The 10 Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Meals Under $5

One is even less than three bucks!

We can all feel tight on time sometimes. There are days when we're too busy (or simply too tired) to pull out all of the pots and pans and prepare a complex, time-consuming meal. When I’m flooded with deadlines, testing recipes all day, running around between drop-off and after-school activities—or just feeling overwhelmed and a bit drained—I turn to the freezer. It's always stocked with meals that can be prepared in minutes with minimal equipment and mess.

When it comes to looking for a quick and easy frozen meal, Trader Joe’s has us covered. Whether you’re in the mood for specific flavor, cuisine, or food that is tailored to your dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices, there’s truly something for everyone. Even better, many cost less than $5 so you can feed yourself and your family without spending a fortune.

The Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Meals Under $5

10. Chicken Tikka Masala

This is a longtime favorite with Trader Joe’s shoppers. The Reddit commentary says it all, as people are constantly raving about this flavorful and affordable frozen meal ($4.49). TJ's take on the classic Indian dish contains chunks of roasted white meat chicken served in a creamy, mildly spicy, tomato-based curry flavored sauce. It comes with basmati rice on the side, but you can also add a piece of naan for a restaurant-worthy meal in mere minutes.

9. Japanese Style Fried Rice

Rice can be so much more than a side dish. This hearty variation ($3.79) on takikomi gohan, or Japanese mixed rice, contains shelled edamame, deep fried tofu, and strips of hijiki seaweed. Prepare it in the microwave, or in a skillet or wok, and top it with chopped green onions, a fried egg, and a drizzle of hot sauce to make it a filling meal for under four bucks.

8. Korean Beefless Bulgogi

The word bulgogi means “fire meat” in Korean, referring to the way it's typically prepared: on a grill. The marinade is traditionally a mix of soy sauce, sugar or honey, sesame oil, garlic, onion, and sometimes Asian pear. Beef is most commonly used for this dish, but Trader Joe has a version ($4.99) that uses strips of textured soy protein that makes the dish accessible for vegan and vegetarian individuals. The meal reheats quickly from frozen in under 10 minutes. Serve it over rice or as tacos for a hearty, flavorful, and delicious meat-free meal.

7. Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

Potstickers are a complete meal that's always a hit. These crescent-shaped dumplings ($3.99) are filled with chicken, cabbage, and onion that has been seasoned with soy sauce, sesame seed oil, and ginger powder before being folded into wheat flour wrappers. The potstickers are fully cooked, so all you need to do is steam, pan fry, or microwave them to reheat. Add them to a bowl of miso broth to create a warming, comforting soup, or enjoy them my favorite way: pan fried and topped with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a side of eel or teriyaki sauce for dipping.

6. Spaghetti Carbonara

Don’t pull out those pots and pans too quickly if you’re in the mood for pasta tonight. This spaghetti carbonara ($4.29) promises to satisfy that fix for Italian comfort food in way less time and with much less mess. The noodles are coated in a rich, creamy, aromatic sauce with bites of tender, savory diced pancetta throughout. Prepare it in the microwave or on the stovetop in minutes, and enjoy it alone or with garlic bread, grilled vegetables, or an easy side dish salad.

5. Thai Vegetable Gyoza

Calling all vegetarians! These Thai-inspired dumplings ($4.79) are made by folding deliciously seasoned cabbage, carrot, chive, white radish, and onion into wheat flour wrappers with a dash of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. They’re already fully cooked, so all you have to do is tear that bag open from the freezer, then steam, pan fry, or microwave them.

4. Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

This butter chicken ($4.49) is positively packed with flavor. Chunks of chicken are slathered with a mildly spicy, mouth-watering curry made with crushed tomatoes, cream, onion, garlic, ginger, and of course, butter. Packaged and served with basmati rice, this meal is completely prepared for you to just reheat and enjoy. I love to enjoy this with a side of Trader Joe’s Tandoori Naan or scallion pancakes. Both Trader Joe’s crew members and Reddit commenters recommend serving this dish with TJ's Mango Ginger Chutney and sliced or diced cucumbers.

3. Vegetable Biryani With Vegetable Dumplings

Biryani is a traditional Indian dish that features basmati rice that's steamed, then layered with aromatic, spiced vegetables or meat. Once layered, the dish is finished in the oven. Trader Joe’s Vegetable Biryani with Vegetable Dumplings ($2.99) is the store’s vegetarian take on the dish. Tender dumplings are served with rice and vegetables, with subtle pops of sweetness from raisins and creamy cashews. The best part is the prep: All you have to do is heat and eat!

2. Spicy Peanutty Noodle Bowl with Chicken

I’m a sucker for noodles slathered in peanut sauce. This quick and convenient noodle bowl ($3.49) is inspired by a traditional Sichuan dish called dandanmian, usually made by combining chewy, hearty wheat noodles with minced chicken, chopped vegetables, and a spicy umami-rich peanut sauce. With a very subtle kick and aromas of ginger in each texture-packed bite, you can enjoy this noodle bowl in just five minutes or so after placing it in the microwave. For a fresh touch and bit of crisp crunch, I love to top mine with chopped green onions for serving.

1. Asian Style Vegetables With Stir Fry Sauce

If we’re having a busy week (which sometimes feels like basically every week), this vegetable medley ($3.99) is an absolute go-to at my house. The vibrant combination of sugar snap peas, broccoli, baby corn, petite green beans, water chestnuts, red bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms thaw to tender perfection in a hot skillet before being tossed with a rich and flavorful soy sauce. I love to whip this up in just a few minutes and enjoy it alone, or sometimes tossed with precooked shrimp or tofu noodles for added protein, texture, and heartiness.

Read the original article on All Recipes.