I used to go through a bottle of a small spice blend a week (at least!) to cook for a large family at home. I decided to try my hand at creating my own and I haven’t looked back. This chili seasoning recipe includes flavorful ingredients without preservatives and additives. Add it to your next batch of chili, or season scrambled eggs for breakfast!
The Best Chili Seasoning
When I first started making my own spice mixes from bulk ingredients, I was surprised at how expensive a small packet of spices at the grocery store can be. For the price of a few tablespoons of chili powder, I could buy half a pound of spices and make my own. Now, I make (almost) all of our spice mixes, and my kids love to help. A few years ago my friend Layla Ali (yes, Mohammed Ali’s daughter!) created some delicious spice mixes that we use as well.
Homemade spice mixes save money and help you avoid harmful ingredients found in many pre-mixed spices and packets. They are also a great project to make with young children as they don’t require any cutting, cooking, or heating. My kids loved to help weigh and mingle with me!
You can completely overhaul your spice cabinet in a day by making your own homemade spice mixes and storing them in small glass jars.
What’s in Chili Seasoning Mix?
In stores, an overpriced package of pre-mixed seasoning, often with anti-caking agents and artificial flavors. Generally, chili seasoning is a mixture of 5-8 spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and others.
Chili seasoning is similar to homemade taco seasoning and fajita seasoning. Although it has many of the same ingredients, there is more emphasis on chili powder. I like to start with a good quality chili powder to get the best flavor. If you like an extra kick you can add black pepper, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to your chili seasoning.
Chili Seasoning vs Chili Powder
So what is the difference between chili spice mix and chili powder?
Basically, all chili seasoning mixes contain chili powder, along with many other ingredients. However, not all chili powder is part of the chili spice mix. Chili powders can be made from single chilies or a combination and can be used alone or in spice blends.
Feeling DIYish?
Here’s a great tutorial on how to make your own chili powder by grinding chilies. You can use hot pepper to make a spicier powder or bell pepper for a mild sweet taste.
What Are the Spices in Chili Seasoning?
Chili powder is usually the main ingredient with a mixture of cumin, garlic, onion powder, oregano, and other spices. You can make it with or without salt. I prefer to make them without salt and add salt based on the recipe I’m using.
How Many Tablespoons Are in a Package of Cheese Flavorings?
If you’ve only ever bought packets of chili spice mix, you’re in for a treat when you make your own. Without fillers and additives, you don’t need nearly as much and the taste is very prominent.
Although packets of chili have 1/3 cup of mix, this often includes flour and other fillers. I find that 2-3 tablespoons of homemade chili mix is the same as one package of chili seasoning. For most recipes, I start with 1½ to 2 tablespoons for every pound of meat or vegetable or other food I’m using. You can always add more to taste.
Chili Seasoning Mix Recipe
This easy chili spice mix includes chili powder, garlic, cumin, onion powder, and other delicious additions to any chili recipe. It sounds good in other dishes too!
Nutrition Facts
Chili Seasoning Mix Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 tsp)
Calories 8
Calories from Fat 3
% Daily value*
Oil 0.3g0%
Sodium 19 mg1%
Potassium 44 mg1%
Carbohydrates 1.5g1%
Fiber 0.6g3%
Proteins 0.4g1%
Vitamin A 398 IU8%
Vitamin C 0.1 mg0%
Calcium 12 mg1%
An instrument 0.7mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of this mix to replace one packet of store-bought chili seasoning.
- Use 1½-2 tablespoons per pound of ground beef or other meat in the recipe.
Storage and Shelf Life
I keep this chili powder in a strong glass jar and it lasts for about a year, although it tastes best in the first six months. Make sure you stay in a cool, dark place away from direct light and heat.
Where to find Spices
Where I used to have a bunch of spices from the grocery store, now I have a dozen or so little glass jars with pre-mixed spices. I save a lot of time and money by using them! I buy most of my spices in bulk from Frontier brand organic on Amazon.
Chili Recipes
This is great to have on hand to make a quick chili on a busy night and is great for omelets and roasted vegetables. Of course, this works well in almost any casserole, but here are some of the recipes we love to use it in!
Do you make your own spice mixes? What is your favorite way to use chili spice? Leave a comment and let us know!
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