That's...odd. I'm a big fan of Welsh rarebit in the traditional sense — and the "things on toast" option has saved many a British family from picky arguments. ("What do you mean, you don't want liver? Well, there's beans in the cupboard!") Beans on toast, cheese on toast, spaghetti-Os on toast (no, really...).

Risottos are also easy to do and staple-cheap — I'm actually more of a fan of pastottos, using penne instead of rice. Sounds weird, I know, but really easy and delicious. (Cumin seed and caraway seed risotto, made with Marigold bouillion -- dairy free and delicious, although with your picky eaters you may get eyebrows raised!)

I'm also a big fan of stretching chili with beans, onions, mushrooms, lentils, quinoa — anything, really. Takes the "mouthful of oil" problem away from the chili, and makes it healthier and cheaper!