Homemade Chili Seasoning

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This homemade chili seasoning is one of those pantry basics that makes dinner easier later.

Instead of keeping individual seasoning packets around, I like having a jar of the blend already mixed. Then when I’m making chili, I can scoop out what I need and adjust from there.

This version uses seven basic spices, comes together in a few minutes, and is meant to be made in a larger batch so you aren’t measuring everything every time you cook.

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Why Make Chili Seasoning From Scratch?

For me, the biggest advantage is convenience.

I’m already keeping chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in the pantry, so it makes more sense to mix them once and keep the finished seasoning ready to go.

It also gives you more control over the heat. The cayenne in this recipe can easily be adjusted depending on how spicy you want your chili.

And unlike a single-use packet, this jar can season several meals.

Homemade Chili Seasoning Ingredients

You’ll need:

• 3/4 cup chili powder
• 1/4 cup ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper

That’s it.

No complicated ingredients and nothing you’re likely to use only for this recipe.

About the Cayenne

The cayenne is the easiest part of this recipe to customize.

If you like more heat, use the full tablespoon. If your family prefers a milder chili, cut it back.

I’d rather adjust the heat in the seasoning blend itself than end up with a jar that’s too hot to use comfortably, so this is one ingredient worth tailoring to your preference.

How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning

Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and whisk until everything is evenly combined.

Transfer the mixture to an airtight jar or container.

That’s the entire process.

There’s no reason to overcomplicate a seasoning blend. The goal is to get everything evenly distributed so each scoop has the same balance of chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic, onion, pepper, and cayenne.

How Much Chili Seasoning Should I Use?

For a regular batch of chili made with about 1 pound of meat, start with:

2 to 3 tablespoons of seasoning

Then adjust from there.

That’s the amount I use as a practical starting point because different chili recipes can vary quite a bit. A pot with more tomatoes, beans, broth, or meat may need more.

It’s easier to add another spoonful later than to over-season the entire pot right at the beginning.

How Much Does This Recipe Make?

This is a bulk seasoning recipe rather than a one-meal batch.

The full recipe makes a little over 1 1/2 cups of chili seasoning, so using 2 to 3 tablespoons per meal gives you enough for several pots of chili.

That’s the whole point of making it this way: measure once, store it, and use it as needed.

How to Store Homemade Chili Seasoning

Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry.

I like using a jar because it’s easy to scoop from, easy to shake before using, and simple to see when you’re running low.

The ingredients can settle a little while the jar sits, so give it a quick shake or stir before measuring.

What Can You Use Chili Seasoning For?

Obviously, chili is the main use, but this blend works anywhere you want that same chili-style flavor profile.

Try it in:

• Beef chili
• Venison chili
• Turkey chili
• Bean chili
• Chili mac
• Taco soup
• Ground beef
• Seasoned beans
• Soups and casseroles

Because the blend already includes salt and several spices, keep that in mind if you’re adding it to a recipe that is already heavily seasoned.

Chili Seasoning vs. Chili Powder

These are not the same thing.

Chili powder is one ingredient in this recipe.

Chili seasoning is the finished blend of chili powder plus cumin, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

That matters if you’re swapping ingredients in another recipe. If a recipe calls for straight chili powder, you usually don’t want to substitute the same amount of this seasoning blend because this one also contains salt and other spices.

Can You Double This Recipe?

Yes.

If you use chili seasoning often, this is an easy recipe to double.

There’s almost no extra work involved other than using a larger bowl and storage jar. Just make sure you mix it well so the heavier spices and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batch.

A Few Things I Use

• Glass spice jars – for storing the finished seasoning blend.
• Canning funnel – for filling the jar without spilling.
• OXO stainless steel mixing bowls – for mixing the spices.
• Stainless steel whisk – for blending everything evenly.
• OXO measuring cups – for the chili powder, cumin, and salt.
• Magnetic measuring spoons – for the cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
• Redmond Real Salt, fine – the salt I use in this blend.
• Frontier Co-op organic chili powder – comes in a 1-pound bag, which is handy when a recipe calls for 3/4 cup.

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