If you spread it out over several meals, ramen is totally doable and affordable from scratch.

Look up the PDF by ramen lord, I also have a comic like ramen book that’s great

Edit: I tend to make a batch of broths and freeze them. Lasts several meals that way. (For a family).

Second edit: the other book is “Let’s make ramen” and it’s great.

Beans or Split Pea Soup

• 2lbs of Pinto Beans or Split Peas (~$3)
• 1 Ham Hock/Bone (~$3)
• Water as required

Throw it all into a crock pot on high. Makes 4-6 servings. Cheap, filling, fairly nutritious, and depending on the bone/hock can be really flavorful.

Brocoli pasta or rice salads really hit the spot Anything pasta really