Straight Rice Alternative and pairings
I have a stainless steel rice cooker with the simple one push button, but I know that plain rice is not the absolute healthiest option for multiple meals a week. Here's a tiktok that suggested a mix of lentils, quinoa, and rice as a replacement that has more fiber and protein. It's become my go-to base for a budget meal.
In my rice cooker, I do:
1 part lentils
1 part quinoa
2 parts white rice
I use slightly more water than the typical "rice only" level because lentils take a little longer to cook.
Alternatively, I have started using pearled barley in place of the lentils, and I like the taste and consistency better, although it is less protein. This is a great combination with chili crisp or sriracha mayo along with tuna or rotisserie chicken or some other protein along with roasted broccoli or roasted brussels sprouts for the veggie.
Sidenote, if you eat tuna multiple times a week, my understanding is that "light" tuna aka skipjack is better than albacore due to having less mercury. Sardines and herring are also a good alternative with even less mercury.
Another great option for the vegetable is homemade fridge pickled cabbage. 1 part sugar, 2 parts white vinegar, 4 parts water with finely shredded cabbage (you can shred it yourself or you might find it pre-shredded for very little $). It stays good for a week+ and gives a nice sweet/sour crisp side along with providing complementary nutrients.