There’s nothing like a big bowl of piping hot chili when the weather is cold. Not only is it easy to make but it is a real comfort food.

Chili freezes well so I always make a big batch of it and freeze the rest in one cup portions that I can bring for lunches or just heat up for dinner. I also like to freeze a few containers of chili that I can use to create other meals with.

By being a little creative, you can throw together a quick dinner for your family on any week night.

Here’s what I do with my leftover chili.

Chili baked potatoes– spoon the chili into a baked potato and top it with a sprinkle of grated old aged cheddar cheese, diced green onions, diced cooked bacon and a dollop of light sour cream.

Chili tacos – use the chili as a taco filling and then add your favourite taco condiments. I like the usual, grated cheese, diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce.

Chili nachos– make sure the chili is either cold or at room temperature for this recipe. Hot chili will make the tortilla chips soggy. Top the chips with chili, diced green peppers, green onions and finish it with a good amount of shredded Tex-Mex cheese, then heat it in the oven at 350 F until the chili has warmed through and the cheese has melted. Serve with light sour cream and guacamole.

Chili sloppy Joes– Spoon a generous amount of chili onto a soft and doughy whole wheat bun. Easy peasy and a real kid pleaser!

Taco salad– top your favourite lettuce with chili, crushed corn chips, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, guacamole or diced avocado, shredded cheese, shredded carrots and serve with a creamy ranch dressing. The chili should be at room temperature to avoid wilting the lettuce.

Using leftover chili is a real time and money saver so get cooking! Here’s a recipe to get you started.

Do you have a favourite recipe using leftover chilli? If so, please share it with us in the comments.