I think we’ve all been there–you’re making a pot of chili only to realize you don’t have any chili seasoning packets on-hand, and you really don’t want to go to the store.
Chances are, you already have the spices you need to make your own blend of chili seasoning. And let me tell you, once you season a pot of chili this way, you may never go back.
Not only will this homemade chili seasoning mix, elevate your chili game with bold flavors, but you can easily customize the heat level to your preferences.
You can use homemade chili seasoning in any chili recipe. I use it to make my delicious Crock-Pot turkey chili recipe instead of measuring out individual spices each time.
Why You Should Mix Together Your Own Chili Seasoning
Tastes better than seasoning packets. Every time I’ve had a delicious bowl of chili and asked the cook what’s in it, I discover they use their own spices and not a seasoning packet.
Since I’ve started using my own seasoning mix, I find myself craving chili, instead of just making it because it’s a quick and easy dinner to get on the table.
You’re in control of the spices. From mild to spicy, we all have our taste preferences. Add in more of what you like or less of what you don’t.
100% Spices. This homemade chili seasoning is pure spices and does not contain any anti-caking agents or even gluten that may be in some store-bought seasoning mix packets.
Spices Needed for Chili Seasoning
- Chili Powder – Chili powder is a blend of ground chiles and a few other spices and is the foundation of this homemade seasoning mixture.
- Cumin – Cumin is a must for chili recipes and simply cannot be omitted or substituted. Its warm and toasty flavor pairs well with meat.
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Oregano – A key spice in many Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes that adds an earthy, citrusy flavor. Use Mexican oregano if you have it, otherwise regular oregano will do.
- Cayenne Pepper – Adds some kick to the chili. A little goes a long way so adjust with less if you prefer mild chili. (You can always add more into your pot of chili as needed, but you can’t remove it if it’s too spicy.)
- Paprika – Often already in the chili powder, but I like a little more for its sweet, peppery taste.
- Salt – I use regular iodized salt but you can substitute with kosher salt to reduce the sodium content if that matters to you.
Did you know chili seasoning and taco seasoning have the same spices in common, just different proportions? Here’s how to make homemade taco seasoning.
Optional Ingredients
Consider customizing your chili with the following options.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Often a secret ingredient in award-winning chili recipes, cocoa powder is a flavor enhancer, similar to vanilla, that brings out the depth of flavor in the other spices. Don’t worry your chili won’t taste like chocolate!
If you’ve never tried cocoa powder in chili, I suggest adding 1-2 tablespoons to a pot of chili at the same time you add the spice mixture. If you like it, next time you make a jar of seasoning mix, include cocoa powder in it.
Smoked Paprika – For a bit of a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. The peppers are smoked over a fire before being ground up.
Masa Harina, Cornstarch or Flour – While you wouldn’t add any of these thickening agents directly to your jar of homemade seasoning mix, you may want to add one into your pot of chili towards the end of cooking. (Some store-bought chili packets have a thickening agent in them.)
Just combine 1-2 tablespoons of the masa harina, cornstarch or flour with an equal amount of water to make a slurry, then stir the slurry into the chili.
How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning
This recipe makes enough mix to season 3-4 batches of chili, made with 1 pound of meat each.
- Combine spices in a small bowl and stir together until well combined.
- Funnel the seasoning mix into an airtight jar and keep in a cool, dark place along with other spices.
- When making a pot of chili, use 2-3 tablespoon of the homemade chili seasoning mix per 1 pound of meat.
Detailed recipe and instructions are in recipe card at bottom of post.
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Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix
Make your own homemade chili seasoning with this simple mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and a few more spices. This Mexican seasoning blend makes the best pot of chili and replaces those little packets of store-bought chili seasoning mix. This chili seasoning mix recipes makes enough to season three-four batches of chili, made with 1 pound of meat each. Use 2-3 tablespoons per chili recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons cumin
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Combine spices in a small bowl and stir together until well combined.
- Funnel the seasoning mix into an airtight jar and keep in a cool, dark place along with other spices.
- When making a pot of chili, use 2-3 tablespoon of the homemade chili seasoning mix per 1 pound of meat.
Notes
Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to your chili. It's a flavor enhancer that brings out the depth of flavor in the spices. If you like it, next time you mix together a jar of chlli seasoning, add in some cocoa powder, too.
Smoked Paprika - For a bit of a smoky flavor, substitute paprika with smoked paprika. The peppers are smoked over a fire before being ground up.
Masa Harina, Cornstarch or Flour - Some store-bought chili packets have a thickening agent in them, whereas this homemade mix does not. While you wouldn't add any of these thickening agents directly to your jar of homemade seasoning mix, you may want to add one into your pot of chili towards the end of cooking. Just combine 1-2 tablespoons of the masa harina, cornstarch or flour with an equal amount of water to make a slurry, then stir the slurry into the chili.