10 Best Frozen Dinners for Hectic Evenings

Healthy frozen meals for when you need dinner, STAT

We all want to cook and serve our family healthy, homemade meals, but let’s be realistic — sometimes, between work, school and activities we need to get dinner on the table STAT. When life gets busy, reach for these frozen dinners that you can feel good about serving and your family will love.

Frozen meals are pretty tasty, but sometimes all of that flavor comes from extra sugar, sodium and fat. So, before popping one in the oven or microwave, make sure to read the nutrition facts (note the serving size). Look for healthy frozen meals made with whole grains, lots of veggies (or get some extra for the side), and lean meats, fish and poultry. Included in our list is an expert-approved selection of popular and healthy frozen dinner choices for busy families from your favorite brands. 

Browse our complete list or skip to the meal you want to get on the table tonight: 

• Trader Joe’s (Mandarin Orange Chicken and Meat Lasagna)
• Amy’s (Broccoli & Cheddar Bake and Black Bean and Vegetable Enchiladas)
• Whole Foods (Breaded Cod Fillets and Organic Cheese Tortellini)
• More great options (Caulipower Cauliflower Veggie Pizza, Annie Chun’s Potstickers, Brazi Bites Empanadas and Hot Honey Chicken)

Up first: Trader Joe’s

Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and updated most recently in March 2025 by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson. This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through links on our site, ParentMap may earn an affiliate commission.

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken

This is one of Trader Joe’s best-selling items (and that’s saying a lot). Though you have to do a little extra work for this dish — heating the chicken and sauce separately — it’s absolutely worth it. Served with ready-made brown rice and some frozen Trader Joe’s stir-fry vegetables, this is faster, cheaper and (a bit) healthier than takeout.

Trader Joe’s Meat Lasagna 

TJ’s version of this classic comfort food contains creamy ricotta, tangy tomato sauce and plenty of ground beef and pork seasoned with onion and garlic. It’s topped with the three cheeses you’d expect — mozzarella, Romano and Parmesan — and is a great and quick answer to a hungry chorus of “what’s for dinner?” 

Up next: Amy’s

Amy’s

Amy’s Broccoli & Cheddar Bake

What kid doesn’t like macaroni and cheese? Let’s be honest, what adult doesn’t like macaroni and cheese? Amy’s version, known for having a healthier, heartier take on most frozen meals, incorporates whole-wheat pasta, organic cheese and broccoli. Plus, don’t worry if the kids don’t like the green stuff — it’s so cheesy and delicious no one will mind. You can pick up this dish, as well as any number of Amy’s entrees almost anywhere in the city, including “everything stores” like Target and Wal-Mart.

Amy’s Black Bean and Vegetable Enchiladas

Again, it’s hard to go wrong with Amy’s entrées: whole foods, organic ingredients and tons of flavor. These vegetarian enchiladas are packed with protein from black beans, a little lower in sodium than comparable dishes and the kids won’t notice all of the veggies hidden in the cheesy and saucy goodness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top each enchilada with a dollop of sour cream.

Up next: Whole Foods

Whole Foods

365 Breaded Cod Fillets

Whole Food’s brand has done it again with crispy fish fillets that are lower in sodium than many other brands. Eat them as is (with a little ketchup or tartar sauce for dipping) or turn them into fish tacos or po’ boy sandwiches with fresh lettuce and tomato slices.

365 Everyday Value Organic Cheese Tortellini

Whole Foods features a whole line of its own frozen items under the “365” brand. The best thing about the cheese tortellini is that you can turn them into a variety of meals. Throw a handful of them into a pot with chicken broth and frozen vegetables for a quick soup; toss them in your favorite jarred marinara sauce; or make a pesto and pasta salad with some halved cherry tomatoes and an extra handful of grated Parmesan cheese.

Up next: More great options

More great options

Caulipower Cauliflower Veggie Pizza

No frozen meal list would be complete without pizza, so we wouldn’t dare leave this item off the list. Caulipower’s cauliflower pizzas (say that three times fast, I dare you) are high in protein, have less sugar than traditional frozen pizzas and are gluten-free. Oh, and did we mention that the crust is made out of cauliflower, and no one, especially the kids, will ever know? Best of all, it’s easy to find at most major supermarkets, including PCC, Safeway and QFC. 

Annie Chun’s Potstickers

You know when you walk into Whole Foods you’ll find an assortment of healthy meal options. Head over to the freezer section and grab a bag of chicken and vegetable potstickers. Made with organic chicken, cabbage and onions, these plump bite-size dumplings are perfect dipped in soy sauce or sweet chili sauce and served with a side of rice and steamed veggies.

Brazi Bites Empanadas

Kids love anything bite-size, and adults love anything with flavor, so these empanadas are the perfect combination. Both gluten- and grain-free, they come in four flavors (including my family’s favorite, black bean and cheddar) and they cook in just 20 minutes in a toaster oven. Pick up a bag at PCC, Whole Foods or Safeway. 

Hot Honey Chicken

I don’t know about your crew, but chicken is a pretty safe bet at my house. Back that up with sweet and spicy honey, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, this preservative- and antibiotic-free dish tastes just as good as it is for you. Available at a variety of grocery stores or online.