The short answer: Homemade chili seasoning is chili powder mixed with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper and cayenne. One batch below makes about 3½ tablespoons, enough to replace one store-bought packet. Plan on about 3 tablespoons per pound of meat.
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Below are the one-packet and big-batch amounts, mild and spicy versions, and ways to use it beyond chili.
I love cooking, and a jar of my own seasoning is one of those small things that makes a weeknight easier. Mix it once and chili night only needs one scoop.
Chili seasoning recipe
| Spice | One batch (about 3½ tablespoons, 1 packet) | Big batch (about 1 cup, 5 packets) |
|---|---|---|
| Chili powder | 4 teaspoons | ½ cup |
| Ground cumin | 2 teaspoons | 3 tablespoons |
| Smoked or sweet paprika | 1 teaspoon | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon (optional) | 1 tablespoon (optional) |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne | ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon | ½ to 1 teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | ¼ teaspoon (optional) | 2 teaspoons (optional) |
To make it: measure everything into a bowl, whisk or shake it in a jar until the color is even, and break up any lumps of garlic or onion powder with a spoon.
How much chili seasoning to use
| Recipe size | Seasoning |
|---|---|
| 1 pound meat, 1 can beans (about 4 servings) | 3 tablespoons |
| 2 pounds meat, 2 cans beans (about 8 servings) | 6 tablespoons |
| Vegetarian chili, 3 cans beans | 4 to 5 tablespoons |
| Tacos, 1 pound meat | 2 tablespoons |
| Roasted potatoes, 2 pounds | 1 tablespoon |
Add the seasoning after the meat is browned and stir it in the hot pot for a minute before the tomatoes go in. Toasting it briefly wakes up the spices. Cook ground beef to 160°F and ground turkey or chicken to 165°F, the safe minimums on FoodSafety.gov's temperature chart.
Flavor variations
| Version | Change to one batch |
|---|---|
| Mild (kid-friendly) | Skip the cayenne and use sweet paprika |
| Spicy | Cayenne to ½ teaspoon plus ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes |
| Smoky | Add ½ teaspoon chipotle powder |
| Texas-style | Add ½ teaspoon ground coriander and skip the sugar |
| Cincinnati-style | Add a pinch each of cinnamon, allspice and cocoa powder |
| Salt-free | Leave out the salt and season the finished pot to taste |
Why make your own?
- You control the salt. The FDA's guide to sodium suggests herbs, spices and no-salt seasoning blends to add flavor, and using only part of a flavoring packet. A homemade mix lets you leave salt out entirely.
- You control the heat. Make one mild jar and one spicy jar.
- No extras you didn't choose. Some packets list flour or cornstarch to thicken, so check the label. At home, add a thickener only if you want one.
- It uses what you have. Most of these spices are already in a basic pantry.
How to store chili seasoning
- Keep it in a clean, dry, airtight jar away from the stove, heat and sunlight.
- Use a dry spoon so moisture doesn't cause clumping.
- Label the jar with the name and the date.
- Shake before each use since fine powders settle.
- For the best flavor, use it within several months, and refresh the mix if it smells faint.
Other ways to use chili seasoning
- Toss with oil and roast potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Rub on chicken wings or thighs before baking.
- Stir into ground beef for sloppy joes.
- Mix 1 teaspoon into ½ cup sour cream for a quick dip.
- Sprinkle on buttered popcorn.
- Season roasted chickpeas for a crunchy snack.
- Add to baked beans or a pot of pinto beans.
- Mix into burger patties.
Ready to use it? Try our easy chili recipe or white chicken chili.
Plan chili night and the grocery list
- Meal Planner & Grocery List, $3.99. Plan chili night and add any spices you're out of to the list.
- Family Recipe Binder, $6.99. Keep your seasoning ratios with the recipes that use them.
- Budget Planner Printable, $5.99. Track the grocery budget that homemade staples help you hit.
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More pantry and dinner ideas
Looking for a spicy topping instead of a spice blend? Our chili crisp guide covers what it is, how to make it and what to put it on.
Making tacos instead? Our homemade taco seasoning uses 9 pantry spices and replaces one store packet.
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Frequently asked questions
What is in chili seasoning? Chili seasoning is mostly chili powder plus cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano, with salt, black pepper and cayenne for balance and heat. Some blends add a little brown sugar, cocoa or cornstarch.
How much homemade chili seasoning equals one packet? Use about 3 tablespoons of homemade chili seasoning in place of one store-bought packet in a recipe that uses about 1 pound of meat. Packet sizes vary, so taste near the end and add a little more if you like a bolder pot.
How much chili seasoning do I use per pound of meat? Use about 3 tablespoons of chili seasoning per pound of ground beef or turkey, plus salt to taste if your blend is salt-free. For a pot with 2 pounds of meat and two cans of beans, use about 6 tablespoons.
What is the difference between chili powder and chili seasoning? Chili powder is the base ingredient, usually ground dried chiles with a few spices. Chili seasoning is a complete mix that adds cumin, garlic, onion, oregano, salt and other spices to chili powder so you only add one thing to the pot.
Is homemade chili seasoning cheaper than packets? Homemade chili seasoning is usually cheaper per batch if you already keep chili powder, cumin and garlic powder in the pantry, because you buy the spices once and mix many batches. Compare the unit price on the shelf tags at your store to be sure.
How do I make chili seasoning less salty? Leave the salt out of the mix and salt the chili at the end instead. The FDA suggests herbs, spices and no-salt seasoning blends as a way to add flavor without adding sodium.
How do I make chili seasoning spicier or milder? For spicier chili seasoning, increase the cayenne to 1 teaspoon per batch or add chipotle powder or red pepper flakes. For a mild, kid-friendly mix, skip the cayenne and use sweet paprika instead of smoked.
How long does homemade chili seasoning last? Homemade chili seasoning keeps its best flavor for several months in an airtight jar away from heat and light. Write the date on the label, and if the mix smells faint, use a little more or make a fresh batch.
Can I use chili seasoning for tacos? Chili seasoning works for tacos, though taco seasoning usually has more cumin and less chili powder. Use about 2 tablespoons per pound of meat with a splash of water and let it simmer until thick.
What else can I use chili seasoning on? Use chili seasoning on roasted potatoes, popcorn, chicken wings, burgers, roasted chickpeas, sloppy joes and baked beans, or stir a spoonful into sour cream for a quick dip.
How do I keep my favorite spice blend recipe? Write the exact amounts on a recipe card the first time you make a blend you love, including any changes. The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. keeps your seasoning mixes with the dishes you use them in.
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