I have been making my own homemade chili seasoning for over fifteen years now. I used to buy the packets from the grocery store, but as soon as I discovered this recipe I was hooked. The beauty of this is that it’s really just a flavor base to build off of. You make this homemade chili seasoning mix, then when cooking up your chili, feel free to doctor it however you please. Make it hotter, add some green pepper, maybe a secret ingredient passed down for generations, or just eat it like it is.
Homemade Chili Seasoning
The homemade chili seasoning recipe I’m giving you below is for ONE pound of ground beef. I always double it due to the size of our family. This is one of our favorite dinner ideas using ground beef.
I’m also going to show you how to make several batches of this chili seasoning so that you won’t have to pull out the measuring spoons every time you make a pot of chili. I usually make 5 or 6 batches of my homemade chili seasoning to store in the cabinet.
MAKE A JARFUL
You can also multiply this seasoning recipe by 10 (or more, whatever fits in your jar) and store it in a large jar in the pantry. When you need to make chili, measure out 4 tablespoons of the homemade chili seasoning for one pound of ground beef (or chicken or turkey).
- First, set out one bowl for each batch you plan to make.
- Measure the ingredients into each bowl.
- Stir the ingredients in each bowl with a fork.
Individual Baggies
Instead of pouring it all into a jar and measuring it out each time you make chili, you can make your own “packets” by using ordinary sandwich bags.
You will need one zipper sandwich bag for each batch of mix. Put each mixture into its own baggie. Squeeze out the excess air, close the bag and roll it up. Wrap the baggie in foil and mark it as chili seasoning. I do this because I also make my own taco seasoning and store them in the same cabinet.
Wrapping them in foil keeps the seasoning from being exposed to light, which can dull the flavor of some herbs and spices. This has a shelf life of about a year, just like your other dried herbs. Mine never lasts that long.
There are affiliate links in this post. That means if you buy something from that link, I will earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you anything additional.
Giving it as a gift
It’s usually only at Christmas that people think of giving edible gifts. But for those that love chili all the time, this is a great gift any time of the year. Make it festive and fun by adding cute little chalkboard labels to the jars and attaching a mini spoon for decoration.
Recipes using chili seasoning:
- Chili and Cornbread Stuffed Peppers
- 3-Bean Chili
- Chili Mac
- This one pot chili can be made with my seasoning too!
More ground beef recipes
Looking for more ways to use ground beef? I have lots of ground beef recipes here, or you can browse a few I’ve hand picked for you below. OR for another homemade seasoning recipe, be sure to check out our homemade popcorn seasonings in 7 different flavors or french fry seasoning!
- Taco Bell Enchirito Copycat
- Southwest Ground Beef Casserole
- Salisbury Steaks
- The Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever
Make Your Own Chili Seasoning
IMPORTANT - There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
Chili Seasoning
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- ½ tsp dried minced garlic
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp ground cumin
For the Chili
- 1 recipe Amanda's Chili Seasoning Mix
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 oz can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes run them through a blender if you don't like the chunks
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
For the Chili Seasoning
- Measure all ingredients into the same bowl and mix together with a fork.
- Store in zipper sandwich bags that have been wrapped in foil to keep light out.
- Label foil packages. Keeps for 6-9 months in a cool dry cabinet.
To Make the Chili:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain off fat from ground beef and return beef to pan.
- Add seasoning mix, water, beans and tomatoes and stir to combine. At this point you can add in anything else that you want to personalize the recipe.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on this blog on Feb 11, 2010
Amanda Davis
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Melody Mitchell says
Hi Amanda- is this a mild seasoning? I am trying to replicate the McCormick’s Mild Seasoning packet! Thank you!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Melody! Simply don’t use the crush red pepper (red pepper flakes) and it will be mild! :)
Beth says
This is hands down, the BEST chili recipe I have ever made!!!! My whole family loves it! Thanks for sharing!!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Beth, so glad you enjoyed it!
Patti Teeters says
Thanks so much for the recipe Amanda! I haven’t used it yet, but after the awful spices I used in my chili today I will use your recipe from now on. By the way, the spices I used today was a store bought packet . Thanks again for the recipe. It’ll be a cherished recipe in my cabinet.
Amanda Formaro says
Hope you enjoy it Patti! It’s definitely a family favorite :)
texasgoat says
Great recipe with a little modification. I added 1/2 tea oregano and instead of sugar add 1-2 TBL ketchup.
Now I can make chile when I feel like it!
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome, glad you enjoyed it!
Terry Stracener says
Try using canned tomato soup along with the canned diced. Either way, very good!
Amanda Formaro says
Glad you enjoyed it Terry!