Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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This homemade chili seasoning is filled with all the best herbs and spices to elevate your meal! Once you make your own delicious blend, you won’t want storebought again!

I love making seasoning mixtures at home because I have control over the flavors and they’re free of preservatives! Homemade fajita seasoning, blackened seasoning, and Italian seasoning recipes are must-haves for your cooking arsenal. You’ll have to try them out next!

Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe - The Recipe Critic (1)

Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

People always ask me what the secret to my best-ever chili is, and this is it! It’s really no secret at all, just a blend of herbs and spices that I’ve perfected over the years. It’s savory and complex with the best pinch of spice- ready to make each bite of beans, meat, and veggies absolutely mouthwatering. Plus, this chili seasoning is made with simple ingredients you can find in your spice rack so there’s no grocery trip required!

Not only is it super easy to make your own blend of chili seasoning, but it’s fun too! You get to taste test along the way and create a masterpiece that no storebought package can recreate! Trust me, you’ll make the absolute best chili with these herbs and spices. They smell so good while they’re cooking! Homemade spice mixes really are a game-changer. You’ll have to try out my poultry seasoning and seasoning salt recipes next! They come in handy for so many different recipes.

What is in Chili Seasoning?

It varies depending on the brand or recipe you use, but this is my favorite blend! I like to make sure it’s nice and savory with the perfect dash of spice. Measurements for each of the spices listed below can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

  • Chili Powder: No chili seasoning recipe would be complete without chili powder! This acts as the base of the seasoning and gives it bright flavor with a hint of warm spice.
  • Paprika: A must-add for the sweet spice. If you want your chili to taste smoky rather than sweet, swap this out for smoked paprika instead.
  • Oregano: Oregano adds a complex flavor to the mix and amazing aromatics! It’s fresh and peppery.
  • Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to each bite.
  • Garlic Powder: Garlic helps to balance flavors and make the seasoning mixture perfectly savory.
  • Onion Powder: For a pop of sharp, delicious flavor.
  • Cayenne: You can adjust this to taste, but I love the heat that cayenne pepper adds!
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Both enhance the overall flavor of your chili.

Is There Any Real Difference Between Taco Seasoning and Chili Seasoning?

When it comes to chili seasoning and my taco seasoning recipe, the difference lies in the ingredient ratios. Taco seasoning tends to be a little more mild because it’s used for flavoring taco meat rather than a large pot of beans, vegetables, and meat. Since chili has a higher liquid content, I add more spice so the flavor doesn’t become diluted. You can use chili seasoning interchangeably with taco seasoning, but you may end up with a little spicier ground beef or turkey.

How Do I Make Chili Seasoning From Scratch?

It’s super easy! All you have to do is mix up a few simple herbs and spices and then store until ready to use! See more storage tips below.

  1. Stir Ingredients Together: In a small bowl stir together chili powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  2. Store: Store in an airtight container and use for all of your favorite chili recipes!
Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2)

Tips for Making Seasoning Blends at Home

Here are a few ways to ensure your chili seasoning turns out as delicious as possible and stays fresh in your pantry!

  • Use Dried Spices: Always use dried spices and never fresh when making a seasoning blend at home. Fresh herbs and spices won’t store well and may even turn moldy after a short time. If you use dried spices to create your seasoning mix, with proper storage, it will last for months or even years.
  • Adjust Spice: If you aren’t a fan of spice, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper added to your chili seasoning mix or even omit it altogether. On the other hand, if you like it hot, adding red pepper flakes and more cayenne to your seasoning mix will give you that delicious burn you crave!
  • How Much Seasoning Does This Recipe Make? The general rule is usually 2 tablespoons of seasoning per every pound of meat, and this recipe makes just over 4 tablespoons. One recipe of this chili seasoning is typically enough to flavor chili for 6-8 people.

How Long Will My Seasoning Mix Last?

If you used dried herbs and spices and store it in a cool, dry place, your chili seasoning will stay fresh for months!

  • At Room Temperature: Store seasoning blend in an airtight jar or container. In a cool, dry place, homemade seasoning blends will stay fresh for 6 months to a year. Because homemade chili seasoning has such a long shelf life, I always like to make double or triple batches so I can use it all the time!
Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe - The Recipe Critic (3)

More Homemade Seasoning Recipes

You’re going to love having these other tasty seasoning blends in your pantry, ready to cook with! They’re so easy to make and give your foods the best flavor. The best part is, there are no fillers or preservatives so you know exactly what’s going into your favorite recipes!

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Homemade Chili Seasoning

4.34 from 3 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

This homemade chili seasoning is filled with all the best herbs and spices to elevate your meal! Once you make your own delicious blend, you won't want storebought again!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl stir together chili powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

  • Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 16kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 143mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1419IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Seasoning

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

Read More About Me

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Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What is the difference between chili powder and chili seasoning? ›

Is chili powder the same thing as chili seasoning? No. Chili powder is made with ground chilis and sometimes the addition of paprika, cumin and Mexican Oregano. Chili seasoning is a combination of 8 spices used to make chili or other recipes that call for chili seasoning.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  • Booze (Beer, Wine, or Liquor) ...
  • Liquid Smoke. ...
  • Brine or Vinegar. ...
  • Soy Sauce. ...
  • Fish Sauce. ...
  • Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  • Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  • Chocolate.
Aug 23, 2021

How to add richness to chili? ›

Canned Puréed Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a great addition to chili because it adds body, providing a natural creaminess and richness to your chili. This helps smooth things out a bit in that sea of meat and beans. It's flavorful too. It has a sweet earthiness to it that, when cooked, gets even tastier.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

Spices– chili powder, ground cumin, sweet paprika, and ground coriander. Brown Sugar– this is a must when making chili! It adds a sweetness that really balances the flavor.

Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

Stirred into the pot right before serving, a spoonful of vinegar brightens up the finished product, and gives it that full, rounded taste that was missing. Even if the chili recipe you're using doesn't call for vinegar, go ahead and add it anyway.

How much cumin should I put in my chili? ›

For the simplest, most classic chili, we recommend 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin. For a spicier chili, choose 2 tablespoons of chili powder and up to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and keep the cumin level the same (1 teaspoon).

What are the ingredients in Old El Paso chili mix? ›

Spices (contains chili pepper), Salt, Corn starch, Onion powder, Garlic powder, Citric acid, High monounsaturated vegetable oil (canola, soybean and/or sunflower), Silicon dioxide, Natural flavour.

What is Mexican chili powder? ›

Texans like to lay claim to the invention of chili powder, but Mexicans have been using it for generations. Chili powder is a blend of flavors. It starts with dried chili peppers that are toasted, ground and then mixed with herbs and spices, including cumin, oregano, garlic and salt.

Should I add cocoa powder to chili? ›

Cocoa Powder and Chili Go Very Well Together

Adding chocolate to chili lends depth and richness to the spicy dish, making it both more savory and more satisfying. That's especially the case for vegetarian and vegan chilis, when the hearty flavors from meat aren't part of the equation.

How do you get the depth of Flavour in chili? ›

Cinnamon, strong coffee, and dark chocolate all boost them meaty flavor in a good chili. Pick any of the following: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 whole cinnamon stick, a shot of espresso, a small cup of strong coffee, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, or a few squares of good-quality dark chocolate.

What can I add to a can of chili to make it taste better? ›

Although canned chili will already have some seasonings, fresh herbs and spices will add bolder flavor. You can upgrade your chili using ingredients you likely already have on your spice rack, such as chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

How do you make chili taste stronger? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What spices add depth of flavor? ›

Spices like black peppers, cinnamon, ginger and cumin add depth to foods. Aromatic vegetables, such as onions, garlic and pepper, add complexity to dishes without adding salt. Boost flavor with fruit, such as citrus juice and citrus zest.

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