4 Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Meals

Some nights I don’t want to spend half an hour in the kitchen, and these 3-ingredient Trader Joe’s meals are a lifesaver for those evenings. Brett is always impressed with these meals, even though they take only a few minutes to whip up. I love these customizable meals, so if you don’t like a particular grain, protein, or veggie, swap it for something you prefer. Minimal ingredients and super simple recipes are my favorites!

Loaded Miso Ginger Soup

This soup is perfect for the nights that you want something on the lighter side. It makes enough for four and tastes just as good as leftovers. You can use one container of miso ginger broth, but we prefer using two. Also, I love the pork gyoza, but you can use any of their frozen dumplings.

Ingredients
  • 1 package of Asian Vegetables with Beijing Style Soy Sauce
  • 1 (or 2) container(s) of Miso Ginger Broth
  • 1 bag of Pork Gyoza Potstickers
Directions
  1. Microwave the vegetables according to the package instructions but don’t use the sauce.
  2. Heat the broth on the stove.
  3. Add the frozen potstickers to the broth and gently boil for 2-3 minutes or until soft and thoroughly heated.
  4. Add the microwaved vegetables to the broth.
  5. Combine and enjoy.

Cauliflower Gnocchi With Mushrooms and Pancetta

I love this one! It’d also be great for lunch since it’s quick and easy to whip up. I had never had gnocchi until I heard about Trader Joe’s cult favorite, and now I want to find a hundred more recipes using cauliflower gnocchi. This recipe serves two.

Ingredients
  • Cauliflower gnocchi
  • Crimini mushrooms
  • Pancetta
Directions
  1. Cook the cauliflower gnocchi in a non-stick skillet according to the package instructions.
  2. Meanwhile, sauté the mushrooms and pancetta over medium heat in a separate skillet until done.
  3. Add the mushrooms and pancetta to the gnocchi, toss, and enjoy.

Pork Belly Ramen With Egg

Sometimes I crave a nice warm bowl of ramen, even if it’s just instant ramen. I used pork belly, but you can use chicken, mushrooms, and tofu — endless possibilities! The pork belly is enough for two; add as many ramen containers and eggs as desired.

Ingredients
  • Pork belly
  • Spicy miso instant ramen soup
  • Egg(s)
Directions
  1. Make the soft-boiled eggs. I use this recipe, except I do eight minutes instead of six.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the pork belly according to the package instructions. I prefer to slice it first rather than brown the whole piece.
  3. Prepare the ramen according to the container instructions.
  4. Transfer the ramen to a bowl, and add the egg and sliced pork belly.

Chicken Tenders With Mozzarella and Prosciutto

These chicken tenders are so good. They come in a resealable freezer bag, so you can pull out only however many you need. Also, there’s no need to thaw these, which is convenient. This recipe makes enough for four.

Ingredients
  • Breaded chicken tenderloin breasts
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Sliced prosciutto
Directions
  1. Heat oven to 425°F. Place frozen chicken tenders in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet and heat for 20 minutes, flip pieces over halfway through heating.
  2. Meanwhile, slice the mozzarella cheese and tear the prosciutto slices in half.
  3. Remove chicken tenders from the oven. Top each piece with a slice of mozzarella, and then wrap the prosciutto around it.
  4. Bake in the oven for another 5 minutes.

What are some of your favorite quick and easy 3-ingredient Trader Joe’s meals that require only a few ingredients? Please share in the comments! xo

Leave a Comment

37 Comments

  1. Yolanda wrote:

    We don’t have Trader Joes in Canada, but you’ve given me so much inspiration for new recipes to try. I’ve definitely been in a rut lately. I’ve been eating loads of noodles lately, so I have to try this miso combination!

    Posted 3.15.21 Reply
  2. Love what you did with the cauliflower gnocchi- sounds delish- may have to try!

    Posted 3.15.21 Reply
  3. Lisa wrote:

    I’m all about quick and easy meals that pack in a ton of flavor. Trader Joe’s for the win!!!

    Posted 3.15.21 Reply
  4. These are good ideas i love the chicken tender with the mozzarella cheese. I love that these recipes are easy and quick to make

    Posted 3.15.21 Reply
  5. Thanks for sharing these quick and easy meal ideas. They look awesome and tasty. Love Trader joes and Whole Foods Market.

    Posted 3.15.21 Reply
  6. Excellent recipes which are quick to cook too! I am a vegetarian but I will pass on these recipes to my friend who is always on the lookout for quick to cook recipes

    Posted 3.15.21 Reply
  7. I love the idea of creating a yummy dish with only 3 ingredients! It’s perfect for people that don’t have time to cook but like to enjoy a nice meal 🙂

    Posted 3.15.21 Reply
  8. Wow cauliflower gnocchi, I would love to try this. Thanks for the ideas..

    Posted 3.15.21 Reply
  9. Kristin wrote:

    The miso soup sounds lovely! Thanks for the suggestions.

    Posted 3.15.21 Reply
  10. Great ideas for busy moms who sometimes don’t have much time to spend cooking!

    Posted 3.16.21 Reply
  11. Becky wrote:

    Love these ideas! The miso soup especially sounds delicious. My Trader Joe’s is a bit of a drive but I go every so often to stock up haha. I’m definitely going to grab the ingredients for that soup next time!

    Posted 3.16.21 Reply
  12. Kait wrote:

    This is brilliant! I love TJ’s, but I hate that I always go in without any sort of plan and just impulse buy things. Then I have no clue how to actually eat them together. That miso soup with the gyoza looks amazing!

    Posted 3.16.21 Reply
  13. I love Trader Joe’s! This is such a fun idea…we sadly don’t have one near us otherwise I would try these right away!

    Posted 3.16.21 Reply
  14. I had no idea TJ has cauliflower gnocchi! This looks very easy and low cal. Can’t wait to get some!

    Posted 3.16.21 Reply
  15. Thanks for sharing! I do love a quick recipe.

    -Lauren

    Posted 3.17.21 Reply
  16. Amy wrote:

    Omg! I love this so much! I just made a TJs run last night! Now I need to go back and try some of your ideas!!! They look super yummy!
    Thank you!!

    Posted 3.17.21 Reply
  17. Charissa wrote:

    These are great ideas for easy Trader Joes meals. I love Trader Joes, but there isn’t one all that close to us. I’d be thrilled if one moved into our neighborhood!

    Posted 3.17.21 Reply
  18. These look so easy and delicious to make! I really miss Trader Joes. It’s not that far away but with the borders closed we haven’t been able to make the trip. I will need to try these out when we can travel again.

    Posted 3.17.21 Reply
  19. I’m obsessed with Trader Joe’s and just added three of these recipes to tomorrow’s shopping list- thanks!

    Posted 3.17.21 Reply
  20. Great post. I have not been to Trader Joe’s in a while. I would like to try the Miso Soup. I have had miso soup years ago at a restaurant but did not make it myself.

    Posted 3.18.21 Reply
  21. Shela wrote:

    These sound delicious! Can’t wait to try them out. 🙂

    Posted 3.18.21 Reply
  22. Linda wrote:

    I feel you! Sometimes I just don’t want to cook or spend the time (especially after recipe testing all day!). These are brilliant. My son would absolutely love the miso and the ramen. Looks like I need to make a trip to TJs!

    Posted 3.18.21 Reply
  23. Molly wrote:

    Yum! All of these look delicious. I love ramen, definitely going to be trying that one out!

    Posted 3.19.21 Reply
  24. Ally wrote:

    Yum! The Loaded Ginger Miso soup looks fantastic!

    Posted 3.19.21 Reply
  25. Lindsey wrote:

    I’ve tried one of these, but will definitely buy the miso soup next time I’m at TJs.

    Posted 3.19.21 Reply
  26. Genesis wrote:

    Wow, these recipes look incredible! I love how easy they are to make even though they look pretty high-end. The pork belly ramen looks especially good to me!

    Posted 3.19.21 Reply
  27. Amanda wrote:

    I so wish there was a Trader Joe’s close to me! These all look so amazing

    Posted 3.19.21 Reply
  28. Izzy wrote:

    These look so yummy! I want to try the ramen & chicken tenders 🙂

    Posted 3.19.21 Reply
  29. Sacha wrote:

    Wow these look so good!!! I LOVE gnocchi!!!!

    Posted 3.19.21 Reply
  30. Stephanie wrote:

    The cauliflower gnocchi meal sounds so good I can’t even handle it! And the chicken tenders meal too. I’m so excited to give some of these a try now that a Trader Joe’s opened up right next to my house!

    Posted 3.20.21 Reply
  31. Freya wrote:

    Such great tips and recipes! My family loved them!!

    Posted 3.20.21 Reply
  32. Dejonae wrote:

    Thank you so much for these easy recipes. As a mother of 2 with another one on the way I’m always looking for quick and healthy meals/snacks and these look amazing!

    Posted 3.20.21 Reply
  33. Nayomi wrote:

    We don’t have trader joe’s in the UK but I’m still inspired to make some quick and easy delicious recipe with these elements. Yum!

    Posted 3.21.21 Reply
  34. I love how easy it is to make meals from TJ’s packages too! They are a life-saver.

    Posted 3.21.21 Reply
  35. Rach wrote:

    I LOVE simple meal prep because I make all of my meals on Sunday and Wednesday. These ideas are great!

    Posted 3.23.21 Reply
  36. I am a sucker for good soup and those look absolutely delicious. I definitely need to try them. Great post 😋.

    Posted 3.23.21 Reply
  37. Thanks for sharing, I really need to get back to meal prepping.

    Posted 1.16.24 Reply