Trader Joe’s Vegan Meatballs & Gnocchi
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This Trader Joe’s Vegan Meatballs & Gnocchi recipe only requires 5 ingredients and less than 30 minutes to get on the table!
This Trader Joe’s Vegan Meatballs & Gnocchi recipe is one that I made often towards the end of my pregnancy and throughout the first few weeks after baby was home. And it will continue to be on our regular rotation because it only requires 5 ingredients and is ready in 25 minutes! Plus, it tastes amazing, packs in protein & veggies and makes the best leftovers. And just because I used Trader Joe’s ingredients, doesn’t mean you have to. You can easily sub ingredients from other stores and get the same great result!
Here’s what you need
Ingredients
- marinara sauce
- sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- frozen vegan meatballs
- gnocchi
- kale
Equipment
- stock pot
Steps
Step 1: Cook the Meatballs
The first thing we are going to do is “make” the sauce and vegan meatballs. We’re not really “making” much, but we’re adding it to a pot, and that counts today.
Pour your jar of marinara in a stock pot with 1/2 a jar of sun-dried tomatoes (in oil). And then thin it out with some water – I like to swish some water in the marinara jar to clean it out and then add it to the pot.
Pour in the meatballs – no need to thaw them, just straight from the freezer. Give everything a mix, partially cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Finish it Off
After 10 minutes the meatballs should be cooked through and we can add in the gnocchi and kale. Just like the meatballs, the gnocchi does not need to be cooked ahead of time. It will cook in the sauce.
Just break apart the gnocchi and rip the kale into bite-sized pieces. Add it all to the pot and mix until combined. Let everything simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Serve
And that is it my friends. You are ready to eat. Just be sure that the gnocchi is cooked through and the meatballs are hot.
Spoon a little bit of everything onto plates and dig in!
This is the perfect weeknight, one-pot dinner that the whole family will love. Plus, the leftovers are so good! So, this would be great to meal prep as well!
Tips & Tricks
You can find all of these ingredients at ANY grocery store. The nutrition facts & seasonings will just be slightly different.
Make this your own! You can sub spinach for kale. Add in some fresh tomatoes. Season with dry herbs or top with fresh basil!
Need more recipe inspo? Check these out:
Trader Joe’s Vegan Meatballs & Gnocchi
Ingredients
- 1 28-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 package Trader Joe's vegan meatballs frozen
- 1 16-ounce package gnocchi
- 2 handfuls kale chopped
Equipment
Instructions
- Add the marinara sauce & the sun-dried tomatoes to a stock pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup of water – I like to rinse out the marinara jar and pour that in so you get the rest of the sauce. Add in the frozen meatballs. Partially cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pour in the uncooked gnocchi and kale and toss until combined. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until everything is hot and cooked through. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Spoon the gnocchi & meatballs onto plates and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- You can find all of these ingredients at ANY grocery store. The nutrition facts & seasonings will just be slightly different.
- Make this your own! You can sub spinach for kale. Add in some fresh tomatoes. Season with dry herbs or top with fresh basil!
I make this with Rao’s marinara and Impossible meatballs and it is unreasonably good for the amount of effort it requires. It’s also incredibly forgiving and customizable. A common adjustment in my house is to pan fry the kale separately with onion, garlic, etc. and serve it as a veggie side.
My one recommendation is to spend a bit extra to get a quality jarred pasta sauce. The simplicity of the recipe relies on good core ingredients – a $1 can of sauce will not be nearly as good as a 5 ingredient recipe as a nice one.
Delicious and probably the easiest meal ever. Thank you!
I’ve been following your recipes for a while (your 2024 recipe for Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes on Cilantro Lime Rice is my favorite). This recipe is so simple yet so delicious. I never tried these sundried tomatoes in oil… You’ve shown me that I have been missing out.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to find the Trader Joe’s vegan meatballs in a while, so I start the recipe by frying up a red onion with sliced Field Roast Italian Sausages. It’s a great recipe, but for anyone looking for a variation, this really kicks it up a notch. I use the whole pack.
I also tried this with the Trader Joe’s meatless Italian sausage, but it wasn’t as good. I’ve always found the texture of those a bit odd. I do love those meatballs, but again, I haven’t seen them in a while.
This recipe is great. I elevated it with a) 1 tsp of red pepper flakes b) sauteeing mirepoix and 1 diced cremini c) 1 tsp of dried Italian seasoning d) deglazing with some red wine e) jack and Annie’s jackfruit meatballs f) chopped spinach g) chopped parsley h) toasted ciabatta
Next time, I’m sautéing the meatballs to get a sear on them before adding. I’m also serving a green salad. My wife loved it and told me to put it in the rotation. I think this makes enough for 6 rather than 4.
I love this kind of recipe for busy days. I also like that I can get everything at Trader Joe’s. Thank You
Hope you love it Donna!