Chili Seasoning

On April 09, 2025

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Use this 10-ingredient Chili Seasoning featuring chili powder, Mexican oregano, and cayenne pepper, in your beef, turkey, and veggie chilis.

Homemade Chili Seasoning

Do me a favor. Head to your cupboard, grab that taco seasoning packet, and kiss it goodbye forever. With this bold-yet-balanced Homemade Chili Seasoning, you’re in full control of the flavor. No fillers. No shortcuts. Just straight-up spice that delivers every single time. With just 10 simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can whip up a custom blend that goes far beyond anything on the grocery store shelf.

Chili powder and cumin lay a rich foundation, Mexican oregano adds brightness, and a pinch of cayenne delivers just the right amount of heat. Whether you need a Kevin Malone-sized vat of chili for game day, or a quick weeknight meal for the family, this seasoning gives you deep, layered flavor in every spoonful. If you’re ready to change your chili game, let’s get started.

What seasonings go in chili?

The beauty of this seasoning lies in its simplicity. No hunting for hard-to-find ingredients here, just a surprising blend of everyday spices. But in the EXACT right mix. Each of the following plays a key role in building that classic chili flavor:

1 Tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

8 white bowls forming a circle around 2 more bowls. Each is filled with a different seasoning ingredient.

How to Make Chili Seasoning

Alright, you’re ready to make your own signature chili seasoning, and It couldn’t be easier! With just a couple of quick steps, you’ll have a homemade blend that will make you feel like a true chili master.

Make the seasoning. Add all of your spices to a small bowl. I like to measure everything out first and then stir to combine. A whisk or fork works great to break up any clumps and ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Use the seasoning or store for later. Once your seasoning is blended, you can use it right away in your favorite chili or transfer it to a jar to use another day. One tablespoon of this seasoning will flavor about a pound of meat, but you can always tweak that based on your taste or how big your batch is.

This blend is well-balanced. Smoky from the paprika, savory from the garlic and onion, and just the right amount of heat. It’s flavorful without being overwhelming, which makes it a great option for families, even with younger kids.

Ways to Use Your Homemade Seasoning

This versatile chili seasoning goes way beyond just a pot of traditional chili! I find myself reaching for this blend all the time in the backyard. It’s perfect for seasoning ground beef for tacos or burritos, adding flavor to roasted vegetables, or sprinkling on chicken before grilling. My family loves when I add it to scrambled eggs for a Tex-Mex breakfast, and it makes an amazing rub for pork shoulder too!

I’ve already got plenty of chili recipes on the site that put this seasoning to delicious use, and even more coming soon. Whether you’re making a classic ground beef chili, a lighter turkey version (or a hearty vegetarian bean chili), this bold, balanced blend will be your go-to for incredible flavor every time.

A metal scoop of spice mix pouring into a pile on a dark surface.

Susie’s Chili Seasoning Pro Tips

When you’re ready to customize your blend even further, here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years:

Customize the heat. This recipe has a moderate heat level that works for most families. If you’re cooking for little ones, reduce or omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes. For heat lovers, double the cayenne or add a pinch of ground habanero for serious fire!
Grind so fine. If you prefer a more uniform texture (especially if you’re adding it to sauces or dips), pulse the mixed seasoning in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. This breaks down any coarse flakes and makes it dissolve more easily in liquid-based recipes.
Uh, double up. Uh, uh. This recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled. I like to make a large quantity and store it in a mason jar so I always have it on hand when the chili craving strikes!

Storage and Shelf Life

To keep your chili seasoning fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. A glass spice jar with a tight-fitting lid works best to lock in all those vibrant flavors. Homemade seasoning will stay fresh and flavorful for about 6 months. After that, it’s still safe to use, but the flavors may start to fade. I like to jot the date on the jar so I know when it’s time to mix up a new batch.

Cubed beef on a round, wooden cutting board being sprinkled with chili seasoning.

More Homemade Seasoning recipes

When you’re ready to build your own flavor arsenal from scratch, I’ve got plenty of homemade seasonings and rubs to explore. From BBQ classics to bold international blends, you can find them all in the Hey Grill Hey App. For now, check out some of my favorites so you can fill out that spice rack:

Sauces & Rubs

Cajun Seasoning

Rubs & Seasonings

Old Bay Seasoning

Rubs & Seasonings

Homemade Ranch Seasoning

Rubs & Seasonings

Popcorn Seasoning Five ways

Easy Chili Seasoning Recipe

Ready to mix up your own chili seasoning? This simple blend will become a go-to in your backyard. I know it has in mine. After you’ve tried it, come back and leave a 5-star rating and comment to let me know how you used it. And if you share your chili creations on social, tag @heygrillhey to show them off!

If you want more ways to level up your BBQ skills, check out The Grill Squad. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, so you can view weekly tutorials, exclusive content, behind-the-scenes tips, and an amazing community of backyard BBQ fans. With the right seasoning and a little know-how, you’ll be a Backyard BBQ Hero in no time.