Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix Recipe

Create the best homemade chili with this easy, flavorful chili seasoning mix. Ready in about five minutes, this blend is perfect for slow cooker chili, stovetop chili, and many other recipes. Skip the processed packet and make a gluten-free, sugar-free, keto-friendly mix you can customize to your taste.

mix of spices in a bowl with a white and gold spoon

This chili seasoning mix is built to produce one delicious pot of chili, but it’s also versatile enough to use in many other dishes. Toss it with roasted sweet potatoes for a vibrant salad topping, stir into a turkey or chicken skillet for an easy weeknight meal, or add to roasted vegetables and soups to deepen the flavor.

Making your own spice blends means you control the ingredients and the heat. This recipe uses eight common pantry spices you likely already have. Buying these spices in larger quantities—at wholesale stores, bulk aisles, or in economical containers—will save money and make it simple to replenish your mix whenever needed.

containers of spices lined up on white wood board

Key ingredients

Below are the primary spices that shape this chili seasoning. The full ingredient list with exact measurements appears in the recipe section further down.

Chili powder – Use chili powder, not chile powder. Chili powder is a blended mixture of ground dried chilies and other spices and is generally milder and more balanced. Chile powder is pure ground chiles and tends to be much hotter.
Ground cumin – Adds earthy warmth and a classic chili flavor.
Paprika – Regular paprika gives color and sweet pepper notes; smoked paprika adds a smoky profile if desired.
Garlic and onion powder – Provide savory depth without moisture or texture.
Salt – Sea salt or kosher salt is preferred for texture and taste. Adjust to your dietary needs.
Crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper – Deliver heat. The recipe is mild-to-medium by default; increase cayenne for a spicier mix.

Make the seasoning

Measure and combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

That’s it — a fragrant chili seasoning blend ready to brighten and season all your favorite recipes.

Chili seasoning blend in a white bowl with a gold and white spoon in the bowl

How to make homemade chili (basic slow cooker method)

Brown the meat. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey for a leaner version). Drain excess fat and transfer the meat to a slow cooker.
Add beans, tomatoes, and seasoning. To the slow cooker add one 15.5-ounce can of chili beans, one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, one 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, and 2 tablespoons of the chili seasoning mix. Stir to combine.
Slow cook. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Taste and adjust seasoning or salt before serving.

Other ways to use the seasoning

Make a larger batch and keep it handy for creative uses beyond classic chili:

Season burger patties for chili burgers or smash burgers.
Stir into cornbread batter or use to flavor a chili-topped cornbread pie.
Add to shredded chicken for a buffalo-style chicken chili or tacos.
Sprinkle on fries or baked potato wedges with cheese for chili cheese fries.
Mix into vegetarian chili or three-bean slow cooker recipes.
Blend with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a quick dip or sauce.

Tip: In a pinch, chili seasoning can substitute for taco seasoning; the two are similar but chili seasoning contains a higher proportion of chili powder, so the chili flavor will be more pronounced.

Chili Seasoning Mix

Yield: about 4 ounces (8 tablespoons). Prep time: 5 minutes.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months. Label with the date.

Notes

This recipe yields roughly 4 ounces (8 tablespoons) of seasoning; most store packets are about 1 ounce (2 tablespoons).
Adjust cayenne and crushed red pepper to make the blend milder or hotter. Doubling or tripling the cayenne will produce a much spicier mix.
For best flavor, use within 6 months. Spices won’t spoil quickly but will gradually lose potency over time.
This blend is naturally gluten-free and contains no added sugar.

Nutrition (per 1 tablespoon)

Calories: ~43 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~7 g
Protein: ~2 g
Fat: ~2 g
Sodium: ~723 mg (varies with salt brand)
Fiber, vitamins and minerals will vary by spice sources

More homemade seasoning recipes

Stocking your pantry with a few homemade spice blends makes it easy to add bold flavor to everyday meals. Try homemade taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, chicken wing rubs, or enchilada seasoning next.