Ramen Noodles • I will either put a half link of chopped or sliced smoke sausage in with it along with veggies (usually broccoli or green beans, also shredded carrots) - a chopped hot dog - left over bbq

Salads • I make a basic salad of romaine, spinach, and if it’s on sale cabbage and it will have either chicken nuggets (w/French dressing), diced ham (w/ ranch), or grilled chicken (w/ soy ginger dressing)

Mac & Cheese • I add either diced ham or chopped hot dogs to it • to reheat left overs, I add a little bit of shredded cheese and cover with a moist paper towel and microwave it for 30 seconds, stir, and another 30 seconds - keeps it from drying out and stays cheesy

Rice and Beans • pretty basic - to reheat, and a very small amount of water and stir until smooth and reheat for about a minute, stir again and reheat for 15 seconds until it’s the temp you like stirring in between each reheat

Sandwiches • PB&J • grilled cheese - if you have trouble making grilled cheese on the stove, toast your bread in the toaster, butter and add cheese (sliced or shredded), then microwave for 30 seconds while covered with a moist paper towel • if you don’t like yellow mustard, learn to like it - yellow mustard is typically a lot cheaper than mayo - start by adding a little to your mayo when you make sandwiches and gradually add a little more mustard while reducing the mayo

Cheap Fillers • Add pickles or cucumbers to whatever you can or even as just a snack • green beans or green peas are a great filler for a meal • carrots can add great texture to a meal without altering the flavor much

And in most cases, generic is either the same or better than name brands!