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Spicy Chili Seasoning for Beef Or Turkey

Spicy Chili Seasoning for Beef or Turkey

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Recipe Component
Cuisine American
Servings 3 pounds of meat or 4–6 servings

Equipment

  • Small bowl or jar For mixing and storing the blend. A jar with a tight lid is ideal for keeping it fresh.
  • Measuring Spoons Accuracy matters to maintain that perfect heat level.
  • Whisk or Spoon To ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Fine mesh sieve (optional) For sifting homemade chili spice mix if lumps form.
  • Label and marker If you’re gifting or storing larger batches, label the jar with both the name and date.

Ingredients
  

  • 2  tablespoons chili powder ideally a blend of ancho and guajillo powders
  • 1  tablespoon paprika smoked if you want a rustic twist
  • 1  tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1  teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1  teaspoon dried oregano Mexican oregano if available
  • 1  teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾  teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½  teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for heat preference
  • ½  teaspoon chipotle powder or smoked paprika
  • ½  teaspoon black pepper
  • ½  teaspoon salt add more to taste in your dish
  • ¼  teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Optional additions for more heat or depth:

  • ¼  tsp cocoa powder deepens flavor
  • ¼  tsp ground cinnamon or cloves adds complexity

Instructions
 

Combine the Dry Goods

  1. In your mixing bowl or jar, weigh out chili powder and paprika. Add ground cumin, coriander, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and chipotle powder. If using cocoa or cinnamon, toss those in too.

Whisk to Uniformity

  1. Mix thoroughly until you see a consistent reddish-brown color. Whisk or stir vigorously, scraping any spice along the edges back toward the center. Run the mix through a fine mesh sieve to break up any lumps—this ensures a smoother chili seasoning blend.

Taste & Tweak

  1. If you like more fire, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. Prefer smoky warmth? Increase smoked paprika or chipotle powder. For herbal brightness, add a bit more oregano.

Store It Properly

  1. Pour the blend into an airtight container, label with “Spicy Chili Seasoning,” and note the date. Stored in a cool, dark place (like your pantry), it stays fresh for up to 6 months.

Use During Cooking

    For typical taco-meat conversion:

    1. 1 pound of ground beef or turkey + 2 tablespoons chili seasoning + 1 teaspoon salt (omit if your blend is salty) + a splash (⅓ cup) of water.
    2. Brown the meat, drain excess fat, stir in seasoning & water, simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Perfect for tacos, burritos, chili, or nachos.