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Copycat McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix: Easy Homemade Recipe & Tips

Hey frugal friends! If you’re tired of grabbing those little McCormick chili seasoning packets every time you make a pot of chili (and let’s be real, they add up quick at the grocery store), this copycat McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix is a game-changer. It’s spot-on for that classic, mild, family-friendly flavor—think warm chili pepper, earthy cumin, a hint of garlic and onion, and just enough paprika for color and subtle sweetness. Best part? You make it with pantry staples, control the salt, skip any unwanted additives, and save money long-term.

This homemade version mimics McCormick’s Original Chili Seasoning Mix (the 1.25 oz packet everyone knows), which seasons about 1–2 lbs of meat or a big batch of beans-and-tomato chili. Whip up a single “packet” batch or scale it up for your spice jar—it’s perfect for cozy winter meals, game days, or meal prep without the extra cost.

Why Make Your Own Copycat McCormick Chili Seasoning?

Store-bought packets are convenient, but homemade lets you:

Save cash (spices are cheaper in bulk!)
Adjust flavors (less salt, more heat if you want)
Avoid fillers like enriched wheat flour if you’re gluten-free (just omit or swap with masa harina or cornstarch)
Know exactly what’s in it—no mystery ingredients

McCormick’s official ingredients include chili pepper and other spices (including cumin), enriched wheat flour, onion, salt, and more. Our copycat nails the taste without the extras.

Copycat McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix Recipe

Makes: Equivalent to 1 standard 1.25 oz packet (about ¼–⅓ cup total mix) Prep time: 5 minutes Storage: Airtight jar in a cool, dry pantry for 6–12 months

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons chili powder (mild variety for that classic McCormick taste)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt (reduce to ½ tsp for lower-sodium version)
½ teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked for extra depth)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional (for closer texture/thickening like the original): 1–2 teaspoons all-purpose flour or masa harina

Instructions:

In a small bowl or directly in a spice jar, combine all ingredients.
Whisk or shake well until evenly mixed—no clumps!
Store in an airtight container. Label with the date and “Copycat McCormick Chili Seasoning.”
To use: Add the full mix to your chili recipe (brown 1 lb meat, add onion/garlic if desired, stir in 1–2 cans beans/tomatoes + liquid, simmer 20–30 minutes). It thickens slightly as it cooks.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Just Like McCormick!)

Based on McCormick’s official info and our near-identical copycat:

Serving size: About 1⅓ tablespoons (9g) – seasons roughly 1 cup of prepared chili
Calories: 25–30 per serving (mostly from chili powder; very low-cal!)
Full packet (entire recipe): ~100–120 calories
Servings per “packet”: 4
Other highlights: ~5g carbs, 2g fiber, 350mg sodium (adjust salt to lower it), negligible fat/sugar

Spices are naturally low-calorie, so this adds almost nothing to your bowl of chili—great for tracking macros while keeping things flavorful and frugal.

How to Use Your Homemade Chili Seasoning

Classic chili: Brown ground beef or turkey, add diced onion, tomatoes, beans, and this mix. Simmer for hearty results.
Variations: For spicier, add ¼–½ tsp cayenne. For milder, stick to the base.
Other ideas: Sprinkle on roasted veggies, tacos, nachos, or even popcorn for a chili kick.
Bulk batch: Triple the recipe for a big jar—always ready for quick dinners.

This copycat is milder and balanced, just like the original—perfect for kids or anyone who prefers “not too hot” chili. If you love experimenting, try adding a pinch of oregano or smoked paprika for a twist.

Making your own seasonings is one of those small habits that adds up to big savings over time. Stock up on bulk spices at discount stores or online, and you’ll never buy another packet again! Pair this with a big pot of chili, some cornbread, and you’ve got cozy comfort food on a budget.

Have you tried this copycat yet? Drop your tweaks or favorite chili add-ins in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turns out for your family! Head over to GroundedInThyme.com for more pantry hacks, budget recipes, and printable meal planners to keep things simple and thrifty. You’ve got this!

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Copycat McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix

Ingredients (for one packet equivalent)

Serving Size 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pinch of oregano
1 pinch of cayene
1 –2 teaspoons all-purpose flour Optional: for thickening when added to chili—McCormick includes enriched wheat flourne ( if you want it spicy, if not skip this)

Instructions

In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together all the ingredients until well combined.
Store in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place—lasts 6–12 months.
To use just like the packet: Stir the whole mix into your chili recipe (typically with 1 lb ground beef/turkey, 1 chopped onion, 2 cans beans/tomatoes, etc.). Brown meat, add veggies, dump in seasoning + liquid (broth/water/tomato sauce), simmer 20–30 minutes.

Notes

This blend is super close to the real McCormick Original—mild, not too spicy, great for family chili nights. If you want it “hotter,” bump up the cayenne or use hot chili powder.
Frugal tip: Making your own saves $$ over buying packets every time, and you control the salt/spice level. Perfect for pantry stocking! 🌶️