Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas — all baked in a foil tray while you watched “I Love Lucy.” By the ‘80s, brands like Banquet and Stouffer’s joined the party.

The packaging looked like airplane trays, and the idea of eating a full hot meal while watching “The Ed Sullivan Show” felt modern. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas — all baked in a foil tray while you ...