How to Make Chili Seasoning

Once the colder weather hits I really get a taste for a really good chili. I’m more of a chili mac and cheese kind of girl (and I like to include all of the toppings!). For years, I picked up those little packets of chili seasoning at the grocery store and went about my cooking until I recently discovered how to make chili seasoning at home. At the start of chili season I like to make a large batch to store until I’m ready to use it.

What Is in Chili Seasoning?

Many people get confused with chili powder and chili seasoning. Chili seasoning is a combination of about 5 to 8 spices that come together to make a delicious batch of chili. The base of most chili seasonings is chili powder (a spice made from ground dried chilies), cumin, garlic and oregano with other additions, such as cayenne pepper, to give it heat. You can start with a base of the common ingredients and experiment to taste as you go. Just don’t make these common seasoning mistakes!

How to Make Chili Seasoning

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 cup chili powder
• 1/4 cup dried minced onion
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon each dried cilantro flakes, basil and oregano
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1-1/2 teaspoons pepper

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

This is my favorite chili seasoning mix and it’s super simple. When made in larger batches and stored properly, it can last the entire fall and winter chili season. Just add all of the ingredients into a bowl and whisk to combine. Voila! The cornstarch will help keep the spices separated and will aid in thickening the chili.

Step 2: Tailor Your Blend

You can tailor the chili seasoning to your liking by sprinkling in cayenne pepper for a spicier blend. Sometimes I like to add a pinch of cinnamon into my chili seasoning for extra bite.

Step 3: Store Your Seasoning Mix

Once your chili seasoning is combined, you’ll want to store it in an airtight container for up to six months. Label the date on a piece of masking tape you put on the container and stash it in your pantry. You can also use your homemade chili seasoning for dressing up dishes like Chili-ghetti.

How Much Chili Seasoning Do I Need for a Pot of Chili?

When it comes to using homemade seasoning, you’ll want to use about 3-4 tablespoons of chili seasoning per one-pound of meat or vegetables. You can start there and season to taste. If you’re making a smaller batch of chili for two, then you’ll want to scale back accordingly.

Check out these other easy spice blends you can make.

Use This Seasoning in Our Top Chili Recipes

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Creamy White Chili

I got the best white chicken chili recipe from my sister-in-law, who made a big batch and served a crowd one night. It was a hit. It's easy and quick, which is helpful since I'm a college student. In all my years of 4-H cooking, I've never had another dish get so many compliments. Maybe it's the cream cheese! —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana

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Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili

Pork sausage, ground beef and plenty of beans make this chili a marvelous meal. I keep serving-size containers of it in my freezer at all times so I can quickly warm up bowls on busy days. —Margie Shaw, Greenbrier, Arkansas

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Baked Bean Chili

Who says a good chili has to simmer all day? This zippy chili- with a touch of sweetness from the baked beans- can be made on the spur of the moment. It's an excellent standby when unexpected guests drop in. Served with bread and a salad, it's a hearty dinner everyone raves about.

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My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan

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Mexican Chicken Chili

Corn and black beans give this satisfying chili Mexican flair the whole family will love. Adjust the cayenne if you have small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, West Chester, Ohio

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This heart-healthy chili is not only tasty, it's a vitamin and protein powerhouse! —Sharon Giljum, San Diego, California

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My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this delicious slow-cooked chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas

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For me, football, cool weather and chili just seem to go together. Whether I’m cheering on the local team on a Friday night or enjoying a Saturday afternoon of Oklahoma Sooner football with some friends, I enjoy serving this chili on game day. —Chris Neal, Quapaw, Oklahoma

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Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

My whole family enjoys this sweet potato black bean chili, but my daughter especially loves it. I like to make it because it's so easy and very flavorful. —Joy Pendley, Ortonville, Michigan

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White Bean Chicken Chili

My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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April Preisler