Chili Seasoning Recipe
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This chili seasoning recipe is a perfect blend to have in your cupboard for when you want to make a quick pot of chili. There are a couple surprises that set this spice mix apart!
You guys. It’s snowing in Michigan right now. I’m not talking a few little flurries snowing. I’m talking scrape off the car, shovel the driveway, salt the porch, put up the Christmas tree snowing. I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life, and yet snow in April never ceases to annoy me a little bit.
Our plants were all starting to pop up, and now they’re covered with snow.
I debated not writing this post, because frankly, I just don’t really feel like doing much of anything at all. I just want to curl up under a blanket and watch movies. The kids are grumpy, I’m a little grumpy (okay, fine, a lot grumpy), and we’re all just over it.
Alright I’ll be honest, I wrote those first few paragraphs and then decided to push this back a day. Sunday was a long day, my kids were so grumpy, and by the time they went to bed, I was completely spent. I could have done it, of course, but I decided to give myself a break and relax a little before bed instead of working late.
So, instead of writing, I laid in my bed, ate popcorn, and watched Schitt’s Creek. I’ve heard everyone raving about it recently, and I have to admit, it is pretty funny.
I am excited to share this chili seasoning with you, though. It’s a recipe that a couple of readers have requested over the years, so I’m excited to finally share it.
There are a couple of surprising ingredients in this chili seasoning. You have two choices:
- Trust me, and make it as it is written.
- Leave them out and have a more basic chili seasoning. It will still be absolutely delicious and taste 100% like chili, but people probably won’t be asking you for the recipe. They won’t be saying, “Oh my gosh, this is the best chili I have ever had, is that cinnamon I taste?”
Either way, your call. This is a no-judgement zone.
What you need
So much good stuff in this spice mix! Here’s the rundown:
- Chili Powder, and lots of it.
- Ground Cumin
- Paprika (use smoked paprika for a great smokey flavor!)
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cocoa Powder (TRUST ME)
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Cayenne
- Cinnamon (TRUST ME AGAIN)
The cinnamon and cocoa powder might sound strange at first glance, but they add a great depth of flavor that sets this apart from typical store-bought seasoning mixes.
You’ll also notice a few omissions that are often found in store-bought spice mixes.
Where is the salt?
I leave the salt out of my spice mix for a couple of reasons. The first being that I like to add the salt (and pepper, but that’s next) when I’m sautéing my vegetables and cooking my meat. I also want you guys to be able to control the amount of salt you put into your chili. Add a little while you sauté your vegetables and meat…and then when it is all said and done, give it a taste and add more as needed.
Where is the ground black pepper?
Again, I like to add this while I sauté my vegetables and meat. I find it’s the best time to layer in this flavor. I don’t go heavy on the black pepper when I’m using this spice mix, though, because it already has red pepper flakes and cayenne. I also often add diced jalapeño to my chili (my favorite chili recipe is coming to you this week!) so I don’t find that a lot of black pepper is needed.
Where is the thickener?
Many store-bought seasoning mixes contain some sort of thickener. I like to add masa at the end, but some people like a thinner chili, or they might just use less liquid to begin with. Again, I want you to be able to control this aspect of your chili, which is why I didn’t include it in the seasoning mix.
Obsessed with spice mixes?
I have a lot of choices on my site, and I’ve made a list of all my favorite homemade spice mixes. But here are some of my favorites:
- Taco Seasoning – My #1 go-to, always.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix – Good for so many things, not just pie. This pumpkin spice candied walnuts are to die for!
- Fajita Seasoning – I use this one all the time, especially in sheet pan chicken fajitas.
- Mild Curry Powder – I love this one! It’s great in this copycat Panera squash soup or pumpkin curry soup.
- Beef Stew Seasoning Mix – Great in Instant Pot Beef Stew!
We adore chili with cornbread. Try this healthy cornbread or cornbread muffins with herbs and cheddar,.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (use smoked paprika, if desired)
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl or jar. Store in a small airtight container.
- After cooking meat and vegetables for chili, stir in spice mix and toast for 1-2 minutes before adding liquid ingredients to chili.
Notes
- I use this entire spice mix with 3 pounds of meat in a beanless chili. Since each chili recipe is different, it’s hard to say exactly how much to use. Start with half if you’re unsure, and you can always add more.
- Makes about â…“ cup.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Lein says
Chili powder is pure ground chilis right? Or is it a mix of herbs? Overhere chili powder is ground chili peppers
Rachel Gurk says
Chili powder is typically a mix of ground chilis. This is a spice mix used to make chili. :)
Pamela says
The best chile spice blend ever!!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad you like it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Mark says
Definitely make and use this chili seasoning recipe.  It is MUCH better than the prepackaged store bought stuff.  I used slightly more cocoa powder for a touch mellower flavor and less red pepper flakes.  Next time I’ll try some smoked paprika and a bit of brown sugar.
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment, Mark. I love a little brown sguar and smoked paprika in my chili!
Emily says
Love the spice! Nice job!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Sharon Lipe says
Rachel, we love this Chili Seasoning Mix. My husband is on a sodium restricted diet so this allows us to adjust to our needs. We also keep a batch of your Taco Seasoning mix on hand. Both are awesome. Please keep cooking and posting your wonderful suggestions. It is great to see a website where everyone is respectful to one another and kind in the critique of your recipes.
Rachel Gurk says
Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m glad you’re enjoying my recipes and they’re making your life easier. Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Chandra says
I use this recipe all of the time when I make chili. It is a family favorite – my son has even bragged to his friends that his mother makes the best chili and that’s because of this spice blend. I make a big batch, so I use the entire recipe in one go. The cocoa and cinnamon are that something extra that sets this recipe above the competition.
Rachel Gurk says
I love it! Your comment made my day.
Kayla says
What Liquid should I use?
Rachel Gurk says
For chili? Depends on what you like. Sometimes I use beef broth, sometimes just tomatoes, sometimes beer and tomatoes.
Paula says
I have made this 3-4 times. Each time my family is thrilled with the results!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Jodie Charney says
I have always added unsweetened coco powder and cinnamon to my chili! With this recipe I don’t have to add anything else! So perfect! Thanks! I’m making this for dinner tonight.
Rachel Gurk says
Perfect! I’m glad you like it. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Lisa Irvine says
Hi! I’m dying to try this recipe, but as a clueless Aussie I’m guessing that the 3 tbsps of chilli powder is the American chilli powder, with paprika and other filler spices, rather than the Aussie ground chilli powder? I think I’ll kill myself and my hubby if I put in 3 tbsps of our version of chilli powder haha.
Rachel Gurk says
Haha, yeah I’m not familiar with Australian chili powder. You might want to start with less, and then you can always add more.
Jodi says
I have used this recipe 2 times now we love it I wouldn’t change a thing. First time I made it my partner said wow new recipe this is the bomb!!Â
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, it means a lot!
Colleen O'Leary says
I did. The cinnamon added a nice flavor! I usually use a chili packet and your recipe for seasonings chili seasonings saved me!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you liked it! It really does add another subtle layer of flavor.
Tanja says
I made a chili sin carne this weekend and used a slightly modified version of your seasoning mix. I left out the onion powder because I had 2 large onions in the dish already. I also left out the chili flakes and to make up 3 tbsp of chili powder I took 1 tbsp of hot chili powder (3 pepper rating) plus 2 tbsp of mild chili powder (1 pepper rating) because my children don’t appreciate the “afterburn” :-)
The dish was absolutely spot on, incredibly full of flavour and my other half and I love it. The children not so much – note to self: next time use only mild chili powder! – however on the second day my eldest had the chili in a wrap and was converted.
I’ll definitely use this again in both my con and my sin carne versions – I noted your seasoning mix on the back of my sin carne recipe so I can’t loose it. Fully recommended also for a vegetarian option!! Thank you for posting it.
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you like it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, it means a lot!
Jennifer says
I couldnt find my boyfriends homemade seasoning mix so i came online and read the reviews first then the added tidbits from the person that posted. I was like ok new receipe adding some stuff that doesnt sound like it goes but hey ive pulled off some amazing meals under these circumstances before. Its sweet, it turned my beans sweet even. I didnt think 1 fourth tps cocoa would sweeten anything it shouldnt of since if not sweet itself but that’s the flavor I’m getting its a cinnamon hot chcocolate chili with a heat after the swallowed bite. Its unusual. I’m waiting for the comments from the bf when he tastes it. I’m sad to say I cant eat this whole pot by myself and I know he doesn’t do sweet. He will try because of his love for me and the effort I made but the dog or the wild possum is going to love this. Its just not for me.
Rachel Gurk says
Hi Jennifer! Did you use unsweetened cocoa powder? There shouldn’t’ be any added sweetness from the cocoa.
MOLLY says
I MAY BE BLIND (20/350 VISION) BUT I DON’T SEE WHERE IT SAYS HOW MUCH MASA TO USE? LOVE THE SPICES YOU RECOMMENDED.
Rachel Gurk says
It depends on your chili recipe and how thick you like it. I like to add it when my chili is done cooking (not to the spice mix). Start with a couple of tablespoons and if you want it thicker, add a little more.
Monica Martin says
I’ve made chili seasoning with cocoa powder before but I wasnt able to tell the difference in the flavor. However, this recipe with the other seasonings I can totally tell the difference! I was like Cinnamon?! I’ve also not used paprika in chili before either. This recipe is divine and oh so delicious. I premade 2 packets of this recipe. Just had it tonight and delicious! Thank you for sharing. I only used 1 1/2 pounds of hamburger and 4 cans of light red kidney beans. I know its not “chili” with beans but I like it that way. I will add a little salt next time I actually forgot to add some. Thanks for sharing!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad you liked it! The cinnamon really does add so much flavor. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!