Chili Seasoning Recipe (2024)

This chili seasoning recipe is a perfect blend to have in your cupboard for when you want to make a quick pot of chili. There are a couple surprises that set this spice mix apart!

Chili Seasoning Recipe (1)

You guys. It’s snowing in Michigan right now. I’m not talking a few little flurries snowing. I’m talking scrape off the car, shovel the driveway, salt the porch, put up the Christmas tree snowing. I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life, and yet snow in April never ceases to annoy me a little bit.

Our plants were all starting to pop up, and now they’re covered with snow.

I debated not writing this post, because frankly, I just don’t really feel like doing much of anything at all. I just want to curl up under a blanket and watch movies. The kids are grumpy, I’m a little grumpy (okay, fine, a lot grumpy), and we’re all just over it.

Chili Seasoning Recipe (2)

Alright I’ll be honest, I wrote those first few paragraphs and then decided to push this back a day. Sunday was a long day, my kids were so grumpy, and by the time they went to bed, I was completely spent. I could have done it, of course, but I decided to give myself a break and relax a little before bed instead of working late.

So, instead of writing, I laid in my bed, ate popcorn, and watched Schitt’s Creek. I’ve heard everyone raving about it recently, and I have to admit, it is pretty funny.

I am excited to share this chili seasoning with you, though. It’s a recipe that a couple of readers have requested over the years, so I’m excited to finally share it.

There are a couple of surprising ingredients in this chili seasoning. You have two choices:

  1. Trust me, and make it as it is written.
  2. Leave them out and have a more basic chili seasoning. It will still be absolutely delicious and taste 100% like chili, but people probably won’t be asking you for the recipe. They won’t be saying, “Oh my gosh, this is the best chili I have ever had, is that cinnamon I taste?”

Either way, your call. This is a no-judgement zone.

Chili Seasoning Recipe (3)

What you need

So much good stuff in this spice mix! Here’s the rundown:

  • Chili Powder, and lots of it.
  • Ground Cumin
  • Paprika (use smoked paprika for a great smokey flavor!)
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Cocoa Powder (TRUST ME)
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Cayenne
  • Cinnamon (TRUST ME AGAIN)

The cinnamon and cocoa powder might sound strange at first glance, but they add a great depth of flavor that sets this apart from typical store-bought seasoning mixes.

Chili Seasoning Recipe (4)

You’ll also notice a few omissions that are often found in store-bought spice mixes.

Where is the salt?

I leave the salt out of my spice mix for a couple of reasons. The first being that I like to add the salt (and pepper, but that’s next) when I’m sautéing my vegetables and cooking my meat. I also want you guys to be able to control the amount of salt you put into your chili. Add a little while you sauté your vegetables and meat…and then when it is all said and done, give it a taste and add more as needed.

Where is the ground black pepper?

Again, I like to add this while I sauté my vegetables and meat. I find it’s the best time to layer in this flavor. I don’t go heavy on the black pepper when I’m using this spice mix, though, because it already has red pepper flakes and cayenne. I also often add diced jalapeño to my chili (my favorite chili recipe is coming to you this week!) so I don’t find that a lot of black pepper is needed.

Where is the thickener?

Many store-bought seasoning mixes contain some sort of thickener. I like to add masa at the end, but some people like a thinner chili, or they might just use less liquid to begin with. Again, I want you to be able to control this aspect of your chili, which is why I didn’t include it in the seasoning mix.

Obsessed with spice mixes?

I have a lot of choices on my site, and I’ve made a list of all my favorite homemade spice mixes. But here are some of my favorites:

  • Taco Seasoning – My #1 go-to, always.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix – Good for so many things, not just pie. This pumpkin spice candied walnuts are to die for!
  • Fajita Seasoning – I use this one all the time, especially in sheet pan chicken fajitas.
  • Mild Curry Powder – I love this one! It’s great in this copycat Panera squash soup or pumpkin curry soup.
  • Beef Stew Seasoning Mix – Great in Instant Pot Beef Stew!

We adore chili with cornbread. Try this healthy cornbread, cornbread muffins with herbs and cheddar, or these bakery-style corn muffins from Peas & Crayons.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Chili Seasoning Recipe (5)

Recipe

Get the Recipe: Chili Seasoning Recipe

4.40 from 394 votes

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

Print Rate Recipe

This chili seasoning recipe is a perfect blend to have on hand when you want to make chili. There are a couple surprises that set this spice mix apart!

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl or jar. Store in a small airtight container.

  • After cooking meat and vegetables for chili, stir in spice mix and toast for 1-2 minutes before adding liquid ingredients to chili.

Notes

  • I use this entire spice mix with 3 pounds of meat in a beanless chili. Since each chili recipe is different, it's hard to say exactly how much to use. Start with half if you're unsure, and you can always add more.
  • Nutrition information is for the entire batch (1/3 cup).

Nutrition Information

Calories: 108kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 422mg, Potassium: 660mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 7853IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 151mg, Iron: 9mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk

Chili Seasoning Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is chilli seasoning made of? ›

This chili seasoning recipe features flour, chili powder, red pepper, onion, garlic, and cumin. The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen.

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 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 adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Add some orange juice concentrate and some raisins when you puree, it'll boost chili flavor. Add marmite, anchovies, and/or soy sauce to that base as well to boost savoriness. Finish the pot with some fish sauce (more savoriness) as well as some booze, to help aromatic compounds vaporize better.

What are the best spices for chili? ›

If you're looking to make a chili that will please both your taste buds and your wallet, there are a few key spices you should consider. chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic are all great options for adding flavor to your chili.

What can I substitute for chili seasoning? ›

Chili Powder Alternatives
  • Paprika.
  • Ancho chile powder.
  • Cayenne powder.
  • Chipotle powder.
  • Crushed red chiles.
  • Hot sauce.
  • Harissa Paste.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste is a great way to add bonus tomato flavor, and thickness, to a chili recipe. To get the best flavor it needs to be browned. Add a couple tablespoons (or a whole can if you want a thicker soup base) directly to the pan after cooking the meat and onions.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

Much like adding chili powder and other common chili spices, cinnamon is a super versatile spice that adds warmth without the heat to Firecracker chili.

Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

What does tomato paste do for chili? ›

Mix in tomato paste: Using tomato paste as a thickening agent will give your final bowl of chili a tangy flavor. Add one can of tomato paste to your pot of chili, stirring the mixture and letting it cook on medium heat for about thirty minutes. 8.

How to make chili taste homemade? ›

Make your own spice blend

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.

Why is my chili not flavorful? ›

Change up the beans. Use black beans, pintos, or a combination of beans to give more flavor. Cook the chili! If you don't cook it long enough (or put in a pressure cooker to speed up the process), it won't taste quite right.

Why does my chili not taste like chili? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

What liquid is best for chili? ›

While something as basic as water will get the job done, broth is a quick and simple way to give chili an extra-savory flavor, and canned tomatoes can add a layer of sweetness. When adding beer or wine, you'll want to keep it to about 1/2 cup when using the slow cooker, so the flavor isn't overpowering.

Do you cook onions or meat first for chili? ›

In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, garlic, and red pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the beef and increase the heat to high; cook, stirring with wooden spoon to break the meat into ¼-inch pieces, until the beef is browned, 10 to 12 minutes.

What is McCormick chili powder made of? ›

McCormick® Culinary® Dark Chili Powder is made of chili pepper, cumin, salt, oregano, and garlic with moderate heat, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor. Specially made for chefs to inspire extraordinary menus and deliver consistent recipes.

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.

Is chili powder just paprika? ›

Paprika is made from dried and ground mild red peppers. It can be mild, spicy or smoked, but it will only contain one variety of pepper. Chili Powder is a spice mixture made from a variety of dried and ground spicy chili peppers, cumin, and sometimes paprika.

Is chili seasoning the same as taco seasoning? ›

Like taco seasoning, chili seasoning typically features chili powder as its base along with ground cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder. Both seasoning blends also include salt and black pepper. But it's the addition of cayenne pepper, red pepper flake, and ground paprika that subtly set chili seasoning apart.

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