Chili is something that many folks take seriously,especially as the weathergets cooler. But Texans are pretty specific about what exactly goes in the hearty dish.
As a native Coloradan, chili was something I ate religiously growing up during fall and winter — it was the official Sunday football meal. There was nothing better than sitting on the couch with a bowl of tomato-based chili and a side of cinnamon rolls (I won’t even get started on that Midwest phenomenon). But moving to Texas brought on a huge culture shock moment — beans do not belong in chili.
If you go pretty much anywhere in Texas you will find chili ingredients simple and rarely differing: meat, sauce, peppers and spices.
Carol Hanco*ck, President and CEO of the International Chili Society, told Texas Living there is a specific reason why Texas chili contains no beans: it’s tradition.
“I think there is probably no consensus on one idea (of what defines chili), but the reason why we don’t allow beans in chili is number one: real Texas chili has always been known as meat and the sauce with peppers,” Hanco*ck said. “Beans don’t come into play at the cook-off because if our judges are trying to determine a taste, beans are a dominant flavor and we wouldn’t get the pure chili taste.”
Kent Finlay, the late singer and songwriter, was passionate about the Texas chili legacy, as apparent in his song “If you know Beans about Chili... you know Chili has no Beans.” According to Kent, "If you know beans about chili, you know it didn't come from Mexico. Chili was God's gift to Texas or maybe it came from down below. And chili doesn't go with macaroni, and darned Yankees don't go with chili queens; so if you know beans about chili, you know that chili has no beans."
Maybe I’ve seen too many Westerns, but didn’t cowboys put beans in their chili? The answer is yes.
According to the Chili Appreciation Society International, Texas chili has a long history beginning with "Chili Queens" who operated on Military Plaza in San Antonio from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. These enterprising women specialized in a meat dish known as "Chili Con Carne," highlighting the combination of chili peppers and beef. Naturally, frijoles (beans) were offered as a customary side dish.
The proliferation of chili across Texas and the nation can be linked to the cattle drives of the mid to late 19th century. Chili became a staple food in chuck wagons during these drives, as native peppers and onions were abundant along the trails. Cowboys would often mix the chili and beans together on a tin plate.
So where did the no-bean rule come from?
The first recorded chili contest was conducted on Oct. 4, 1952, at the State Fair of Texas. But the contest rules stipulated no beans. Joe E. Cooper, author of a book on chili called, With or Without Beans, was named chairman of the contest.
“One purpose of the contest is to restore chili’s lost prestige in things gastronomic,” Cooper said. “The noble institution of a bowl of chili must not be abandoned to perish on the vine. Real, sure-enough Texas-style chili must have the strength to chin itself and possess the authority of a Marine buck sergeant.”
So really, beans or no beans — it really doesn’t matter unless you’re entering a competition (even in Texas!). If you want to stick to the traditional route go for no beans. But if you want to fuel your inner cowboy throw those beans in there, I won’t judge you. And if you’re feeling really wild, make some gooey cinnamon rolls to eat with it.
This article was originally published on Nov. 16, 2023.
FAQs
If you go pretty much anywhere in Texas you will find chili ingredients simple and rarely differing: meat, sauce, peppers and spices. Carol Hanco*ck, President and CEO of the International Chili Society, told Texas Living there is a specific reason why Texas chili contains no beans: it's tradition.
Why doesn't Texas use beans in chili? ›
No-beans side argue that beans distract your mouth from the beef and spices that chili is supposed to showcase. Texans in particular are likely to reject beans; in fact, the no-bean version is often referred to as Texas chili.
Does real Texas chili have beans in it? ›
What primarily distinguishes Texas chili from other chili recipes you might find is a lack of beans, but it also doesn't feature any tomatoes. It is, largely, a ground beef dish that's seasoned with a spicy chili paste made of dried peppers.
Do Mexicans put beans in their chili? ›
"In Mexico, chili is made from vegetables, including various chili peppers, and seasonings. Chili con carne (with meat) has meat added, and chili beans have beans. We in the U.S. have generalized chili to mean almost anything with chili powder in it.
Where did the chili without beans come from? ›
The first recorded chili contest was conducted October 4, 1952 at the State Fair of Texas. The contest was labeled as a world championship chili contest and the rules stipulated no beans. Joe E. Cooper, author of a definitive book on chili called, “With or Without Beans”, was named chairman of the contest.
How do Texans feel about beans in chili? ›
Not universally, but many Texans today tend to eschew beans and even tomatoes in their chili con carne.
Did cowboys put beans in chili? ›
It was cowboys who brought beef to the dish, but those same cowboys also kept beans in it. According to the Chili Appreciation Society International, chili's spread throughout Texas and other parts of the country began with cattle drives in the mid 19th century.
What state does not put beans in chili? ›
Beans in chili? Not if you're from Texas! While some people claim that chili can be made with a variety of ingredients—including beef and bean chili, chipotle chicken chili, or dare we say veggie chili—anyone from the Lone Star State would argue that traditional chili simply does not contain beans.
Are beans in chili a southern thing? ›
For the most part, it's a geographical thing. In Texas, chili without beans is the norm. This sentiment is carried throughout many southern states. However, hop on the interstate and head north and you'll find that many kitchens will be cooking up pots of chili exclusively with beans.
What is the difference between Texas chili and Colorado chili? ›
So how do they differ? Well, besides the different chile peppers used, Texas chili is traditionally made without tomatoes, though you will find them in chile colorado. Likewise, fillers are verboten in Texas chili yet potatoes are welcome in chile colorado.
Food historians speculate that chili originated in Texas-Mexico border towns and spread north. In the 1880s San Antonio's downtown was famous for Hispanic outdoor vendors called "chili queens." At Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition Texas-style chili was popular, and at St.
What beans do Mexicans eat the most? ›
Pinto beans are one of the most common types of beans and considered to be one of the most popular for northwestern Mexico and the United States.
What beans do Hispanics use? ›
One of the most common beans to be serve in a lot of Mexican dishes is refried beans. You can find both black and pinto refried beans. However, pinto beans are the most common. Even though they are called refried beans, they are not fried.
Should Texas chili have beans? ›
An authentic Texas Chili, or chili con carne, will not have beans. Simple answer. When this recipe/dish originated, there were no beans, no onion, no tomato added. There was a concern that it would resemble a stew and not a chili.
Why do Texans eat chili without beans? ›
If you go pretty much anywhere in Texas you will find chili ingredients simple and rarely differing: meat, sauce, peppers and spices. Carol Hanco*ck, President and CEO of the International Chili Society, told Texas Living there is a specific reason why Texas chili contains no beans: it's tradition.
What is a fun fact about Texas chili? ›
Chili con carne was introduced to America by the "Chili Queens," women who served food in San Antonio's Military Plaza as early as the 1860s. Chili stands were also common in Galveston and Houston; they were the taco trucks of the 1800s. Tamales with chili was the most common order--beans were often added.
Do Southerners put beans in chili? ›
Traditionally, chili combines ground or coarse-chopped beef (or other meat), dried red chili powder, onion, garlic, some liquid, and sometimes comino, oregano, beef suet, tomato, and masa (finely ground corn meal) to thicken. Texas-style chili has no beans. Southerners and Midwesterners generally add beans.
What is the difference between Cincinnati chili and Texas chili? ›
While the two dishes both have "chili" in the name and include beef and spices, the similarities pretty much end there. Texas chili is served as a standalone stew and never includes beans, while Cincinnati chili is more gravy-like and freeform. Here are the key differences between the two, explained.
