Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

Skip store-bought seasoning packets and make your own homemade chili seasoning recipe, from scratch. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and can be customized to your taste preferences.

about this homemade chili seasoning

Forget about the store-bought packets loaded with mystery ingredients. When it comes to spice mixes, homemade seasoning blends always better.

Not only do you control what goes into them, you can adjust them easily to your taste preferences. In just a few minutes, you can have a homemade chili seasoning mix that will elevate your favorite comfort meal easily, while also saving some money by making it yourself.

This blend combines nine kitchen staples you probably already have in your spice cabinet. Each spoonful has the perfect balance of earthy, smoky flavors with a customizable kick of heat. The best part truly is that you control the ingredients – meaning no fillers, preservatives, or sneaky sugar hiding in your chili seasoning blend.

Store it in an airtight jar, and you’ll have authentic chili flavor ready to go whenever the craving strikes. One batch seasons two batches of chili, whether it is meaty or vegetarian. Double or triple the recipe to keep your pantry stocked for cozy cooking all season long. I recommend using it for our instant pot chili recipe for a quick and easy meal!

You can even use it for more than a pot of chili! This versatile blend adds southwestern flair to tacos, beans, roasted veggies, or even a quick spice rub for grilled meats.

ingredients

chili powder. Deep, earthy, and a touch sweet, this powerhouse spice blend is a mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and ground chiles. It’s milder than you might think, adding rich color and warm depth to any dish. You can also use ancho chili powder for a stronger flavors and added heat.

ground cumin. Toasty and aromatic with a hint of citrus, cumin adds that can’t-quite-place-it flavor. A little goes a long way!

salt. Use kosher salt as it has less sodium content per teaspoon than iodized table salt.

paprika. We like to use smoked paprika in this recipe, but regular ground paprika is good too.

oregano. Dried oregano is preferred in this recipe. It brings a pop of fresh, savory flavor that stands up to the other ingredients in the spice mixture.

pepper. Freshly cracked black pepper gives you the best flavor!

garlic powder. Concentrated garlic goodness in a super-convenient form.

onion powder. Sweet and potent, this dehydrated onion packs all the flavor.

cayenne pepper. A pinch adds kick, while a dash brings real heat. You can use the amount instructed, or add more to make the spice mix really spicy! If you prefer, you can use red pepper flakes instead.

here’s how to make this chili seasoning recipe

stir

Add all of the spices to a medium bowl. Stir together until well-combined.

store

Store the spice mixture in an airtight container or jar for up to 6 months. Be sure to store it in a cool and dry place so that no moisture can get in.

tips and tricks

check your spices. Make sure to check your spices to make sure this seasoning has the best flavor. All of your spices should be less than 6 months old, as they lose flavor over time.

make a triple batch. If you are making this recipe, we recommend tripling the batch! Since this recipe lasts for up to 6 months, it will keep for a long time and then you can easily have it on hand whenever you need it.

More tasty spice mies to try out: Steak Seasoning | Chicken Taco Seasoning | BBQ Chicken Rub

how much chili seasoning should I use?

For a single batch of chili, use about 2 1/2 Tbsp of this chili seasoning recipe (that’s half the total batch that the recipe makes). We consider a single batch of chili any recipe that is made with 2 lbs of ground meat. If you are making a smaller batch of chili with only 1 lb of ground meat, use half of the recommended amount.

can I use this for any type of chili?

You can use this for any chili recipe! Whether it is ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or vegetarian, this seasoning makes any chili taste amazing.

how to use homemade chili seasoning

You can use this homemade chili seasoning for your favorite chili recipe, in place of the spices it calls for or in place of a chili seasoning packet! This recipe makes enough for 2 batches of chili, but you can easily triple or quadruple the recipe to have more on hand. As a rule of thumb, use 2 1/2 Tablespoons of this chili mix per batch of chili (if using a chili recipe that calls for 1 lb ground beef, make sure to halve the amount of seasoning to 1 1/4 Tbsp instead).

You can also use this chili seasoning in other ways! Use it as a rub on steak or poultry, use it to season roasted vegetables, or even as a way to add depth of flavor to your favorite soups.

how to store

Store. Store this spice mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

want more comfort food? Here’s our favorite chili recipes…

One of our favorite chili recipes is this spicy taco chili! It’s filled with flavorful Mexican spices, beef, and beans to comfort you any night of the week.

For a cheesy twist, this slow cooker queso chili is creamy, cheesy, and filled with yummy Southwestern flavors.

Slow cooker pumpkin turkey chili is packed with ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and warming spices to warm you up with every bite.

Finally, if you make this chili seasoning recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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