Homemade Chili Seasoning is made up of the perfect blend of cumin, paprika, and chili powder and will pack a whole lot of flavor into your chili recipes.
This chili spice blend is perfect in Instant Pot Chili, Slow Cooker Chili, and any of your favorite chili recipes.
Homemade Chili Seasoning
I was stunned to learn that many people use packets of chili seasonings in their chili recipes. There is absolutely NO need to purchase that chili seasoning packet. It is filled with all sorts of additives, preservatives, added sugar, and is really high in sodium.
Chili Seasoning can easily be made at home. In fact, I bet you have all the ingredients in your spice cabinet right now.
Chili Spices
- Cumin
- Chili Powder (ancho or regular)
- Cayenne Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
I am heavy on chili powder in my seasoning blend, but also like to add in a bit of cumin for a warming depth of flavor and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Just like any good chili recipe, this chili seasoning has onion and garlic powder to help build a solid base of flavor.
My recipe for Chili seasoning is pretty basic, but feel free to add in dried oregano for a peppery zing.
I like to make a large batch of this Chili powder, store in a glass jar, and use 2 tablespoons of the mixture each time I am making a batch of chili.
Important to note when making homemade chili seasoning: use fresh dried spices when making any homemade spice blend, for optimum flavor. If you spices have been sitting in your spice cabinet for over 6 months, it is time to toss them. If they are several years old, be prepared to be stunned with how much better your homemade meals taste with fresh spices.
Use Chili Seasoning in:
- Chicken Chili
- Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
- Lentil Chili
- Butternut Squash Chili
- Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili
- But don’t just limit homemade chili mix to chili recipes, you can also use this blend on oven-baked potatoes for a spicy kick, grilled corn for a fun summer treat, and in burgers for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Combine spices until evenly mixed together.
- Store for up to 6 months in a sealed container in the pantry.
Equipment Needed
Notes
Nutrition
In the recipe it says: 1 recipe (or 2 tablespoons) is just the right amount to add for 1 recipe of chili, or chili recipes calling for 2 pounds of beef.
But in the chili recipe itself it say 1 tbsp of seasoning…
Hey there–sorry for any confusion. Both of my beef chili recipes use the full 2 tablespoons of chili mix. Some of my vegetarian recipes do use only 1 tablespoon.
Hi, can you say what chili seasoning this is similar to? My very favorite was just discontinued and I’m so heartbroken.
Hi Jarrod! I am sorry that your blend has been discontinued. I can not say what it is most like, because this is the blend I have used since I began cooking. Sorry! The spices are very similar to the packets of McCormick and Trader Joes blend.
Tried this for the first time tonight because didn’t have a chili seasoning packet and loved it! No more chili seasoning packet for me! Thank you. Delicious!
YAY! So glad you found a new staple!
Easy to made and store and excellent flavor combination. I’m on a low sodium regiment so can adjust salt amount as needed – perfect!!!
I am so glad you enjoyed this and were able to modify it to fit your needs!
Quick, easy and perfect for exhausted moms everywhere. Thank you ma’am!
WAHOO!!! I am right there with you–so happy to help alleviate a bit of your stress in life.
The salt, at 107% RDA per serving (per your estimate?), seems miscalculated.
Hi David, this is for the entire recipe–not per serving.
I doubled it and used two pounds of ground beef is that to much?
Hi Shannon! It may be a bit more seasoning than I would typically use for 2 pounds beef, but if you have a lot of additional ingredients (like beans, tomatoes, etc) you should be great.
My family loves this seasoning. Use it on tacos too.
I love hearing that Matthew. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.