Chili Seasoning Recipe
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This homemade chili seasoning mix recipe combines chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavor-packed and budget-friendly DIY spice blend.
For another DIY spice blend try our apple pie spice recipe.
Rather than rely on those little packets of seasoning mixes from the store, I prefer to make my own.
Not only does making homemade seasoning for chili save money, but it also allows you to know and control exactly what ingredients are in the mix.
This homemade seasoning blend works great in just about any chili recipe—including my Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Chili, which gets a rich depth of flavor from both the spices and the soda.
You can also use the DIY seasoning blend for slow cooker chili, casseroles, chili mac, hot dog chili, tacos, and more. It is also great for adding flavor to baked potatoes, french fries, and steamed veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower.
Give this chili seasoning recipe a try and I am sure that you will agree it is the best chili seasoning ever!
Ingredients
You will likely have all the spices you need for this DIY seasoning blend in your cabinet right now.
You will need:
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Dried Oregano
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
Making the mix is as easy as adding all of your ingredients to a bowl and whisking them together.
Storage
Store your homemade spice blend in a small, airtight container out of direct sunlight for up to 1 year.
These spice jars are perfect for storing homemade spice blends. The set even comes with labels for the jars and a funnel for easy pouring.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- SPICE LEVEL: Adjusted the level of heat by adding more or less chili powder, to taste.
- EXTRA HEAT: Add up to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like your chili with a lot of heat.
- LOW-SODIUM: Watching your sodium intake? Cut the sodium or leave it out completely.
- SMOKED PAPRIKA: Try using smoked paprika to give your chili a bit of a smokey flavor.
- BROWN SUGAR: Add a ½ teaspoon of brown sugar as a secret ingredient to give your chili seasoning a hint of sweetness. It helps bring out the other flavors as well.
- USE FRESH SPICES: For the best chili seasoning, make sure that your spices and herbs aren’t stale or past their prime. If the bottles have been sitting in your cupboard for a year (or more!) you can bet they are losing their flavor and it is time to toss ’em.
Recipe FAQ
I suggest you start with 2 Tablespoons of seasoning mix per pound of meat. You can always add more if you are looking for more flavor.
A typical packet of store-bought chili seasoning mix contains about 1/3 cup (about 5 Tablespoons) of mix… but a lot of that is made up of flour and other additives. That is why you can use so much less when you make it yourself!
Chili Seasoning
Ingredients
- 5 Tablespoons Chili Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Cumin
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Onion Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the spices to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Really good seasoning recipe! I plan on using it all the time rather than buying those seasoning packets at the store.
I love DIYs
I need a receipe using this
Use 4-5 Tablespoons to make crockpot chili or 2 Tablespoons in this crockpot chili mac recipe.
Hi, What exactly is the chili powder you have used in this recipe? It seems to be a different thing in different countries. In this picture it looks like a blend? Thank you 🙂
Hi, in the US it is just called “chili powder”. This is the exact bottle that I have in my pantry. Hope this helps!
Another secret ingredient for chili is approximately one tablespoon of vinegar. The little touch of acid really takes a pot of chili from okay to outstanding!
I completely agree! I always add vinegar to my chili– just check out my slow cooker chili recipe!
Was wondering when you make fresh seasonings can you stick them in your refrigerator to keep them fresh that way I know I do but I was thinking it in a clump of the chicken always said vigorously eaten and keep right on using. It’s better than inside a cupboard for the shelf life I was just wondering what your opinion was about that
Spices should be kept in a cool, dark, dry place so I would think that the refrigerator would be too humid of an environment for them. I always store my spices and seasonings (even the homemade seasoning mixes) in my cabinet.