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A white plate on a wooden table holds colorful spices, including brown sugar and coarse salt, arranged on a fabric napkin beside measuring spoons.

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 minutes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 1 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!

How to Use Chili Seasoning with Meat

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or pot, brown your choice of ground beef, turkey, or chicken over medium heat.
  2. Drain (if needed): Drain off excess grease, leaving a small amount for flavor.
  3. Add the Seasoning: Sprinkle in 2 to 3 tablespoons of homemade chili seasoning directly over the cooked meat.
  4. Mix Well: Stir to evenly coat the meat with seasoning.
  5. 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.
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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 18kcalCarbohydrates: 2.9gProtein: 2.9gFat: 0.1gSodium: 2841mgFiber: 0.4g
Keyword chili seasoning mix recipe, DIY chili seasoning, easy chili seasoning mix, homemade chili seasoning
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