Philo Farnsworth-Inspired Vintage TV Dinner Meatloaf

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-02 · Updated 2026-05-02

Classic meatloaf with a nostalgic twist, featuring smoky paprika and a tangy tomato glaze reminiscent of mid-20th century comfort food. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs ground beef, ground pork, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 2, minced garlic cloves
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 small finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Step 2: Transfer mixture to a loaf pan greased with 1 tbsp olive oil, shaping it evenly.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Step 4: Bake for 55-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F and glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
5. Step 5: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.