Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe Mix

Ligia Lugo

Ligia Lugo

Published:

November 8, 2023

Last Modified:

February 18, 2026

Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix is so easy. Two tablespoons equal one of those packets you buy at the store. Use it in chilies, tacos, casseroles, bean patty mixes, and more!

I can’t remember when there weren’t those little packets ‘for seasoning everything you can think of’ in the grocery store.

I do know there didn’t used to be so many of them though.

For sure, I think the first was that little box that holds two packets of onion soup mix.

People didn’t buy it for onion soup. They bought it for onion dip.

That was a prerequisite for every single party back then – for everyone. It is still packaged the same today.

Somewhere out there, in geniusland, a wise person thought about making an assorted variety of packets for multiple dishes. The first one was probably for chili and probably by Lawry’s.
 

Ingredients

Homemade chili seasoning ingredients labels
  • Ground chili – of your choice.
  • Cumin – adds more heat but in a subtle manner.
  • Paprika – is another very flavorful spice that adds depth.
  • Oregano – is such a mild addition but it really helps meld the ingredients.
  • Garlic powder – seasoning is a necessity.
  • Onion powder – finishes off the crazy flavorful mix.

How to use chili seasoning mix

  • It’s not just for chili! Check out these delicious ideas.
  • Tofu Scramble – sprinkle a little while you cook a nice warm breakfast.
  • French Fries and even Sweet Potato Fries – air-fry up a batch, but make sure you’ve added some to the coating.
  • Michelada – the next time you make this special Bloody Mary, add some seasoning to the salt rim.
  • Broccoli – steam up a batch of florets and toss it in dairy-free butter. Immediately sprinkle in some seasoning.
  • Almond Mayonnaise – don’t forget to add some spicy flavor to the next batch of your homemade cashew or almond spread.
  • Rice – I kid you not. Add some tomato, pinto beans, and seasoning for a really delicious side dish.

They make a lot of money off of those little packets. And you can make your own.

Homemade chili seasoning ready 5

Instructions

All you do is measure and mix. Pack in an airtight container (a pretty little bottle) and use it whenever you like.

Homemade Taco Seasoning is another one you can make at home that is super easy. It looks like this:

It saves so much money to make your own mixes. The one below is super expensive, but you probably already have all the ingredients in your cupboard.


Does your to-do list get longer every day? Me too!

One thing gets taken off, and another two get added.

One of the things is that I want to do a type of ranch dressing mix next. Something that can stay vegan and still have the tang of ranch.

Something that can be added to lots of recipes just like this one.

But let’s get back to this homemade chili seasoning.

Now you can save money by making your own Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe. It takes no time and you can make enough to last a year.

You might want to make more than you think you need because it works with many recipes. I love to use it in my bean patties.

Use it in chilies, tacos, casseroles, and more!

There is no need to freeze because the chili seasoning will last about a year.

Just pack in an airtight container and keep out of the bright light.

2 tablespoons equal one of those packets you buy at the store.

Homemade chili seasoning ready 1

Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix

Ligia Lugo
4.7000 from 152 votes
Homemade Chili Seasoning.  Two tablespoons equals one of those packets you buy at the store.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6 Tablespoons

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Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions
 

  • Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
    Place all of the ingredients in a bowl

Video

Nutrition

Serving:1tablespoons, Calories:21kcal, Carbohydrates:3g, Sodium:48mg, Potassium:117mg, Fiber:1g, Vitamin A:1155IU, Vitamin C:0.2mg, Calcium:38mg, Iron:2.2mg

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47 responses to “Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe Mix”

4.70 from 152 votes (125 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




  1. Maris Callahan Avatar

    Great idea, making your own! The prepackaged seasonings are usually so salty.

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Thanks Maris and I so agree 🙂

  2. cathy - noble pig Avatar

    I need to try this…I always run out of mine so to make it this way wuold be awesome.

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I hope you get to make it Cathy. I think you’ll be very happy.

  3. Des @ Life's Ambrosia Avatar

    I love being able to make seasonings at home. This one looks great!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Me too Des and thanks!

  4. Dee Avatar

    This is great! I spend so much time reading the ingredients in those packets that I could make my own a lot faster. 🙂

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Hahaha Dee! Yes, we might as well make it and know what is going on for sure. 🙂

  5. Debra Attinella Avatar
    Debra Attinella

    My daughter can’t have the packaged stuff so this recipe will come in handy!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I am so glad you found this Debra! Thanks for your comment 🙂

  6. Jenni Avatar

    Thanks so much. We’re trying to cut salt out/down, and those little packets are loaded with sodium. Good to know I can make this blend and it’s good for a year.

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Yes Jenni! We watch our salt too. Thanks for your comments!

  7. Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction Avatar

    5 stars
    I love homemade seasoning mixes! This one sounds wonderful!

  8. Lauren Avatar

    5 stars
    I love experimenting with homemade seasonings and I am excited to try this!

  9. Mary // Chattavore.com Avatar

    5 stars
    I love making my own seasoning mixes at home. This one looks great! I am ready for chili season!

  10. Dahn Avatar

    5 stars
    this is a great healthy blend of homemade seasoning. Thanks for giving info about how much is equal to a packet

  11. Amy @ The Cook Report Avatar

    5 stars
    A great spice blend to have in the cupboard

  12. Michele D. Avatar

    Thank you for the recipe! I love making my own seasonings and chili season is right around the corner. Can’t wait to try this.

  13. Vincent Freeman Avatar
    Vincent Freeman

    5 stars
    Oh My God!! Was craving chili and realized I didn’t have the infamous packet – drat! Came to the trusty web ..ran across this …mixed exactly as recipe ordered ..made my chili …Err ..YUM!!!?? Folks asking for 2nds and 3rds ..I won’t be buying packets anymore, I’ll tell ya!! Thanks for this!!!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I am so happy Vincent! This is exactly what I want to share with my recipes. Just good taste!! Thank you so much for letting me know.

  14. Cheap Cindy Avatar

    5 stars
    Thanks for this recipe! So much cheaper than buying chili seasoning. I use smoked paprika and love it

  15. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    5 stars
    So I used cayenne powder, one TBSP, and that made for a very spicy chili! Is this cayenne different from the chili powder listed in the ingredients list? Wowee, I like spicy but this was too spicy!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Cayenne Powder/Pepper is much hotter than chili powder. They are two different spices. Chili powder is made with different chili peppers (it could be a combo of chilies) and other spices are included in the bottle. I’m sorry you used the wrong ingredient but use it in the future in recipes that call for 1 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. Since I don’t know how hot your mix turned out I think I’d start with 1/2 teaspoon. Taste and then you can add more.

  16. ANN JOHNSON Avatar
    ANN JOHNSON

    5 stars
    Very easy basic recipe what I was looking for.

  17. AlohaElyce Avatar
    AlohaElyce

    5 stars
    Thanks for sharing your recipe. Save me money and I dont have to run to the market to buy that PACKET:-)

  18. Tammy Buford L Wimp Avatar
    Tammy Buford L Wimp

    5 stars
    I also make my own seasonings. Most are great, but my chili seasoning was just missing something. I played around with the spices alot (very similar to your) and never thought to add the same amount of cumin as chili pepper! I have never seen that in a chili seasoning recipe. Oddly enough- my family and I are huge cumin freaks! Never enough for us. Genius! Thank you so much for sharing. Just made another batch equaling the cumin and chili powder as you suggest and BAM! Spot on!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      That is great Tammy! I am so glad you found this recipe. Thanks for letting us know.

  19. Debbie Avatar
    Debbie

    I added about a tsp salt and a tsp crushed red peppers. It was a hit at my house.

  20. Nicole Giroux Avatar
    Nicole Giroux

    5 stars
    Excellent mix! Thanks!

  21. Saman Avatar
    Saman

    Do you use this in conjunction with the standard recipe on the back of a packet mix i.e. a can of tomatoes etc?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Yes, you sure can Saman!

  22. Kaykee Avatar
    Kaykee

    5 stars
    I love making my own seasonings, keeps me from the salt. I had all the ingredients right in my cupboard.

  23. RB Avatar
    RB

    5 stars
    Is this recipe the equivalent of one packet? If not, how many? Thank you!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Two tablespoons equals one packet RB.

  24. Dee Paez Avatar
    Dee Paez

    5 stars
    I realized I had no chili seasoning at the last minute. I found this no-salt recipe and it’s delicious. Full of flavor so the salt is not needed. It will be a pantry staple.

  25. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    5 stars
    Perfect chili seasoning!!

  26. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    5 stars
    Perfect chili seasoning!! I love it!!

  27. Dwane Avatar
    Dwane

    5 stars
    I tried this with my Spanish rice recipe. Fantastic! The flavors seemed to literally explode while I was eating it. Once again, fantastic! I highly recommend folks to try this recipe!

  28. Cindy Avatar
    Cindy

    5 stars
    This is an awesome recipe. I use it every time I make chili the only thing I did different was I added 4 tablespoons of minced onions.

  29. Linda Knight Avatar
    Linda Knight

    5 stars
    Super simple to make and no salt!!! It tastes wonderful in my chili.

  30. Dianne Havird Avatar
    Dianne Havird

    5 stars
    Very tasty & easy to make ! My chili & tacos taste SO much better ! There is no telling what unpronounceable & weird ingredients are in the packets ! And a jar of this chili/ taco seasoning makes a nice gift ! Thank you!

  31. Jacky Avatar
    Jacky

    5 stars
    This spice blend is worth its weight in gold!

    I’ve tried replacing 1tbsp chili powder with 1 tbsp of chalked ancho chillies (single measure recipe) and it adds a nice smoky hint to the mix.

    Chill/tacos taste fantastic and I also add it to pasta sauce and casseroles.

    Fantastic!

  32. Kathy Avatar
    Kathy

    5 stars
    This is great!!! I have celiacs and must avoid wheat. Most prepackaged chili seasoning mixes contain wheat. This flavored a family Sunday lunch that everyone enjoyed. The blend of seasonings was just perfect. No worries for me.

  33. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    5 stars
    This was great chili seasoning. Love the fact it has no salt or preservatives!

  34. Deanna Avatar
    Deanna

    5 stars
    So good and quick to make!

  35. Terri Avatar
    Terri

    My daughter is allergic to soy this will be wonderful to have.

Ligia Lugo

Ligia Lugo

Hi, my name is Ligia Lugo. I am the recipe developer, photographer and blogger behind Vegan in the Freezer. The recipes feature healthy and delicious food that you can enjoy now or freeze for future meals.

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