Raman noodles can be a great side dish as well. Drain all of the water and simply mix the seasoning packet in. Add whatever leftovers you have and you have a tasty filling meal, for really cheap as well.
Not being on welfare and having a paycheck that varies, raman noodles have carried me through several times.
It's amazing how cheaply you can eat well, if you use your imagination a little.
As for rice, what is wrong with it? Raised in Florida back in the 50's, we often ate rice. In fact, I still prefer it to potatoes. Chili over rice is one of my favorites and also cheap to prepare.
Imagination seems to be the missing "ingredient" in this womans life
Nothing wrong with rice at all. I have lots of it.