Previously, cooking at home for a large family meant going through a small bottle (at least!) of spice blends per week. I decided to give making my own a try and haven’t regretted it since. This chili seasoning recipe combines flavorful ingredients without any preservatives or additives. Try adding it to your next chili or seasoning your scrambled eggs for breakfast.
Best Chili Seasoning
When I started making my own spice blends from bulk ingredients, I was amazed at the price of a small packet of spices at the store. You could buy just a few tablespoons of chili powder, or you could buy a half pound of spices and make your own. Now I make (almost) all of our seasoning blends, and my kids love to help. A few years ago, my friend Laila Ali (yes, Muhammad Ali’s daughter!) made some delicious spice blends that we use.
Homemade spice blends not only save you money, they also allow you to avoid harmful ingredients that are found in many premade or bagged seasonings. They’re also a great project to make with little ones because there’s no chopping, cooking or heating required. My kids loved helping measure and mix with me.
You can completely revamp your spice cabinet in one day by making your own spice blends and storing them in small glass jars.
What’s in your chili seasoning mix?
Stores sell expensive premixed seasonings that contain anti-caking agents and artificial flavors. Most chili seasonings are a mixture of five to eight spices, including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.
Chili seasoning is similar to homemade taco seasoning or fajita seasoning. Many of the ingredients are the same, but the emphasis is on chili powder. I like to start with a good quality chili pepper powder for the best flavor. If you like it hotter, you can add black pepper, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to your chili seasoning.
Chili Seasoning vs. Chili Powder
So what is the difference between chili seasoning mix and chili powder?
Essentially, all chili seasoning mixes contain chili powder and many other ingredients. However, not all chili powders are part of a chili seasoning mix. Chili powders are made from a single chili pepper or a blend and can be used alone or in a spice mix.
Feeling like DIY?
Here’s a great tutorial on how to make your own chili powder by drying chili peppers. You can use chili peppers for a spicier powder, or bell peppers for a sweeter, milder flavor.
What spices are in chili seasoning?
Chili powder is the central ingredient, usually mixed with cumin, garlic, onion powder, oregano, and other spices. It can be made with or without salt. I like to make it without salt and then add salt depending on the recipe I use.
How many tablespoons are in a packet of chili seasoning?
If you’ve only ever bought packets of chili seasoning mix before, you’ll be delighted to try making your own. Since it has no fillers or additives, you won’t need as much and the flavor will be more vibrant.
A packet of chili contains about 1/3 cup of mix, which often contains flour or other fillers. Two to three tablespoons of homemade chili mix is the same amount as one packet of chili seasoning. Most recipes start with 1½ to 2 tablespoons per pound of meat, vegetables, or other foods you use. You can always add more, depending on your taste.
Chili Seasoning Mix Recipe
This simple chili seasoning mix contains chili powder, garlic, cumin, onion powder and more, making it a delicious addition to any chili recipe or great for other dishes too.
Nutrition facts
Chili Seasoning Mix Recipe
Serving Size (1 teaspoon)
calorie 8
Calories from Fat 3
% Daily Value*
fat 0.3 g0%
sodium 19mg1%
potassium 44 mg1%
carbohydrates 1.5g1%
Dietary Fiber: 0.6g3%
protein 0.4 g1%
Vitamin A 398IU8%
Vitamin C 0.1 mg0%
calcium 12 mg1%
iron 0.7 mgFour%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of this mix in place of a packet of store-bought chili seasoning.
- The recipe calls for 1½ to 2 tablespoons per pound of ground beef or other meat.
Storage and expiration date
I store this chili powder in an airtight glass jar. It will last up to a year, but the flavor is best during the first six months. Make sure to store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Where to get spices
I used to buy dozens of different spices at the grocery store, but now I have about a dozen small glass jars of premixed seasonings that save me time and money. I buy most of my spices in bulk. Amazon’s Frontier Brand Organic.
Chili Recipes
It’s great to have on hand for a quick chili on busy nights, and it’s also great for omelets and roasted veggies. Of course, this is perfect for almost any chili pot, but here are some of our favorite recipes where we like to use it:
Do you make your own spice blends? What’s your favorite way to use chili seasoning? Leave a comment and let me know!
