A
TV dinner (also called
prepackaged meal,
ready-made meal,
ready meal,
frozen dinner,
frozen meal,
microwave meal) is a
prepackaged frozen or chilled
meal that usually comes as an individual portion. It requires very little preparation and contains all the elements for a single-serving meal. A TV dinner in the USA usually consists of a cut of meat, usually beef or chicken; a vegetable, such as peas, carrots, corn, or potatoes; and sometimes a dessert, such as a brownie or apple cobbler. The entrée could also be pasta or a common type of fish, such as
Atlantic cod. Rice is a common side item. In Europe the meals can be more diverse, with items such as Indian or Chinese meals being common in the UK.