Chili with Beans or no Beans?

The decision to include beans in chili has been a matter of debate for decades. In some regions, such as Texas, traditional chili recipes often exclude beans, while in other parts of the country, such as the Midwest, beans are commonly included in the chili. Beans are famous for inducing a bit of gas so do keep that in mind.

Having provided that word of caution it’s worth noting beans can add texture, flavor, and nutrients to chili, as well as make it more filling and budget friendly. On the other hand, some people believe that the inclusion of beans detracts from the authenticity and flavor of the chili.

Ultimately, whether to include beans in chili is entirely up to you. Good or bad, my family is solidly in the chili con carne with beans camp and sometimes we fill corn or flour tortillas tacos with the beans, cheese, lettuce, avocado and sometimes sour cream.

Chili history

Cowboys are often associated with the origin and development of chili con carne, as they were known for their rugged outdoor lifestyles and often had to cook simple, hearty meals over an open fire.

Cowboys would often prepare chili con carne using beef or other meats that were readily available, along with chili peppers and spices for flavor. The dish was hearty, filling, and easy to prepare over an open fire, making it a popular choice for cowboys on the trail.

Over the decades Cowboys love for the dish helped to popularize it throughout the American West and the world.

Texas is often considered to be the birthplace of chili con carne, and it remains a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine. Traditional Texas-style chili typically includes beef, chili peppers, spices, and little else. It is often served without beans and is sometimes referred to as a “bowl of red.”

In other parts of the country, such as the Midwest and the East Coast, chili con carne is more likely to include beans and other ingredients, such as tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. These variations are often referred to as “chili with beans” or the over the top “chili mac” (chili served over macaroni).

Overall, chili con carne has become a beloved comfort food in many parts of the United States, and its popularity only continues to spread.

Here’s a tried and true Cowboy style Chili recipe:

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (15 ounce) can kidney (or pinto) beans

1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes

3 tablespoons of chili powder

1 pinch garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan stir ground beef and onion over medium heat until meat is browned and onion is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in tomato sauce, kidney beans, and stewed tomatoes with juice. Season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Try it with a cool, tall pint of Guinness. Giddeup!