Take a standby side dish and make it memorable by adding salsa con queso, as in the Mexican Four-cheese Potatoes au Gratin.

When the temperature drops, it's natural for thoughts — and cravings — to turn toward soothing and hearty comfort foods. There's nothing like a good casserole or a bowl of hot chili to make you feel good all over.

To kick up the fun in your favorite meals, try some comfort foods with salsa added into the mix. Salsa and picante sauces are convenient ways to add different flavors and heat up the whole family with a satisfying meal.

These recipes are fast and easy, making them great weeknight dinners for the busy cook.

Here are some more ideas to help you put some zip into your favorite foods.

Zesty Grilled Cheese: Dip your grilled cheese sandwich into chunky salsa or picante sauce for a full-flavored, zingy kick.

Fiesta Meat Loaf: Use chunky salsa or picante sauce instead of tomato sauce or ketchup for a juicy, zesty meat loaf. Just before serving, top with more salsa.

Soup Toppers: Stir any delicious flavored salsa into your soup for a fresh new taste. Try it in black bean, tomato or vegetable soup.

Fiesta Rice; Tired of making the same old side dishes? To freshen up any meal, stir chunky salsa or picante sauce into your cooked rice for a lively side dish the whole family will love.

1 jar (16 ounces) four cheese salsa con queso¾ cup chicken broth¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)Stir queso, broth and cream together in medium bowl.Put half of potatoes in a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Pour half of queso mixture over potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes and queso mixture.Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Let stand for 10 minutes.

1 cup coarsely crumbled tortilla chips2 cups cubed cooked chicken or cooked turkey1 can (about 15 ounces) cream-style whole kernel corn¾ cup picante sauce½ cup sliced pitted ripe olives½ cup shredded cheddar cheeseChopped green pepper or red pepperTortilla chipsLayer crumbled chips, chicken, corn and picante sauce in 1-quart casserole. Top with olives and cheese.Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until hot. Top with peppers. Serve with chips.

1 pound ground beef1 can (10¾ ounces)condensed tomato soup1 cup chunky salsa½ cup shredded cheddar cheese8 sandwich rolls, any varietyBrown ground beef in skillet. Pour off fat.Add soup and salsa. Heat through. Top with cheese. Serve on rolls.

1 pound ground beef1 cup picante sauce1 tablespoon chili powder1 can (14½ ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, cut up1 cup frozen whole kernel corn3 cups cooked elbow pasta½ cup shredded cheddar cheeseSliced avocadoSour creamCook beef in skillet until browned. Pour off fat.Add picante sauce, chili powder, tomatoes and corn. Heat to a boil. Cook over low heat 10 minutes. Add pasta. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and heat until cheese melts. Garnish with avocado and sour cream.

1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa1 cup water2 tablespoons chili powder1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile pepper1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)2 pounds beef for stew, cut into Z\x -inch pieces1 can (about 19 ounces) red kidney beans, rinsed and drainedShredded cheddar cheese (optional)Sour cream (optional)Stir salsa, water, chili powder, chipotle pepper, onion, beef and beans in a 3½ -quart slow cooker.Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours (or on high for 4 to 5 hours) or until the beef is fork-tender. Serve with cheese and sour cream, if desired.

Kick up the fun in favorite meals by adding picante sauce to dishes like Monterey Chicken Tortilla Casserole.