The New Trader Joe's Freezer Find I Will Buy Every Time I Go—It's So Delicious
It’s become a new easy dinner favorite.
Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
I'm not one to typically reach for a meat-loaded pizza. I love a good margarita or a simple, veggie-packed pie, and can even get behind a solidly charred pepperoni and cheese. But (incoming unpopular opinion), the idea of a meat-lovers pizza, or meat on pizza in general, doesn't appeal to me at all.
That is unless it's paired with something spicy. Then, I'm all in!
So, when I saw Trader Joe's Spicy Meat Pizza featured as one of their latest Fearless Flyer finds, I decided to give it a tray. And I'm so glad I did! It's a delicious, quick, and easy dinner option that has quickly become a new favorite.
Why I Love TJ's Spicy Meat Pizza (Even if I'm Not a Meat-Lover Pizza Eater)
After eating a slice, my husband, a high-level strategist in the advertising and marketing world, said he loved it but thought they "buried the lede" with their naming of it. With sweet and spicy combinations being all the rage, he thought it would be more appropriately touted as a sweet and spicy pizza.
It doesn't scream sweet and spicy in the conventional ways you'd imagine, though. The tomato sauce, pork meatballs, and grilled red peppers are akin to an Italian sausage type of sweet, with the spicy smoked sausage–the star of the show–doing all the spicy lifting. The final flavor is sweet and smoky, with a subtle heat balanced by the gooey mozzarella. The combination of these flavors works well, even if the spiciness is on the milder end. Frankly (and to my great surprise), I think this makes it even better. It's more family- and palate-friendly and can easily be spiced up at home (see my suggestions below).
The crust also surprised me in the best way. A 24-hour proof of the dough shines through in quality and flavor, with the final result being a thin, lightly crispy base with a solid foundation for toppings. It may not resemble the pizza you order from a high-end pizzeria, but it is, without a doubt, a premium pie.
It's even better than many fresh pizzas from mainstream shops in my city. I love how it walks the line between hearty and satisfying without feeling heavy—something that meaty pizzas don't traditionally do well. It'll be a relied-upon go-to for quick dinners from now on.
Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / Trader Joe's
How To Upgrade Trader Joe's Spicy Meat Pizza
While this pizza is excellent as-is, any of these simple tweaks will make it feel like it came from your favorite Italian pizzeria.
If you want more heat, sprinkle on crushed red pepper flakes or give it a generous drizzle of Calabrian chili oil (or this other TJ’s find) when it comes out of the oven.
For a salty contrast to the sweet tomato sauce, a scattering of Parmigiano Reggiano before baking adds some high notes and funk.
For freshness, some chopped, fresh basil or a handful of simply dressed arugula added just before serving makes it otherworldly.
And if you want to lean into the sweet heat, try a drizzle of hot honey.
Whether you're a die-hard meat pizza lover or just looking for a quick and delicious meal, Trader Joe's Spicy Meat Pizza is one of the best frozen 'zas to keep stashed in your freezer.
