This book!
I grew up LMC in the Midwest.
Our meals were pretty much hamburger helper, rica a roni, sloppy joes, canned soup casseroles.
I got this book shorty after getting married (and living on fast food and ramen in college).
I LOVE it. 15 yrs later I still reference it. It explains what tools you need, how to use different ingredients and techniques, then offers recipes (that are excellent) to practice and experiment. The recipe steps walk you through exactly what to do and how to do it. It has a good mix of your very basic plus some advanced cooking techniques that are not hard to master, when given specific instructions.
https://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewarts-Cooking-School-Lessons/dp/0307396444/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GGO0VBW5ALKD&keywords=martha+stewart+cooking+school&qid=1676295400&sprefix=marth+stewart+cooking+school%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1