McCormick Original Chili Seasoning Mix for Tailgate Cook-Offs, Award-Winning Flavor
McCormick Original Chili Seasoning Mix for Tailgate Cook-Offs, Award-Winning Flavor
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Why you'll love it
- Speed: 5-minute prep and 15-minute cook time delivers comfort food on busy nights
- Clean label with no MSG, artificial flavors, or added colors reassures health-conscious shoppers
- Versatility with ground beef, pork, turkey, or just beans fits multiple diets and preferences
- Trusted McCormick brand heritage reduces guesswork versus blending spices from scratch
- Award-winning flavor profile validated by chili cook-off credibility
- Bulk pack (24-count) value option for high-volume kitchens and entertainers
Perfect for
- Throw together a quick 20-minute weeknight chili dinner for the family
- Build a vegetarian or bean-only chili without sacrificing flavor
- Prepare crowd-pleasing chili for tailgates, potlucks, and casual parties
- Enter or host a chili cook-off with an award-winning recipe
- Stock the pantry with bulk seasoning packs for routine meal prep
Product Information
Award winning chili in every package
Works great with ground beef, pork, turkey - or just beans for veggie chili
A hearty, homestyle pot of comfort food
Easy dinner for the whole family any night of the week
No MSG, artificial flavors or colors
McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix Makes Every Night Chili Night! Just grab all the fixins and you've got a party! Just this drool-worthy signature all-natural spice mix into your favorite chili recipe, and create a dish that will win you first prize at every chili cook-off you enter! Created with the highest-quality ingredients, our expertly blended mix contains no MSG, artificial flavors or added colorings, so you know you're serving your family the very best. Best part? It's fast. Five minute prep and 15 minute cooking will yield you chili that tastes like it's been cooking over an open fire all day. Each package makes four servings.
Ingredients
Chili Pepper and Other Spices (Including Cumin), Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Onion, Salt, and Garlic.
Items Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this chili seasoning strong enough to compete in a backyard chili cook-off?
Yes. McCormick Original is a competition-friendly blend that delivers balanced chili pepper, cumin, onion, and garlic flavor, making it a solid base for an award-winning cook-off recipe.
Can I use this seasoning for a tailgate chili that travels well in a cooler or roaster?
Yes. Chili made with this seasoning holds heat well in a slow cooker, roaster, or insulated cooler, making it ideal for tailgate parking-lot gatherings.
Will the single 1.25 oz packet be enough for a large potluck crowd?
Each packet seasons about four servings, so for a crowd you would use multiple packets. The 24-count bulk pack is a convenient option for bigger gatherings.
Is the 24-pack a good value for outdoor entertaining and cook-off teams?
Yes. Buying in bulk lowers the per-packet cost, which is helpful for catering prep, large tailgates, and competitive cook-off teams that go through seasoning quickly.
Can I use this chili mix over a campfire or outdoor grill setup?
Yes. You can brown meat in a Dutch oven over a camp stove or fire pit, then add tomatoes, beans, water, and the McCormick packet. Simmer until thickened for a classic camp chili.
Is this seasoning portable enough to pack for camping trips?
The flat 1.25 oz packet is lightweight, compact, and easy to pack into a camp kitchen box, cooler, or backpack without adding bulk.
Can I use this seasoning on a portable propane burner at a tailgate?
Absolutely. A simple pot on a portable burner, ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, and the McCormick packet is one of the easiest tailgate chili setups you can build.
Is the flavor bold enough to stand up to outdoor open-air eating where flavors can feel muted?
Yes. Chili pepper, cumin, and garlic are assertive spices that hold up well outdoors, and the McCormick Original blend is balanced to deliver a memorable, full-flavored bowl in any setting.
How does this chili seasoning compare to a custom-blended spice rub for a cook-off?
Custom blends allow fine-tuning, but McCormick Original is a reliable, well-tested base. Many competitive cooks use it as a foundation and add specialty ingredients like smoked paprika or chipotle to customize.
How does this product compare to chili base kits sold specifically for cook-offs?
Cook-off kits often include several components, which adds cost. A McCormick Original packet gives you a clean, traditional base that judges and guests recognize, often at a better value than a niche kit.
Is this seasoning better for outdoor cooking than a salt-heavy store brand packet?
Many store-brand chili packets are heavy on salt and light on real spice character. McCormick Original has a more balanced flavor profile, which tends to be more memorable in an outdoor cook-off or potluck setting.
Can I scale this recipe easily for a 10-gallon cook-off pot?
Yes. Simply multiply the number of packets based on the meat and bean volume. A common rule of thumb is one packet per pound of protein or per four servings.
Will the seasoning hold up to long, slow cooking over a campfire?
Yes. Chili is traditionally a long-simmered dish, and the McCormick spice blend is designed to develop deeper flavor as it cooks, which works well for a low-and-slow camp chili.
Is the packaging durable enough to survive a trip in a cooler or camp bin?
The paper packet is sealed and should be kept dry. Stored in a zip-top bag inside a cooler or camp box, the packets hold up well in outdoor conditions.
Can I use this seasoning in a chili cook-off without being disqualified for using a pre-made mix?
Rules vary by competition. Some events allow commercial seasonings, while others require from-scratch recipes. Always check the specific cook-off rules before entering.
Is the bulk 24-pack a smart choice for caterers prepping chili for outdoor events?
Yes. Caterers benefit from the predictable flavor, the easy portioning of single packets, and the cost savings of buying in bulk for routine high-volume service.
How do I make a basic pot of chili with McCormick Original Seasoning Mix?
Brown one pound of ground beef, turkey, or pork in a large pot. Stir in one packet of McCormick Original Chili Seasoning Mix, then add a 15 oz can of kidney beans, a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. For vegetarian chili, skip the meat and add an extra can of beans plus 1 cup of vegetable broth.
How do I store the seasoning packets after opening one?
The packets are designed for single use, but if you have leftover seasoning, fold the packet tightly, seal it with a clip, and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. For best flavor, use the remainder within a few days.
Can I use this seasoning in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes. For a slow cooker, brown the meat first if desired, then combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the meat, add the remaining ingredients, and pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes with a natural release.
Does this chili seasoning work with ground turkey, chicken, or venison?
Yes. The blend is compatible with ground beef, pork, turkey, chicken, venison, and other ground meats. You can also use it for a beans-only vegetarian chili with no adjustments needed to the seasoning itself.
Is this seasoning gluten-free and suitable for common dietary restrictions?
McCormick Original Chili Seasoning Mix is labeled gluten-free. It contains no MSG, no artificial flavors, and no added colorings, and the spices themselves are plant-based. Always confirm the current package label for the most accurate allergen and dietary information.
What is included in each box and what do I need to buy separately?
Each box contains individual 1.25 oz foil-lined packets of pre-blended chili seasoning. You will need to supply the protein, beans, tomatoes, and any toppings you want. The single, 4-pack, and 24-pack configurations refer only to the number of seasoning packets, not to the other ingredients.
Is it safe to use if I am pregnant or cooking for elderly family members?
The seasoning mix is made from common culinary spices and salt, with no MSG or artificial additives. Pregnant individuals and older adults can typically enjoy chili made with this blend. If you have specific medical or dietary concerns, consult your healthcare provider.
Will the spice level increase if I add two packets instead of one?
Yes. Using two packets will noticeably increase both the chili flavor intensity and the heat, as well as the salt content. Most cooks find one packet per pound of protein is ideal, but you can adjust to taste.
How is chili seasoning mix different from taco seasoning mix?
Chili seasoning is built around chili pepper, cumin, onion, garlic, and salt, producing a deeper, slower-simmered flavor. Taco seasoning is typically brighter, with more oregano and a slightly different spice balance suited for quicker-cooked ground meat fillings. They can be substituted in a pinch, but the final dish will taste noticeably different.
