfast Sandwich
Toast the everything bagel until crunchy outside and warm inside. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese, then drape on silky smoked salmon.
Add arugula or cucumbers for fresh bite if desired.
This breakfast tastes fancy but takes minutes. You will feel brunch level satisfaction any day of the week.
It is salty, creamy, and crisp with perfect morning energy.
14. Pumpkin Ravioli With Brown Butter and Sage
Boil pumpkin ravioli until tender and floating. Brown butter gently in a skillet until nutty and fragrant, then toss in sage leaves to crisp.
Coat the ravioli in the butter and finish with salt.
The flavors are warm, toasty, and perfect for fall cravings. You will love how the sweet filling meets savory nuttiness.
It feels gourmet without a long ingredient list or any stress.
15. Carnitas Tacos With Verde Salsa and Slaw
Crisp carnitas in a skillet until edges sizzle. Warm corn tortillas and pile in the pork.
Spoon on salsa verde and add a quick bagged slaw for crunch and brightness.
These tacos taste fresh and lively with minimal prep. You will get a perfect balance of rich meat and tangy freshness.
It is a party friendly option that also works for solo dinners.
16. Harissa Chicken With Israeli Couscous and Cucumber Yogurt
Cook harissa chicken until charred and smoky. Simmer Israeli couscous until pearls are tender and bouncy.
Stir yogurt with chopped cucumbers and salt for a cooling topper.
The spicy, chewy, and creamy trio hits every craving at once. You will feel like you went global without leaving home.
It is a balanced plate that keeps dinner interesting all week long.
17. Miso Soup With Gyoza and Spinach
Heat miso broth until steaming but not boiling. Drop in gyoza and simmer until cooked through and tender.
Add a handful of spinach at the end so it wilts gently.
It is soothing, savory, and ready fast when you need comfort. You will appreciate how the dumplings make it substantial.
This bowl feels restorative without heavy lifting in the kitchen.
18. Butter Basted Salmon With Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
Roast baby potatoes and green beans on a sheet pan until tender and lightly browned. Add salmon fillets, dot with butter, and return to the oven until just cooked.
Spoon the melted butter over everything and finish with lemon.
The meal tastes restaurant quality with almost no cleanup. You will get crispy edges, flaky fish, and buttery goodness.
It is reliable and impressive for guests or yourself.
19. Pesto Tortellini With Sun Dried Tomatoes
Boil cheese tortellini until plump and tender. Toss with basil pesto to coat every fold.
Add sliced sun dried tomatoes for chewy bursts of sweetness and tang.
This bowl feels indulgent but takes barely any time. You will love the contrast of creamy pasta and bright tomato pops.
It is a dependable back pocket dinner for busy nights.
20. Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Over Rice
Sear sausage slices until browned and juicy. Add sliced peppers and onions, cooking until tender and sweet.
Spoon the mix over hot rice so the juices soak in.
The classic combo delivers big flavor with minimal ingredients. You will be satisfied by the savory, sweet, and slightly smoky notes.
It is a no brainer dinner that pleases everyone at the table.
21. Mandarin Orange Meatballs With Brown Rice and Broccoli
Simmer meatballs in mandarin orange sauce until warmed and glossy. Steam broccoli until crisp tender and keep its bright color.
Serve everything over nutty brown rice for a wholesome base.
The result is sweet, tangy, and satisfying without feeling heavy. You will get a balanced plate that hits takeout cravings.
It is perfect when you need quick comfort with better ingredients.
22. Spinach Artichoke Baked Chicken With Ciabatta
Spread spinach artichoke dip over chicken breasts and bake until the chicken is juicy and the topping bubbles. Toast ciabatta slices for scooping and crunch.
Let the dip act as a ready made sauce.
This trick turns pantry staples into dinner party worthy food. You will love the creamy, garlicky payoff with almost no prep.
It is a clever hack that feels indulgent and fun.
23. Greek Farro Salad With Feta and Cucumber
Cook farro until chewy and drain well. Toss with feta crumbles and chopped cucumbers, then add a squeeze of lemon and olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
The salad is hearty yet refreshing, perfect for meal prep. You will appreciate the nutty grains and salty cheese together.
It is an easy lunch that keeps you energized without weighing you down.
24. Tikka Masala Paneer With Garlic Naan
Heat paneer tikka masala until the sauce simmers and the cheese softens. Warm garlic naan directly over a flame or in the oven for char.
Scoop the paneer over naan pieces and enjoy.
The creamy spices and pillowy bread make an irresistible duo. You will have a comforting meal that feels special with zero stress.
It is ideal for nights when you want big flavor fast.
25. Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Bake
Shred rotisserie style chicken and mix with salsa verde. Layer with corn tortillas in a baking dish, repeating until you run out.
Top with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
This casserole cuts corners without cutting flavor. You will get tangy, melty, and satisfying slices that reheat beautifully.
Perfect for feeding friends or saving leftovers for later.
26. Kimchi Fried Rice With Egg
Sauté kimchi until caramelized and fragrant. Add cooked rice and stir fry until toasty, splashing in a bit of soy if desired.
Top with a fried egg so the runny yolk becomes sauce.
The dish is spicy, tangy, and deeply satisfying. You will love how quickly it transforms leftovers into something exciting.
It is a craveable bowl perfect for late nights or busy lunches.
27. Pork Potstickers With Chili Onion Crunch and Edamame
Pan fry pork potstickers until bottoms are crisp, then steam to finish cooking. Drizzle with chili onion crunch for heat and texture.
Serve with salted edamame on the side for balance.
The combo hits crispy, chewy, and spicy in one go. You will feel like you made a snack bar spread in minutes.
It is great for appetizers or a casual dinner that still satisfies.
28. Cacio e Pepe Cauliflower With Grilled Chicken
Roast cacio e pepe cauliflower until browned and peppery. Slice grilled chicken and toss with the hot florets.
Add extra grated cheese if you want it extra savory.
This dish brings big flavor for very little effort. You will get creamy, peppery notes without boiling pasta.
It is a lighter take that still feels luxurious and filling.
