Convenience Mix #8: Convenience Chili Seasoning Mix

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Part of the Saving Money With Homemade Convenience Mixes Series

Originally prepared by Nellie Hedstrom, Extension Nutrition Specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Revised and updated by Kate Yerxa, Statewide Nutrition Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Saving Money With Homemade Convenience Mixes provides recipes for master convenience mixes that you can make and keep on hand. These mixes are healthier and less expensive than the packaged convenience mixes you buy in the store, and allow you to control the amount of fat, sodium, sugar, and additives in your foods without sacrificing the convenience of a mix. There are 15 master convenience mixes, each with recipes you can make from the mix.

A complete index of convenience mix recipes can be found on the Bulletin #4029, Saving Money With Homemade Convenience Mixes page.

For information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit extension.umaine.edu.
Find more of our publications and books at extension.umaine.edu/publications/.

Index to Recipes

Convenience Chili Seasoning Mix

Convenience Chili Seasoning Mix Food Nutrition Facts Label; click on the image for details.

Makes 8 packages or 2 1/2 cups mix

Ingredients

1 teaspoon oregano
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
1 Tablespoon dried minced garlic
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons cumin
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients and place in an airtight container; store in a cool place.
  2. Use to flavor your favorite chili recipe.

Chili

Chili Food Nutrition Facts Label (click to view)

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1 lb lean hamburger
1 serving Convenience Chili Seasoning Mix
1 1-lb can whole tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 15-oz can kidney beans

Directions

  1. Brown hamburger in skillet. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in Chili Seasoning mix. Add tomatoes (cut into pieces), water, and kidney beans.
  3. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Vegetarian Chili

Convenience Vegetarian Chili Food Nutrition Facts Label; click on the image for details.

Makes 6 (1-cup) servings

Ingredients

6 medium frozen tomatoes, cored and skin removed
1 Tablespoon oil
1/2 cup diced onion, fresh or frozen
1 cup green bell pepper, fresh or frozen
1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup water
2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans
2 servings convenience chili seasoning mix (1/4 cup plus 1 Tablespoon)

Directions

  1. Remove skin from frozen tomatoes.
  2. In a large saucepan over medium high heat, heat oil and combine the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until onions are translucent.
  3. Add tomatoes, water, and chili seasoning mix.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.
  4. Cover and simmer for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. Drain and rinse kidney beans. Stir in the beans and heat through.

Chili with Meat

Convenience Chili with Meat Food Nutrition Facts Label; click on the image for details.

Makes 6 (1-cup) servings

Ingredients

1 lb lean hamburger
2 servings (¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon) convenience chili seasoning mix
1 1-lb can whole tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 15-oz can kidney beans

Directions

  1. Brown hamburger in skillet.
  2. Drain excess fat. Stir in Chili Seasoning mix.
  3. Add tomatoes (cut into pieces), water, and kidney beans.
  4. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, scallions, or tortilla chips.

Information in this publication is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.

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