Lift your chili to the next level with this easy homemade chili seasoning. Skip the store-bought packets and mix your own Terlingua-style chili spice blend at home. It stores well, makes a thoughtful homemade gift, and gives you control over the heat and salt level.
Try this chili seasoning in a classic Terlingua chili or any beef, turkey, or vegetarian chili recipe. The blend is built around chili powder and cumin with bright notes from garlic and onion, and a touch of cayenne for heat. Because chili powder loses flavor over time, store the mix in the refrigerator to preserve freshness.
Recipe
Terlingua Chili Mix
Easy to mix and versatile, this Terlingua chili mix replaces boxed packets and allows you to season multiple pots of chili or other Tex‑Mex dishes. Make a batch and keep it chilled to maintain the best flavor from the chili powder.
Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 5 mins
Course: Mixes & Seasonings | Cuisine: Tex‑Mex
Servings: 3 (about three 1/4-cup servings)
Rating: 5 from 1 vote
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Measure the spices into a bowl and whisk or shake well until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mix to a clean spice jar, an airtight container, or a resealable bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Store the blend in the refrigerator to help preserve the aroma and flavor of the chili powder.
- Use approximately 1/4 cup of this mix per standard chili recipe (adjust to taste).
Notes
This recipe yields about three 1/4-cup servings; a 1/4-cup portion is comparable to a single commercial packet of chili seasoning. Nutrition information below corresponds to a 1/4-cup serving.
Refrigeration is recommended because chili powder can lose potency at room temperature over time. Keeping the blend chilled helps maintain a brighter, fresher flavor for several weeks.
To customize: reduce or omit the cayenne for milder heat, increase cumin for earthier flavor, or add smoked paprika for a smoky note. If you prefer a lower sodium option, cut the salt and season to taste when cooking.
Gift idea: Spoon the seasoning into small jars, add a decorative label and a suggested use card (for example, “Use 1/4 cup per pot of chili”), and give it as a homemade present.
Nutrition per serving
Serving: 0.25 cup
Calories: 207 cal
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 1225 mg
Fiber: 15 g
Sugar: 9 g
How to Use
Start with 1/4 cup of the mix per 1–2 pounds of meat or a pot of vegetarian chili and adjust to taste. Add the blend early in cooking so the spices have time to bloom, then simmer to meld flavors. The mix also seasons tacos, enchilada filling, bean dishes, and spiced rice.
Storage & Shelf Life
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the seasoning will keep its best flavor for several weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the coldest part of the fridge and use within two to three months for optimal taste.