I buy those dollar store packages of refried beans and rice, and cans of mixed vegetables. I put them in individual containers and freeze them to take to work for lunch. It's pretty cheap, and it makes me feel a lot fuller than anything I could buy at a convenience store or restaurant.
It's also vegan and gluten free (I have celiac and severe lactose intolerance)
A thing I have thought of trying is to take a bean and rice mixture and make stuffed peppers with it. I am certain it will be delicious. Certainly better than a ShitChicken.
Also, whenever I cook something like soup or even pasta, I always cook extra so I can freeze it in portions. It's so much better than paying like $15 for fast food or junk food that's not even satisfying
I do that with poblanos (and vegan chorizo if I'm feeling fancy), and I can confirm that it's so good, and not terribly expensive. The last time I did it, it was probably about $10 for the ingredients, but it made enough peppers for 2 meals each for me and my mom, plus enough leftover filling for at least couple more.
In this case, they are cheaper at the dollar store. I've compared prices at Walmart and grocery stores.
Same with the packages of pre-cooked microwaveable rice.
While I agree that dollar store prices can be higher, with the foods I buy they're pretty consistently cheaper per ounce at the dollar store. Believe me, I compare!