Homemade Chili Seasoning is made up of the perfect blend of cumin 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
ADAM
I found your recipe while looking at keto friendly chili recipes. Perfect blend of spices to make up for the lack of beans and completely adjustable to fit your preference of heat.
Wendy
Superb! The only changes I made were to double the amount of cayenne and garlic powder.
Kristen Chidsey
Happy to hear you enjoyed!
Sharonda Vizcaino
Great chili blend seasoning, thank you for sharing and for using ingredients that most people have in their seasoning cabinet.
Kristen Chidsey
You are so welcome Sharonda!
Karmiene
Simple and perfect proportions of spices in the mix. 👍🏼 Exactly what I was looking for.
Carmen Reid
Hi,
I usually make chili with a pound of beans and a pound of beef. Wonder how much of the mix I should use...? I do use to packets of seasoning mix so maybe I will try 4 tablespoons. What are your thoughts.
Thanks for the recipe. I made a batch x4 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
I would personally only use 2 tablespoons but if you are used to 2 packets of seasoning you may find you need more.
Jim Honey
I would have thought a serious 'DIY' chili seasoning would NOT call for chili powder but rather, a mix of various peppers to constitute a chili powder replacement.
Possibly some mix of ancho, guajillo, puya, or arbol chiles. How is this recipe any more DIY than any other chili recipe?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Jim. I am sorry this recipe disappointed you. This is intended to be a replacement for packs of seasoning mix people purchase--and something easy for anyone to make. It helps to control the sodium and additives.
Sheri
Loved it!!
Sheri
Loved this mixture BYW my name is Sheri also… I look forward to making this chili throughout the winter months. The spices are a perfect balance!!!
Phil
Jim, I bet you are a lot of fun at parties.
Mell
Lol that was pretty funny!
LRA
I am dead lmao Phil wins the internet for me today
Diane
Wow! There's several things that come to mind when thinking about your arrogant comment....but I will just say that as a mom, I think this recipe is just perfect!
Bill
Jim Honey, simply replace the "chili powder" with your choice of powdered dry capsicum and oregano, and you got it.
For a really accurate gluten free substitute for those chili seasoning packets, use this lady's recipe and add 2 tablespoons of chickpea flour rather than the traditional wheat flour or masa harina.
Sheri
Hi I want to make this with 1 pound of ground beef what would you recommend the amount of seasoning I would use for this?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Sheri! This blend is for 2 pounds of beef. I would suggest cutting in half or using 1 tablespoon. Enjoy!
Sheri
I saw that Kristen after I read down farther oops silly me but I absolutely loved it and will make this from now on for our chili thank you!
Annie
Plan on making some chili this week. I wanted a simple chili seasoning recipe. Can’t wait to try this! Thank you for sharing!!
Carmen
Loved it.
Made a big batch using a pound of dry beans and a pound of ground beef. Used a double recipe and it was PERFECT! Added the oregano too. So much better than the packets!!!!!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing Carmen! I love that you enjoyed this flavor!
Raquel
Used this tonight and it was fantastic! I usually use McCormick but I'm definitely using your recipe from now on. I didn't have any cayenne so I just sprinkled in some roasted red pepper flakes and it worked perfectly. You have changed my chili game -- thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
YAY! SO happy you enjoyed Raquel!
Kim
Followed the recipe exactly and it was fantastic!! I used 1 pound of ground beef and 1 tablespoon of this seasoning mix was perfect! Thank you!!
Kristen Chidsey
You are welcome! I am so glad you enjoyed!