You could also put those things in rice instead for much cheaper calorie/dollar. But it can be good to switch it up for sure

Frozen dumplings. Just throw them in at the start, and by the time it reaches a boil, they're ready to eat

Edit - I'll use the cheap maruchan stuff as the noodles for a stir fry in a pinch. Definitely takes a bit more cooking effort than boiling a pot of water though

Quality instant ramen is pretty delicious, but it's not that cheap or healthy

Get an appropriately sized rice cooker, it's a super easy and cheap staple food that's endlessly versatile.

Want Mexican food? Fry up some beans, veg, and/or eggs with cumin or taco seasoning and you've got a burrito bowl. Want fried rice? Toss it in too and season it. Want a simple breakfast meal? Fry an egg sunny side up and toss it on top. Feeling lazy or putting off a grocery store run? Pack it together and you get onigiri

You can even turn it into porridge (I've never tried it, my friend said it's good)

(Sponsored by The Rice Gang🍚)