A few weeks ago, I cooked a pot of my traditional chili using my own homemade chili seasoning. It inspired me to share the recipe for the chili seasoning blend separately, emphasizing its versatility beyond just chili.
How to Make Homemade Chili Seasoning
How to Use Homemade Chili Seasoning:
The amount of homemade chili seasoning provided is equal to that of a store-bought chili seasoning packet. It will suffice to season a batch of chili that serves six people, or a batch of chili made with one pound of either ground beef or ground turkey.
Start by browning the ground beef or ground turkey, ensuring to drain any extra fat if necessary. Next, incorporate the homemade chili seasoning into the meat and sauté for an additional minute to enhance the flavors. Proceed with the chili preparation by adding diced tomatoes, beans, or any other ingredients of your choice, as outlined in my Easy Chili Recipe.
Not only can you use this chili seasoning to make a delicious batch of homemade chili, but you can also enhance the flavor of vegetables, meat, or fish by adding it before roasting or grilling. Don’t forget to try it on my Chili Roasted Potatoes! You can even sprinkle a bit into your mac and cheese for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless with chili seasoning!
What is “chili powder”?
Chili powder is a combination of spices specifically crafted for enhancing the flavor of chili. It is commonly available as a pre-mixed seasoning in the United States. While chili powder alone can be used to season your chili, my homemade chili seasoning elevates the taste to a whole new level.
Before preparing your chili, it is important to sample your chili powder as its level of spiciness can differ across brands. If the chili powder you have chosen is hot, consider reducing or eliminating the addition of cayenne pepper in this recipe.
The chili powder shown above, which is the Kroger brand, lives up to its label by being spicy. However, not all brands are considerate enough to inform you in advance about the spiciness of their blend. If you prefer a milder option without any heat, I recommend trying McCormick’s chili powder. Additionally, McCormick offers a “hot Mexican” chili powder that packs quite a fiery punch.
Can You Use Taco Seasoning for Chili?
While they do share similarities, they are not completely identical. In my Homemade Taco Seasoning, I incorporate a slightly more pronounced smoky spice blend along with a hint of oregano. In a pinch, you can substitute one for the other, but personally, I prefer this slightly simpler blend for chili.
What is the Best Secret Ingredient for Chili?
While the answer to this question is subjective, there are several enjoyable “secret ingredients” you can incorporate into your chili, alongside the traditional homemade chili seasoning. Here are a few suggestions:
Please share your preferred chili seasonings in the comments section below!
