Frozen meals have revolutionized the way we eat, providing quick meals in minutes. Despite their convenience, not all frozen meals are created equal. Many disappoint with questionable flavors, poor textures, and sizes that leave you hungry. Here, we dive into 13 of the worst frozen meals currently found on grocery store shelves so you can avoid these letdowns next time.
1. On-Cor Breaded Chicken Parmigiana with Tomato Sauce
On-Cor's Breaded Chicken Parmigiana is a prime example of a frozen meal that misses the mark. While the photo on the box may look enticing, the reality is far removed. The cheese fails to deliver any flavor, creating a chemical-like aftertaste, and the chicken's breading adds to the disappointing experience. Even the uninspired tomato sauce doesn't save it. Claiming six servings is misleading; it's hard to imagine even two satisfied diners from this meal.
2. Hungry-Man Boneless Fried Chicken
Hungry-Man meals have garnered a fanbase, but the Boneless Fried Chicken version falls flat. The promised crunch of fried chicken morphs into a soggy patty, diminishing any hope this meal had. Accompanied by bland sides, including chunky mashed potatoes and uninspired corn, not much can redeem this dinner. Not to mention, the dessert — a brownie — comes out like runny sludge, rather than a firm treat.
3. Great Value Beef Shepherd's Pie
Walmart's Great Value Beef Shepherd's Pie has left many feeling let down. The topping crumbles away, making serving a challenge, and the mushy beef offers no appeal. With only a few servings announced, it barely feeds two people. Skip this option if you're looking to satisfy hungry family members!
4. Stouffer's Beef Enchiladas
Stouffer's Beef Enchiladas, despite being a family-sized offering, fails dramatically in flavor. Masked in blandness, the enchiladas are neither spicy nor rich in flavor as one might expect from a Mexican dish. Combined with overcooked tortillas, this meal turns into an insipid experience.
5. Smart Ones Rigatoni Pasta Tomato Vodka Cream Sauce
While known for healthier options, Smart Ones has produced a Rigatoni Pasta option that leaves many wanting. The portion size is so small that even dieters might not feel satisfied post-meal. The mushy pasta and mediocre sauce fail to inspire, making this a meal you won’t want to repeat despite your commitment to healthy eating.
6. Bird's Eye Voila! Skillet Meals Garlic Shrimp
Expecting a delicious seafood option? Bird’s Eye Voila! Skillet Meals with Garlic Shrimp will disappoint. The shrimp carries an unmistakable artificial taste, with a garlic sauce that is strangely reminiscent of burnt butter. Additionally, the inconsistently cooked pasta and vegetables lead to challenging dining experiences, making this meal far from enjoyable.
7. Banquet Salisbury Steak Meal
Nostalgia shouldn't cloud judgment when it comes to Banquet's Salisbury Steak Meal. Once a childhood favorite, this meal now delivers a disappointing experience of tasteless 'steak', and undercooked potatoes with cold centers. Even the ingredients that should shine, like gravy, fall flat without seasonings.
8. Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Meatball Marinara
Though Healthy Choice prides itself on clean ingredients, the Simply Steamers Meatball Marinara does not deliver. The overcooked pasta and odd seasoning in the sauce create a dish that tasted more bland than anything. Many find that two servings are necessary to quell hunger, making it a questionable choice for satisfying dinners.
9. Lean Cuisine Protein Kick Swedish Meatballs
Widely regarded for tasty meals, Lean Cuisine falters with its Protein Kick Swedish Meatballs. The sauce is unappetizingly gooey, and the meatballs lack the savory depth expected from this classic dish. Rather than fulfilling cravings, this meal leaves an unpleasant memory.
10. Pier 33 Gourmet Mussels in Butter Garlic Sauce
Unfortunate as it may be, Pier 33 Gourmet Mussels serve a texture that can only be described as a significant downgrade from fresh options. The garlic butter sauce lacks seasoning, and even with additions, it doesn’t rescue this seafood meal. The recommended accompaniments still leave a bland aftertaste.
11. Signature Select Mix Match Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Usually a dependable choice, Signature Select falters with their Italian Meatballs featuring subpar texture and lackluster flavor. The sauce does little more than coat the lackluster meatballs. Customers should consider pairing their pasta with a better side dish.
12. Signature Select Mix Match Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms
The Chicken Marsala from Signature Select offers an unbalanced flavor profile, heavily featuring mushrooms and underwhelming chicken. With a tough texture and little flavor, this meal fails to deliver authenticity. The mushroom lover side remains disconnected from the heart of Marsala dishes.
13. Marie Callender's Tender Ginger Beef and Broccoli Bowl
Marie Callender's Tender Ginger Beef and Broccoli Bowl disappoints with a lack of key ingredients. A small amount of beef and broccoli among a sea of rice creates an unbalanced dish. Excessive sauce only adds to the sogginess, leaving many patrons feeling still hungry.
Avoid these frozen meals to ensure your dinner is both satisfying and flavorful. Next time you're at the grocery store, keep an eye out and make informed choices for frozen dinners that bring convenience without sacrificing taste.