When I first started making homemade chili, I was on the hunt for the perfect chili seasoning mix that would give my dish that rich, flavorful kick. I quickly realized that relying on store-bought packets was not the best option, especially considering the additives, preservatives, and anti-caking agents they often contain. What’s even worse is the hidden gluten, which is a problem for those like me who prefer a gluten free diet. Instead, I decided to explore a chili seasoning recipe that could be made right at home with ingredients I already had in my pantry. I was amazed at how easy it was to create a homemade chili spice mix, and how much cheaper it was compared to buying those pricey packets.
After a few attempts and a little tweaking, I perfected my own blend. Using a simple mix of individual ingredients from my spice rack, I discovered that homemade chili was not only more affordable but also much more flavorful. Whether you’re cooking up a batch for a hearty pot of chili, a taco night, or even some roasted vegetables, this chili seasoning mix adds the perfect touch.
Chili Seasoning Recipe-The Short Answer
The best part? It’s so handy to have on hand, and the ratios can be adjusted to your personal preference. Plus, it works wonders for many different kinds of chili—from the basic ground beef version to ground turkey if you’re looking for something leaner. This recipe is a game-changer and makes every meal feel like a cozy treat shared with friends. Why pay extra for something so simple when you can have a superior home version at a fraction of the cost?
How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning
Making your own chili seasoning at home is simple and cost-effective. Start by measuring the individual ingredients you prefer for your mix. The key technique is to combine them well—using a bowl, you can easily whisk them together. For storage, you’ll want an airtight storage container that will keep everything fresh for later use. Once mixed, you can either use the seasoning right away or transfer the remainder into a spice container like a mason jar, making sure the lid is on tightly. When you’re ready to use it, just shake the container to ensure the seasoning is evenly combined. This simple recipe makes about ½ cup of chili seasoning mix, which is the best alternative to any store bought chili seasoning packet. You can use it to season a 6 serving batch of chili, whether you’re using ground beef or ground turkey. If you prep the seasoning in advance, you’ll have it ready for the next time you want to cozy up with a warm bowl of chili, all for a fraction of the cost. Just keep in mind that the spice container should be bigger than the amount of seasoning so the ingredients can move around and combine properly.
Ingredients
When crafting a chili seasoning, each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients I always use:
- Chili powder: This is the core of the seasoning mix, providing a rich, earthy base flavor. It’s essential for any chili recipe.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the seasoning. It complements the chili powder and deepens the flavor profile.
- Cumin: Known for its warm, slightly nutty taste, cumin brings depth to the seasoning. It’s a must-have for any chili recipe.
- Onion powder: This spice adds a savory, slightly sweet element that complements the richness of the other spices. It’s essential for balancing the chili seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Just like onion powder, garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic flavor. Together, these two spices form the backbone of a good chili mix.
- Cayenne powder: If you like your chili to have a little more heat, cayenne powder is your go-to ingredient. It adds a sharp kick, and you can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want your dish. I typically use about 1 teaspoon cayenne powder for the right amount of heat.
- Sea salt: I prefer sea salt for its clean, mineral flavor. It enhances all the spices and balances the seasoning mix perfectly.
- Ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat that enhances the cayenne and complements the other spices in the mix.
- Oregano (optional): I personally skip oregano because it’s not to my taste, but it’s a common addition in many chili recipes. If you enjoy it, dried oregano can add a fragrant herbal note to the seasoning.
Customizing Your Chili Seasoning
To make the seasoning mix, I typically use the following measurements for a standard batch:
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 4 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
If you prefer a larger batch, you can easily scale up the ingredients. For example, you can use 2 tablespoons chili powder and adjust the other spices accordingly.
For an extra layer of flavor, I like to add a little smoked paprika for a touch of smokiness, and sometimes a pinch of fine sea salt to round things off. If you want to try something different, you can also increase the oregano to 1 teaspoon dried oregano to bring out that herbaceous flavor.
Note: You can always adjust the cayenne powder depending on your spice preference. If you like it mild, reduce the cayenne or skip it entirely. The beauty of making your own chili seasoning is that it’s entirely customizable to suit your tastes!
How Much Seasoning Should You Use?
For a chili seasoning recipe, use 2 tablespoons of pure seasoning for a large pot with 1 pound of ground beef serving 6-8 people. For 1 lb of ground meat, use about 3-4 tablespoons of chili seasoning. If you prefer a stronger flavor, feel free to add more or less depending on your spice preference. This recipe works for chicken, beef, or turkey chili. Store-bought chili packets usually contain 5 tablespoons, but homemade is much more potent and doesn’t have fillers.
Instructions
To make your perfect chili seasoning recipe, start by gathering all the ingredients you need and placing them in a bowl. Carefully stir everything together until all the spices are well-mixed. Once combined, store the seasoning in an air-tight container. It’s important to keep it away from heat and moisture to maintain its freshness. If stored properly, this seasoning can last up to six months, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it in your favorite chili dishes.
Storing Spices for Optimal Freshness
When it comes to storing your homemade spice mixes, it’s important to keep them as fresh as possible to maintain their full flavour. Ground spices, like chili powder, can start to deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to heat, light, and moisture. If not stored properly, spices can lose their delicious taste and become duller or pale in colour. To avoid this, always place your spice mixes in a sealed container and store them in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them where there is sunlight, as it can cause them to lose their potency.
If you’re planning to make large batches of your seasoning, buying spices in bulk from a food store is a cost-effective way to go. Just be sure to only buy what you will use within a few months to ensure the flavour stays strong. For longer storage, consider using mason jars or another airtight container. Your seasoning can last up to 6-8 months, and when stored properly, it will retain its flavour. If you’re preparing ground beef or ground turkey, remember to sauté the spices with the meat for a minute or so to allow the flavours to become pronounced. This process helps enhance the overall taste of your chili when you add other ingredients like diced tomatoes and beans.
Notes & Nutrition
Chili Seasoning Overview
- This chili seasoning recipe makes enough for one pot of chili, which typically yields about 6 servings.
- The chili powder used can vary in spiciness, and if it’s too hot, feel free to reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper.
- If you’re using a US-style chili powder, it may already have a savory blend with varying degrees of heat, so adjust accordingly to your preference.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: Each serving contains approximately 18.1 kcal.
- Carbohydrates: 2.9g per serving.
- Protein: 0.3g per serving.
- Fat: 0.1g per serving.
- Sodium: A notable 2841.5 mg per serving, so keep that in mind if you need to limit your salt intake.
- Fiber: 0.4g per serving, which is typical for a seasoning mix.
Versatility and Usage
- This seasoning is perfect for seasoning meats or vegetables, especially if you’re grilling or roasting them.
- The spice mix can add flavor without contributing many calories to the dish, making it a great choice for light yet flavorful meals.
- If you’re preparing a dish using about 3 ½ tablespoons of the seasoning, it will be enough for 1 lb of ground meat.
Detailed Nutritional Breakdown
- Homemade Chili Seasoning: Each tablespoon contains:
- 9 calories
- 1035 mg of sodium
- 48 mg of potassium
- 485 IU of Vitamin A
- 0.2 mg of Vitamin C
- 12 mg of calcium
- 0.6 mg of iron
- When using this seasoning in a larger quantity, like approximately 3 ½ tablespoons, for 1 lb of ground meat, here’s what you can expect:
- 66 kcal
- 12g of carbohydrates
- 3g of protein
This simple yet flavorful chili seasoning is a perfect addition to your cooking, with the flexibility to adjust based on personal heat preferences and nutritional needs.
Chili Seasoning Recipe: Other Uses for This Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix
This homemade chili seasoning mix is not just for your favourite chili—it can be used in many delicious and creative ways to enhance your meals. Here are some great ideas:
- Add it to a skillet with strips of chicken, julienne peppers, and onions for a tasty homemade fajitas filling.
- Use it as a rub on ribs, pork, or steak before grilling to bring out incredible flavors.
- Toss some into a fresh corn and bean salad to complement your summertime meals.
- Dust it over grilled corn after buttering and add a squeeze of lime for a bright, fresh taste.
- Mix it into a sweet and savoury watermelon salad with Feta, lime zest, and a bit of cilantro for a refreshing twist.
This chili seasoning brings bold flavors that work wonders across a variety of dishes!
Variations You Can Try
As a food explorer, I am trying my best to tell you all homemade recipes that you can enjoy at minimum cost and hygienic. I am giving you my other recipes which are related to Spice & Seasoning. Some other recipes are giving below:
Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning Recipe That Beats Store-Bought
Pasta with Bechamel Sauce Recipe That Broke the Internet
How to Heat Up Alfredo Sauce Like a Pro Chef
Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe Everyone Is Copying
I hope you will visit all these recipes and enjoy my recipes because it will boosts your craze for homemade products. I also bet that when you try first time it will boost your taste and you will become addictive to these recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chili seasoning made of?
Chili seasoning is made of chili powder, a blend of ground dried chili peppers, paprika, cumin, onion, and garlic powder. It also includes salt, pepper, and sometimes cayenne powder for added heat and flavor.
What spice gives chili flavor?
The main spice that gives chili its flavor is chili powder, made from ground dried chili peppers. This provides both heat and the distinctive taste, enhanced by paprika and cumin.
What is the main spice in chili powder?
The main spice in chili powder is ground dried chili peppers, which provide the essential heat and flavor. Other spices like paprika and cumin complete the mix.
What is the formula of chili powder?
The formula for chili powder is a combination of ground dried chili peppers, paprika, cumin, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, with optional cayenne powder for extra heat.
Can chili seasoning substitute taco seasoning?
Yes, chili seasoning can substitute taco seasoning. Both share similar ingredients like chili powder, cumin, and savory spices, but the ratios may differ. Use about 2 tablespoons of homemade spice mix to replace one packet of taco seasoning. Adjust for heat and taste, especially if your dish has a lot of tomatoes.
