Meal prep often seems too daunting in the fast-moving modern world. Social media feeds are full of savvy dinner tricks and viral recipes that will supposedly disrupt weeknight cooking. In all that hubbub, one easy trend has caught my eye unlike any other: the genius two-ingredient Trader Joe’s dinners. These meals are not only speedy they’re revolutionaries, providing ease without dipping into flavor.
For me, this is not a passing fad. My Trader Joe’s obsession with simple, two-ingredient weeknight meals started almost six years ago. It began as a frantic quest for sanity on crazy weeknights, a solution to the eternal question: “What’s for dinner?” Trader Joe’s has reliably brought solutions that make weeknight cooking easier and provide meals that taste homemade and comforting.
Over the years, I’ve tried countless two-ingredient combinations, but some have truly stood out. Among them, the recent discovery of Korean Style Bibim-Guksu paired with frozen Beef Bulgogi has completely stolen my heart. This duo takes mere minutes to assemble yet tastes like a gourmet experience, showcasing the genius of Trader Joe’s prepared foods and proving that incredible meals don’t always require hours in the kitchen.
Korean Style Bibim-Guksu with Beef Bulgogi
The Korean-Style Bibim-Guksu is a cold noodle salad that made its debut at Trader Joe’s last summer. Thin rice noodles are tossed in a spicy, pungent, and slightly sweet sauce usually made with gochujang, vinegar, and sesame oil. The salad is usually garnished with crunchy vegetables and protein for a light and refreshing dish. Trader Joe’s pre-made version is tasty enough on its own but really comes alive when combined with another classic: frozen Beef Bulgogi.
Bulgogi Beef (Korean-Style Barbecue)
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl For preparing and marinating the beef.
- 1 Grater Fine grater for onion, ginger, and Asian pear.
- 1 Cast-iron skillet Heavy-bottomed pan for high-heat cooking and caramelization.
- 1 Tongs For easy flipping and handling of the beef slices while cooking.
- 1 Cutting Board and Knife For preparing green onion garnish and if slicing beef.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless beef short ribs sliced across the grain in 1/8-inch thick slices
- 4 cloves garlic finely crushed
- ¼ cup grated yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated gingerroot
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar or to taste
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Asian pear
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Korean red pepper flakes gochugaru
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil plus more for brushing skillet
- 2 cups hot steamed rice or as needed
- 2 sliced green onion tops for garnish
Instructions
- Mix garlic, grated onion, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and brown sugar together in a mixing bowl. Stir in grated pear, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer meat to marinade and toss to coat on all sides. Cover and refrigerate, 1 to 2 hours.
- Season meat with salt and a drizzle of vegetable oil. Toss.
- Brush a cast iron skillet with a little vegetable oil and place over high heat. When the skillet is very hot, add beef in a single layer and cook until meat begins to caramelize around the edges and moisture begins to evaporate, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve over hot rice and top with green onion slices. Chef John
Notes
The frozen Beef Bulgogi is a sweet-savory treat. Marinated and fully cooked, it’s easy to warm up but contains a deep, complex flavor that augments the Bibim-Guksu. The pairing is not traditional, perhaps, but the spicy, tangy noodles do well to balance out the caramelly, full-bodied beef, making for a satisfying, well-balanced meal.
The preparation is as easy as:
- Allow the frozen Bulgogi to thaw on the counter for an hour to ensure even cooking.
- Warm the Bulgogi in a pan until caramelized slightly and warm.
- Toss the Bibim-Guksu noodles with its accompanying vegetables and dressing.
- Place the warm Bulgogi over the cold noodles for a bright, satisfying meal.
The combination provides restaurant-quality flavor in a matter of minutes, with the added benefit of leftovers the following day. It’s an indication that less effort can result in more gratification in the kitchen.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Another brilliant two-ingredient creation is the Caramelized Onion Pasta. The idea is genius in its simplicity: combine Trader Joe’s Caramelized Onion Dip with your favorite pasta. The dip transforms into a creamy, tangy sauce that clings beautifully to noodles, giving a rich, almost Alfredo-like texture without the fuss of a full recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers with Chipotle Comeback Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Grill or Large Skillet (alternatively, a baking sheet for oven cooking)
- 10 Wooden skewers (soak in water for 30 minutes if grilling)
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from 1 can chipotle chiles in adobo
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 40 medium-size peeled deveined raw shrimp
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 medium garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- .5 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 bacon slices cut into 2 ½-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced chives
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, adobo sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Mix well and set aside.
- In another bowl, toss the peeled and deveined raw shrimp with minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cut each bacon slice into 2 ½-inch pieces, yielding 4 pieces per slice, for a total of 40 bacon pieces.
- Wrap each seasoned shrimp with one piece of bacon. Thread 4 to 5 bacon-wrapped shrimp onto each wooden skewer.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (or a large skillet over medium-high heat, or oven to 400°F/200°C if baking).
- Cook the skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove skewers from heat, taking care not to overcook the shrimp.
- Arrange the cooked skewers on a serving platter. Garnish with thinly sliced chives.
- Serve immediately with the prepared Chipotle Comeback Sauce for dipping.
Notes
What makes this meal so practical and enjoyable:
- Quick prep: Only ten minutes from start to finish.
- Inexpensive ingredients: Pasta and dip are inexpensive.
- Flexibility: Suitable for one or several servings, with the leftover for lunch.
- It’s simple: boil the pasta, setting aside a little of the pasta water.
Combine the dip and pasta water to make a rich sauce, then add to the cooked noodles. A red pepper flake sprinkle, fresh herbs, or some grated cheese add touches to the dish that make it even nicer. This is an indulgent-feeling dinner that is still so easy and frugal, and it’s ideal for hurried weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.
Tandoori Naan with Fontina Cheese
Taking the simple grilled cheese to a new level, Trader Joe’s Tandoori Naan filled with rich Fontina Cheese is a comforting, satisfying treat. The naan is lightly spiced and garlicky, adding a crunchy, aromatic foundation. The Fontina melts to a creamy delight, providing a tangy, rich bite that’s satisfying without being too salty.
Easy Two-Ingredient Naan
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Large Skillet Preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed for even heat distribution.
- 1 Spatula or Tongs For flipping naan in the skillet.
- 1 Measuring Cups For accurate ingredient portions.
- 1 Bench Scraper or Knife For dividing dough evenly.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 ¼ cups self-rising flour or more as needed
- 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Mix self-rising flour and Greek yogurt together in a large bowl until combined. Transfer to a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth, adding more flour as necessary to keep dough from sticking, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pat dough into a rough 9×7-inch rectangle. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Lightly dust each piece with flour and flatten into a semi-rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Lightly grease a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 1 or 2 of the flattened dough pieces to the skillet. Cook until they begin to bubble and brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Flip over and cook an additional 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and repeat with remaining dough until all pieces are cooked. Serve warm. Kim
Notes
Preparing this dish is simple:
- Butter a pan and add the naan to the pan.
- Top with liberal slices of Fontina (or substitute cheeses such as Gruyère or Havarti).
- Cook until the cheese is melted and the naan golden and crunchy.
The outcome is an upscale version of comfort food, ideal for a dinner for one or an informal party. It is a demonstration of how basic ingredients, carefully combined, can turn weeknight cooking into a pleasant culinary experience.
Kohlrabi Vegetable Pasta with Cacio e Pepe Sauce
For a lighter, healthier alternative to regular pasta, Kohlrabi Vegetable Pasta with Trader Joe’s Cacio e Pepe Sauce is a winner. Kohlrabi, a sweet, crunchy vegetable, serves as a noodle substitute, with a fresh, bright texture. The peppery, bold sauce is paired with the natural sweetness of the kohlrabi, allowing for a full-flavored, well-balanced dish.
Paul’s Crafty Mac N Cheese with Pancetta
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For cooking pasta
- 1 Saute Pan Medium to large, for pancetta and sauce
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Large Baking Dish or Cast Iron Skillet Oven-safe
- 1 Colander For straining pasta
Ingredients
Main
- 1 1/2 pounds ziti pasta
- 1/2 pound pancetta chopped
- 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack plus extra for topping
- 1 1/2 cups grated Asiago plus extra for topping
- 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar plus extra for topping
- 1 1/2 cups grated Provolone plus extra for topping
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan plus extra for topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook ziti until al dente. Strain and rinse in cool water. In a saute pan over medium-high heat, cook pancetta until it is crispy and the fat has rendered. In the same pan, add all of the cheeses and the cream and whisk until blended. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Slowly add the cooked ziti to the cheese mixture, stirring gently. Transfer the ziti and cheese mixture to a large baking dish or cast iron skillet. Top off with more cheese and bake for 24 to 30 minutes.
Notes
Preparation is easy:
- Lightly sauté kohlrabi strands in a pan or microwave for convenience.
- Toss with Cacio e Pepe Sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot for a fast, healthful dinner.
This recipe shows that healthy food doesn’t have to be inconvenient and bland. It’s a low-fuss, high-return combination that introduces diversity to the midweek meal without sacrificing taste.
Vegetable Fried Rice with Super-Firm Tofu
For a filling, protein-filled veggie alternative, serve Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice, frozen, paired with organic Super-Firm Tofu. The tofu quickly develops a rich brown color and soaks up robust savory flavors without softening its firm texture, while the vegetable fried rice provides a vibrant, healthful foundation.
Easy steps:
- Pan-fry the tofu in a little oil, salt, and desired seasonings.
- Add the frozen fried rice to the pan, stirring all together with the tofu.
- Heat until all is warmed through and very lightly browned for extra texture.
This blend provides the takeout satisfaction without delivery wait or expense. It’s flexible, healthy, and satisfying, ideal for meatless weeknight meals or a speedy lunch.
Mac and Cheese with Surprising Cheddar Spread
For cheese enthusiasts, Trader Joe’s Organic Fusilli Pasta with Surprise Cheddar Cheese Spread is a minute mac and cheese treat. The spread’s tangy flavor dissolves into each noodle, forming a deep, creamy sauce in minutes.
Preparation tips:
- Boil pasta al dente.
- Mix in cheddar cheese spread, adding some pasta water if desired for creaminess.
- Serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs or black pepper if desired.
This is an old-school comfort food reimagined for convenience, ideal for rushed nights when indulgence and convenience are both equally desirable.
Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons with Broth
Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons served with chicken or miso ginger broth is a low-effort meal that can be made to specifications. Mini wontons cook in a flash and retain a pleasing texture in a few minutes.
Add-ins include:
- Soy sauce or chili crisp for depth of flavor.
- New toppings such as scallions, sesame seeds, cilantro, or kimchi.
- Optional add-ins: frozen spinach, peas, tofu, or noodles.
This dish shows how small, pre-prepped ingredients can be used to make a robust, restaurant-style soup at home.
Sesame Teriyaki Beef Skirt Steak with Brussels Sprouts
For red meat hankers, Trader Joe’s pre-marinated Sesame Teriyaki Beef Skirt Steak with roasted Brussels Sprouts is quick but impressive. The steak is pre-cut and seasoned, and the sprouts provide a crunchy, peppery contrast.
Mexican Corn Dip
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Spatula or Mixing Spoon
- 1 Can Opener
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef’s knife
Ingredients
Main
- 1 16 oz bags frozen, thawed sweet yellow corn, or 1 ( 16 oz.) Trader Joe’s roasted corn
- 1 4 oz can fire roasted green chilies, drained
- 1 4 oz. can chopped jalapeño peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup green onion chopped
- 2 Tbsp light Kraft mayo
- 1/4 cup plain non fat Greek yogurt
- 1 wedge of fresh lime
- 1/8 tsp chili powder
- pinch of smoked paprika
- 1 oz. grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Ensure frozen corn is fully thawed. If using Trader Joe’s roasted corn, no thawing is needed.
- Drain the fire-roasted green chilies and chopped jalapeño peppers thoroughly to remove excess liquid.
- Chop the green onions and fresh cilantro.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed corn, drained fire-roasted green chilies, drained chopped jalapeño peppers, and chopped green onion.
- Add the light Kraft mayo, plain non-fat Greek yogurt, and the juice from the fresh lime wedge to the bowl.
- Season the mixture with chili powder and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and uniform.
- Taste the dip and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lime, salt, or spices if desired.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.
- Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish generously with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Quick prep:
- Pan-fry or grill the steak to your liking.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and season, roast until tender with crispy edges.
- Serve together for a balanced, full-flavored meal.
This combination emphasizes the ability of ready-made ingredients to provide a sophisticated meal with minimal effort.
Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Chimichurri Rice
Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup mixed with Peruvian-Style Chimichurri Rice elevates plain soup to a substantial meal. The chimichurri rice contributes smoky, spicy depth and magnifies the natural sweetness of the soup.
To make:
- Heat soup and rice together until blended.
- Stir now and then to a creamy, chowder-like consistency.
- Serve as a comforting, filling meal in less than ten minutes.
This pairing shows that uncomplicated, pre-made foods can result in meals with complex flavors and nuance.
Sweet Two-Ingredient Treats: Speculoos Cookie Butter Crescents
Even desserts are simple. Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter mixed with Organic Crescent Rolls is a sweet, spiced dessert. The cookie butter provides a holiday-type flavor, and the crescent rolls bake into puffy, golden pockets of pleasure.
Steps to make:
- Spread cookie butter on unrolled crescents.
- Roll up, shape as desired, and bake until golden.
- Serve warm as dessert, breakfast, or snack.
This pairing is the fun and creativity Trader Joe’s inspires, making dessert easy too. These ten instances do little justice to what can be done with Trader Joe’s two-ingredient dinners. From weeknight weeknights to decadent desserts, the store’s selection of products enables home cooks to easily prepare simple, tasty meals. Each pairing shows ease, cost-effectiveness, and unexpected gourmet flair, demonstrating that high-reward dishes don’t necessarily need high effort.
Trader Joe’s keeps pushing the limits with seasonal products and prepared foods, exciting a culinary sandbox for anyone who respects efficiency without compromising flavor. These two-ingredient marvels not only make cooking easy but take the humble daily meal and turn it into a tasty, satisfying experience.
