Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought!)

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Skip the store-bought packets and make your own homemade chili seasoning in just minutes! This easy recipe blends smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that make every pot of chili richer and more flavorful. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the premade mixes again.

Looking for easy hot beverages? Try my Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe or this recipe Homemade Mocha Mix.

Mason jar filled with homemade chili seasoning sits on a wooden surface. Text above reads "Homemade Chili Seasoning (No Preservatives!)." Cozy, rustic feel.

Table Of Contents

What you'll love about this recipe:
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe Step-by-Step
Recipe Tips & Tricks
Make-Ahead Tip
Double or triple the batch and store it in a labeled jar or spice container. This blend stays fresh for up to 6 months, making it perfect for quick dinners, slow cooker recipes, or gifting to your favorite chili lover.
Storage Recommendation
Additions & Substitutions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought!)
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What you’ll love about this recipe:

This DIY chili seasoning mix is fresh, budget-friendly, and customizable.

Skip the additives and create a blend that perfectly matches your taste.
It’s ideal for classic chili, soups, tacos, or even roasted vegetables.
It’s a great make-ahead pantry staple that saves you time when cooking on busy weeknights.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this homemade chili seasoning recipe:

A white plate on a wooden table holds various spices in colorful piles, including cumin, cayenne, sea salt, and more, labeled on a casual cloth background.

Ingredient Notes

It’s best to use the freshest ingredients for maximum flavor and aroma, ensuring your homemade chili seasoning tastes bold and vibrant rather than flat or stale.

How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe Step-by-Step

Here are quick visual instructions for making a Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe step-by-step. Remember, the full instructions will be in the printable recipe card below.

Add all ground spices to a medium-sized bowl and whisk until well combined.
Store your homemade chili seasoning in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in a cool, dry place.

How to Use Chili Seasoning with Meat

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or pot, brown your choice of ground beef, turkey, or chicken over medium heat.
Drain (if needed): Drain off excess grease, leaving a small amount for flavor.
Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle in 2 to 3 tablespoons of homemade chili seasoning directly over the cooked meat.
Mix Well: Stir to evenly coat the meat with seasoning.
Add Liquid & Simmer: Add tomatoes, beans, broth, or other chili ingredients as your recipe calls for. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors blend together.

Tip: For tacos or skillet meals, add a splash of water after seasoning the meat and simmer for a few minutes until the liquid reduces and the spices cling to the meat.

A clear glass jar filled with ground spices, featuring a mix of warm brown and beige tones, sits on a wooden surface. A spoon rests on the jar's rim, suggesting preparation or cooking. The mood is cozy and inviting.

A small glass jar filled with layered spices in brown, beige, and orange hues sits on a wooden surface, creating a warm and rustic kitchen vibe.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Tip 1: Measure all ingredients into a mason jar or a container, close the lid tightly, and shake the contents until they are well combined.

Tip 2: Use 3 tablespoons of this homemade seasoning mix per pound of meat for a pot of chili. A single batch yields approximately 1 cup of seasoning, enough to season between 5 and 6 pounds of meat or 5 to 6 pots of chili, depending on your taste preference.

Tip 3: For those looking to adjust the recipe, halve the ingredients for a smaller batch or double them for a larger one. This flexibility makes it easy to match your meal planning needs. That’s it, your homemade chili powder is ready to use!

Make-Ahead Tip

Double or triple the batch and store it in a labeled jar or spice container. This blend stays fresh for up to 6 months, making it perfect for quick dinners, slow cooker recipes, or gifting to your favorite chili lover.

Storage Recommendation

Store your chili seasoning mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight and heat. Consider using glass jars, spice tins, or resealable bags, depending on what you have available.

These options help keep the seasoning fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months, but for the best taste, refresh it every few months. To check if your seasoning is still fresh, look for signs of freshness: a vibrant color, a strong and pleasant aroma, and no clumping. This reassurance ensures the quality and safety of your homemade blend.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions

Add 1: Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and a subtle sweetness to create a complex flavor.
Add 2: Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spice and acidity of tomatoes.

Substitutions

Sub 1: Cayenne Pepper – Replace with crushed red pepper flakes for a milder heat or omit for a no-spice version.
Sub 2: Ground Cumin – Replace with ground coriander for a warm, citrusy flavor similar to cumin but slightly lighter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this chili seasoning less spicy?

Yes! Just reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can always add heat later with hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

How much homemade chili seasoning should I use?

Start with 2 tablespoons per pound of meat or per pot of chili, then adjust to your taste preference.

What else can I use this seasoning for?

It’s great for tacos, fajitas, soups, roasted vegetables, or as a dry rub for chicken or beef. For a creative twist, try using it as a seasoning for popcorn or mix it into dips like guacamole or hummus for an extra kick of flavor.

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A glass jar filled with a chili seasoning spice mix sits on a white cloth. A wooden spoon lies across the cloth with some of the spice spilled beside it, evoking a rustic kitchen vibe.

Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought!)

Dusty of Linen & Wildflowers

Homemade chili seasoning made simple, fresh, budget-friendly, and full offlavor for chili, soups, and more!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5

Cuisine Mexican

Servings servings

Calories 18 kcal

Equipment

Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cup
Storage Container (Mason Jar, Spice Jar or Ziploc Bag)
Funnel optional

Ingredients

¼ cup Chili Powder
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tbsp Ground Cumin
2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
2 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
4 tsp Sea Salt

Instructions

Add all ground spices to a medium-sized bowl and whisk until well combined. Store your homemade chili seasoning in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in a cool, dry place.

Notes

Pro Tip: Measure all ingredients into a mason jar or a container, close the lid tightly, and shake the contents until they are well combined.

Use 3 tablespoons of this homemade seasoning mix per pound of meat for a pot of chili. A single batch yields approximately 1 cup of seasoning, enough to season between 5 and 6 pounds of meat or 5 to 6 pots of chili, depending on your taste preference.

For those looking to adjust the recipe, halve the ingredients for a smaller batch or double them for a larger one. This flexibility makes it easy to match your meal planning needs. That’s it, your homemade chili powder is ready to use!