These go-to finds help get dinner on the table in minutes.

Sometimes, life has other plans.

Simply Recipes / Stephanie Ganz

1.

Trader Joe’s store front

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Getty Images

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailers below

2.

I pop it in a little Le Creuset crock and microwave it until its cooked through.

Served with flatbread crackers or baguette, it feels extra luxurious.

Trader Joe’s Kimbap

Simply Recipes / Stephanie Ganz

I like to use this as a jumping-off point for an easy stir-fry with shrimp or tofu.

The sauce is mild with a faint kick that I like to amp up with some extra chili flakes.

The parm-like crystals and sharp flavor of the cheese make it one of my all-time favorite TJs scores.

Trader Joe’s Jamaican-style Beef Patties

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailers below

So, its not surprising that their Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup is also the stuff of legends.

Trader Joe’s Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailers below

Trader Joe’s Paneer Tikka Masala

Simply Recipes / Stephanie Ganz

Trader Joe’s Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailers below

Trader Joe’s Organic Brown Rice

Simply Recipes / Stephanie Ganz

Trader Joe’s Garlic Shiitake Green Beans

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailers below

Trader Joe’s Madras Lentils

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailers below

Trader Joe’s Egg Bites

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailers below

Trader Joe’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Retailers below