What to Make When Nothing Sounds Good
Eight comforting, low-effort dinners for the nights when you are hungry but nothing sounds right, and a simple way to decide.
You are hungry, the fridge is full enough, and yet nothing sounds good. Decision fatigue is real: by evening, the last thing anyone wants is one more choice.
A 30-second way to decide
Ask yourself three questions:
- Warm or cold?
- Comforting or fresh?
- How much energy is left: none, a little or some?
Then pick from the list below, or let our dinner decider choose for you. When it happens often, a weekly meal plan takes the nightly decision away altogether.
Tomato soup and grilled cheese
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups broth
- 1/2 cup cream
- 8 slices bread
- Cheddar
Simmer the soup 10 minutes and blend; make grilled cheese while it simmers.
Buttered noodles with Parmesan
- 12 ounces pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup Parmesan
- Black pepper
The ultimate “nothing sounds good” dinner. Add peas or leftover chicken if you like.
Loaded nachos
- Tortilla chips
- Beans or leftover meat
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa and sour cream
Layer on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Baked potato night
- 4 potatoes
- Butter, cheese, sour cream
- Leftover chili or broccoli
Microwave the potatoes 8 to 12 minutes and pile on toppings.
Snack plate
- Cheese and crackers
- Hummus
- Fruit and cut vegetables
- Whatever needs using up
No cooking, everyone picks.
Ramen, upgraded
- Instant ramen
- 1 egg
- Frozen spinach or peas
- Green onion and leftover chicken
Cook the noodles, crack in an egg for the last 2 minutes and add the vegetables.
Questions, answered
What should I eat when nothing sounds good?
Something simple and comforting: soup and grilled cheese, buttered noodles, eggs and toast, a baked potato or a snack plate. Small, easy meals are often more appealing than a big decision.
How do I stop deciding what to eat every night?
Plan five dinners once a week, use themed nights such as taco Tuesday, and keep two backup dinners in the freezer for nights when the plan falls apart.
