How do I defrost a frozen tv dinner without using a microwave?

So you have to cook the dinner in a small pan on a burner? I would remove all the packaging. Do this buy running under warm water until it separates from it and falls out. Put it on a plate and let sit until you can break it up into smaller pieces so they will fit into you saucepan. If you have a lid put that on the pot and simmer on very low until cooked. I don't know what you are cooking so it's hard to tell you exactly what to do. If it is chicken,mashed potato's and a veggie....this would be weird-they would all mush together. If it's like meat and spaghetti that would come out fine. Good luck. I hope I answered the question correctly.