All great chili recipes begin with the right seasoning. My chili seasoning recipe is the perfect foundation for your next pot of chili. Whether you like no-bean chili or chili with meat and beans, this seasoning blend brings just the right amount of heat.
This chili seasoning recipe is so easy to make, you’ll never need to buy pre-made packages of seasoning again!
Pull your spices out, and let’s make some chili magic!
What You’ll Love About Chili Seasoning Recipe
I love making spice blends from scratch, and this chili seasoning recipe is one of my favorites. Here’s why!
- Makes enough for at least 2 batches of chili
- No fancy ingredients
- Only takes a few minutes to mix up
- You can adjust it to your tastes
How To Make Chili Seasoning Recipe
Making this chili seasoning recipe couldn’t be easier. Simply measure out all the spices and mix thoroughly!
Chili Seasoning Recipe Ingredients
Espresso powder—don’t skip this one because it seems weird to add coffee to chili. Espresso powder helps highlight the warmth from the chili powder. Don’t worry—your chili seasoning won’t taste like your favorite latte!
Cocoa powder—Much like espresso, cocoa helps develop the other spices in the blend. It also adds an earthy flavor that balances the heat. It’s a little trick that makes a big difference!
Heat level—This recipe is medium heat as it is. If you want to add more kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper. Remember, a little goes a long way. I’d go up in 1/8 teaspoon increments.
Storing Tips
Spice blends can go stale quickly. That’s why I love this recipe. It makes enough to for at least 2 batches of chili, so you make one and have one for later. However, it doesn’t make so much that you have tons of leftovers to go stale.
Be sure to store your mixed spices in a tightly sealed container. Plastic bags are not the best option. A mason jar with a tight lid is better, or you can recycle an empty spice container! Properly stored, the seasoning mix should last a couple of years.
Recipe Variations
Here are some great ideas on how to use this delicious seasoning mix!
Can I Add This To Beef Recipes?
This chili seasoning mix is just right for traditional beef chili, like Texas Roadhouse Chili. A classic Texas chili recipe needs lots of meat and lots of spice, and this mix gives you just that!
Another beefy way to use this seasoning is in Alton Brown chili. It’s full of meat and layer after layer of flavor!
Can I Add This To Pasta Recipes?
Pasta and chili are a match made in heaven. Chili mac is one of my favorite comfort foods and has the added benefit of being a one-pot wonder! Straight from Cincinnati, you can’t beat chili spaghetti.
Whether you like it 2- way or all-out 5-way, this seasoning mix will give you just the right kick for your version of the Skyline classic.
TRIED THIS RECIPE?
Leave a review, I love hearing your feedback! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chili Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.
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Nutrition
I have to try this mix, sounds like true winner. How many pounds of meat per mix?
Hey Jerry, I use 2 to 2 1/2 pounds of beef.
Love to try this. You say two batches. How much beef per batch?
When you say “chili powder” – that’s basically powdered red chili pepper, right? (Because it’s a bit confusing on the internet when some people call the entire spice mix you’ve got the recipe for “chili powder”)
Hey, Zee. Yes, chili powder it’s the powdered red chili pepper 🙂
We’ve been looking for the right taste of chili seasoning, this one is a life saver!
I’m glad you found it here! Thanks Aubrey 🙂