Whether you are a college student, parent, or living the bachelor(ette) life Š you probably have Ramen noodles in your pantry and for many good reasons.

This timeless classic is very cheap to buy in bulk, and even if you don't know how to cook, you can cook Ramen noodles. A child can do it!

You may have already experimented with various ways to add to Ramen noodles, and found your way of eating them.

Maybe you like them plain with lots of broth, or almost no broth. Maybe you add mustard and cheese.

Well I'm here to share some “add-in” recipes that turn Ramen noodles into a family sized meal using other groceries that are (probably) already in your cupboards. The greatest thing is that although these are wallet friendly recipes, these are also tummy friendly recipes and you may be surprised with the results.

Ramen noodles are the most affordable grocery to buy in bulk.

There is much that can be done with this item, though when there is nothing left in your pantry, Ramen noodles are a tasty lunch as is.

All of these meals can be made for the low cost of $11.36. This price only includes one 12 pack case of Ramen noodles.

All prices taken at Aldi's grocery store, where if you were to buy two separate cases (for the variable flavors) then the total cost would only be $12.75.

There would still be 18 packs of Ramen noodles left over as well, leaving something in your pantry for those extra difficult weeks financially.

For comparison purposes, you could feed a family of four at a pizzeria (considering the $5 large pizza) only once for the price it would cost to make these meals.

Caryn Murray is a mother and frugal food shopper.

Ramen Meal

(Though it can be altered to feed more people, this recipe feeds 2 to 3 people and costs $1.42 to make.)

1 can tomato sauce

2 packs Ramen noodles (beef, chicken, or pork flavored)

2 hot dogs (cut into chunks)

2 cans water

Mix tomato sauce and 2 cans of water to a simmer, then add hot dog chunks and let boil for 5 minutes. Add the noodles and flavor pack. Optionally season with salt, pepper, garlic salt or lemon pepper as desired, cook until noodles are done.

Home-made Cup-o-Soup

(Costing only $3.50 to make, this meal can make four servings and will feed more if needed by adding another estimated 12 cents for an additional pack of Ramen noodles.

1 pack Ramen noodles (beef or chicken are best, any flavor is good)

1 summer sausage (cut into 1/4” chunks)

1 can mixed veggies

Cook noodles as usual, draining and adding flavoring. Mix all ingredients together and warm to temp. Optionally season with salt or pepper to taste.

Cheesy Mushroom Stovetop Casserole

(This tasty meal makes 3 to 5 servings and only costs $2.52 to make.)

2 packs Ramen noodles (chicken flavored is most appropriate)

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup grated cheese

Cook Ramen noodles according to directions, adding can of soup (with the Ramen seasoning pack) in the last few minutes. Cook until soup is well mixed, then top with cheese but do not mix. Cover and set until cheese is melted.

Oodles of Noodles

(Delight your taste buds with a complete meal that takes 4 to 6 servings with a price tag of $3.25.)

1 pound ground beef

1 pack Ramen noodles (beef flavor)

1 can stewed tomatoes

1 can corn (drained)

Brown and drain meat. Stir in noodles with seasoning, tomatoes and corn. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until noodles are done.