Mild Chili Seasoning
Our mild chili seasoning recipe adds bold flavor to beef, elk, and wild boar chili. It’s perfect for all your homemade dishes.
When it comes to making a pot of flavorful chili, having a go-to seasoning blend can make all the difference. This chili seasoning recipe is actually John’s mix, and it’s been a staple in our kitchen for years.
Whether he’s making his classic beef chili, a hearty elk chili, or even a wild boar chili, this seasoning always brings out the best flavors.
Looking for a chili recipe? Try out slow cooker chili, three bean chili, or Instant Pot chili.
Why Make Your Own Chili Seasoning?
Store-bought seasoning packets are convenient, but they often come with extra fillers, preservatives, and a taste that doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Making your own spice blend is not only easy but also gives you complete control over the flavor. You can adjust the heat, the salt, and the overall spice level to suit your taste.
Chili Seasoning vs. Chili Powder
One question I see a lot is, “Isn’t chili seasoning the same as chili powder?” Not quite!
Chili powder is usually a single ingredient (dried and ground chili peppers), while the seasoning mix is a blend of spices including garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and more. It’s a full-flavored mix that adds extra flavor to any dish, from classic chili to taco meat or even roasted vegetables.
How We Use Our Seasoning Blend
When John makes chili, he usually uses a bit more of the seasoning than the standard recipe calls for.
Our family loves a bolder, more spiced chili, so we use about a tablespoon of each spice, except for the paprika and white pepper, which we keep a little lighter. You can start with the basic mix and then adjust to your taste.
Recipe Variations
This mix is already pretty versatile, but if you want to change things up, here are a few ideas:
- Add Some Smokiness: Try swapping out regular paprika for smoked paprika or add a bit of chipotle powder.
- More Heat: A pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes can bring a nice heat.
- A Touch of Sweetness: Believe it or not, a tiny bit of cocoa powder or a little brown sugar can add a subtle depth and sweetness to your chili.
Ways to Use Chili Seasoning
This blend isn’t just for chili! Here are a few of our favorite ways to use it:
- In Soups and Stews: Adds warmth to hamburger soup or chicken tortilla soup.
- On Vegetables: Sprinkle it on roasted veggies for an extra kick.
- For Breakfast: A dash in scrambled eggs or an omelet for a touch of Southwest flavor.
- With Meats: Works great as a dry rub for grilled chicken, seafood, fajitas, or even in tacos.
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your homemade seasoning fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a spice cabinet or pantry. I like to use a small glass jar or a mason jar with a tight seal. The seasoning will stay good for up to six months if the spices are fresh.
More Seasoning Blends:
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Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, paprika, and white pepper. Stir until evenly blended.2 teaspoons garlic powder2 teaspoons onion powder2 teaspoons salt2 teaspoons ground cumin2 teaspoons chili powder2 teaspoons dried oregano1 teaspoon paprika1 teaspoon white pepper
- How to Use: Add 1 tablespoon of seasoning mix per 1 pound of meat. Simply stir it into your favorite chili recipe. Add more to your preference.
- For Extra Flavor: If you prefer a bolder chili, increase the seasoning to 1 tablespoon of each spice (except for paprika which increases to 2 teaspoons, and white pepper stays at 1 teaspoon).
- Store for Later: Keep any leftover seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Give it a quick shake before each use to ensure the spices are well-mixed.
My husband doesn’t love spicy, but I do. I was out of the usual chili seasoning packet, and to avoid a 30 minute drive, decided to try this. I put 1 1/2 teaspoons into the 1.5lb chili pot and decided to let him finish the seasoning. To my surprise, he was happy with the lower amount!! So I added smoked Chipotle powder to mine, and we were both happy. Thanks for the recipe!!! 😊😊😊
Hi Cathy!
Thank you so much for the comment and for rating the recipe. We’re so glad the seasoning mix turned out great for both you and your husband. We hope you have a fantastic weekend! 🙂