Win Your Chili Cook-Off: 6 Championship Chili Recipes Article

Jamie

Apr. 22, 2012 2:31 pm

I win all the time with "It's Chili by George" - awesome recipe I found on this site!!

BPEK

Apr. 22, 2012 4:06 pm

I've won a few w/ my special chili w/ prunes in it....

David Lancaster

May 4, 2012 3:29 am

All of the recipes for chili contain beans, CASI rules for chili would not permit beans, most all the chili cookoffs that give out trophies and blue ribons are usually under CASI rules. All the recipes I've seen are tailgate type chili......

mr.smith

May 4, 2012 4:00 am

Are there any recipes on this site that don't contain beans?

stonewall kitchen

May 4, 2012 4:03 am

You are correct, they must have been blue ribbons cut from construction paper from the local nursery school.

Mickey T

May 4, 2012 4:29 am

Why the hate? Folks offering up Good chile recipes. Beans or not. Geesh........,

retcop

May 4, 2012 4:35 am

A chili dish with beans in not real chili. It's beans and meat in a tomatoe sauce. Real chili has NO beans.

rickm28inil

May 4, 2012 5:13 am

Agree Mickey T, why the hate? Don't like beans? Don't use 'em! These are delicious recipes.

RickTexan

May 4, 2012 5:27 am

If you want beans in your chili, in Texas we prefer pintos to kidney beans - give it a try.

BertnErdle

May 4, 2012 6:06 am

Oh enough.......beans or no beans it's chili. Go away Chili snobs! If you don't want to use beans....leave them out :-)

Doug

May 4, 2012 6:08 am

Adding beans to chili is a matter of personal taste. What part of eliminating the beans to suit YOUR taste do all the critics not understand?

gramgun

May 4, 2012 6:08 am

Many of the comments here are talking about competition chili not containing beans. This is true. If you want to try a really good recipe that I have made many times, try the Award Winning Cin Chili recipe...this recipe can be found on the web at www.cinchili.com.

Texasgardener

May 4, 2012 6:12 am

I don't mind beans in my chili but when a recipe includes "add a can of chili beans" or add a jar of "salsa" then that's not cooking. Fresh tomatoes, onions and peppers and beans prepared the slow simmer way add real flavor, without the sugar and salt that is added to canned products, to a good chili.

grillsergeant

May 4, 2012 6:14 am

Just good chili contains beans. And for the record, yes early (pre 20th century) recipes called "chili" did not typically include beans but usually just said meat. However, beans were often used as meat when meat wasn’t available or to stretch what meat there was. So even though the purists decry any beans in their beloved broth and despite what CASI zealots think, beans have and will continue to be included in chili. I personally like both varieties and I call them both chili.

DR Crowley

May 4, 2012 6:21 am

No hate or zealotry here, just plain and simple. Chili does not have beans. I can call a chicken a trout, but me calling it that doesn't make the chicken a trout. Once you put beans in a recipe, it is no longer chili and if you call it chili you are wrong. Would any of you appreciate it if I posted a wonderful recipe for baked trout that only used chicken?

DCDenise

May 4, 2012 6:22 am

Chili without beans (in my east-coast-living opinion), is for hot dogs. Chili is not a big deal in my area as we are know most for our blue crabs (Maryland). But when we do have it as just chili, its with beans and crackers and sometimes I put it over rice.

garlicmama

May 4, 2012 6:24 am

I too like both types. I was lucky enough several years ago to be a judge at a CASI chili cookoff. What an event. Very strict rules on what you can use. Anyway you like it have fun and bon appetito!!

sglddy

May 4, 2012 6:33 am

Chili with beans is a travesty. Who came up with that idea? My chili, having been perfected over 40 years, has never lost in a competition. And guess what, NO beans.

John

May 4, 2012 6:37 am

What if you are a veggie? We have to cater for veggies and our chilli sometimes doesn't contain meat. Sad I know as I love my meat. We also have a 'veggie' cassoulet here in France but some people argue about that as well. Just eat!

Mklade

May 4, 2012 6:50 am

As a CASI cook and my wife being a Texas Ladies State Champion(2008)No Beans is the rule. Try serving Frijoles ala Charra on the side. Also, remember the differences between "competition" chili and "eat'n" chili.

Chet

May 4, 2012 7:02 am

I laughed and thought these bean hating people were crazy. I have never heard of chili without beans. I guess things are different on the east coast (New Jersey). Very strange to think of chili as just meat and sauce. Sounds like something I would put over pasta. lol

phoenixsimone

May 4, 2012 7:03 am

I need some of you guys to get a life...seriously. I don't eat meat, therefore I only eat chili with beans...yes I just called it chili. Some times will waste time and energy to argue about senseless topics. Do we really need a thread dedicated to the "true" definition of chili? Absolutely not!

LindaRae1949

May 4, 2012 7:14 am

Texans should get sepatate from the US...lol! I am a 62 yr old lady from Calif and Oregon and now AZ and all my life my chili included beans and meat.

LindaRae1949

May 4, 2012 7:18 am

"separate"

spykat

May 4, 2012 7:28 am

There are, however, certain facts that one cannot overlook. The mixture of meat, beans, peppers, and herbs was known to the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayan Indians long before Columbus and the conquistadores.

shadow51

May 4, 2012 7:34 am

Not sure where you people are from, but it is NOT chili without the beans....it is chili SAUCE...or meat sauce..like what goes on hotdogs!!!

MisterPaul711

May 4, 2012 7:40 am

As a child my mom always made chili with beans, and Chili peppers which for all the Chili snobs is where Chili got its name. Chili peppers are the main ingredient and as long as the peppers are in the dish it's Chili.

sooner woman

May 4, 2012 7:40 am

Question...Why is the Boilermaker Tailgate Chili not one of the TOP chili recipes? It's the BEST I have ever had/made...And this is coming from an Oklahoma Sooner Fan!

Pete

May 4, 2012 7:51 am

no bean chili is "Yankee Chili" try a visit to South Texas for a real chili treat. Oh! I forgot, y'all put relish on hot dogs....down here we use "Yankee Chili!

TC Schave

May 4, 2012 7:51 am

Here's a shout-out to all the haters, coming from the Mid-West, my mom puts elbow macaroni in her CHILI. She also puts kidney beans in it. And YES, I still call it chili.

sooner woman

May 4, 2012 7:54 am

oops!!! I scrolled down to fast! My winner is #2 on the list. YAY!!!

Susan

May 4, 2012 7:57 am

So - what do you call chili if you put beans in it? It has to have a name, right?? I can't believe all these comments - seriously!

jxkim89

May 4, 2012 8:06 am

this is a casi chili competetion.. its an site where you share recipes not casi winning award recipes u twats

jolynn

May 4, 2012 8:07 am

facts are that chili is both with and without beans. The type of competitive chili contests like in TX are no meat BUT there are many contests that include chili with beans! I make both depending on my mood and who I am feeding. Yes vegetarian chili is still a chili and unfortunately people get too caught up on the "version" they believe in. I have won contests both ways with my recipes, and on the comment the ribbons were cut out of construction paper I hate to tell you that is untrue but then again some people should get out more and realize their way is not the only way!

crs4daz

May 4, 2012 8:16 am

@TC Schave, we call that chili-mac :) I think chili with or without beans is great. without beans for hot dogs or over spaghetti like they do in Cincinatti. Who cares what it is called in whatever part of the country as long as whatever you make is yummy to you :) smile, life is too short to argue about chili.

Larry Vanover

May 4, 2012 8:22 am

"Anyone who knows beans about chili knows that real chili has no beans..."

Marilyn Clay

May 4, 2012 8:22 am

Sigh. The internet is rife with know-it-alls, even on a page that just wants to provide new ways for us to cook The negative aspect of the internet is that powerless people seem to love to give their opinion about every topic on the face of the earth, as if no one else could possibly know as much as they do. The recipes look great, I think I'll try one! Thanks!

Jeff B

May 4, 2012 8:25 am

Wow! There must be some serious chili aficionados offering up their passionate opinions online today... or a bunch of Friday morning drunks. I like good chili too.... but seriously, life is too short - so get one.

Super-k

May 4, 2012 8:29 am

The correct name for chili with beans is Chili Concorde. So why all the fuss? Anyone who cooks chili should know the difference.

Jeff B

May 4, 2012 8:33 am

What!?

Moleson

May 4, 2012 8:35 am

Not so about the beans. Real chili DOES contain beans. I love all these recipes...thanks to all who submitted and please ignore the negative comments.

Redbeard

May 4, 2012 8:39 am

This discussion is very much like the one about clam chowder. New England style or New York they are both called chowder. The debate over whether the New York red style is really a chowder, is the same as whether Chili with beans is really chili. Look, this is America and we can have our chili both ways with beer or whiskey. lol

dunedalarc

May 4, 2012 8:42 am

if anyone knows beans about chili then they would know chili has no beans. Period

Jeff B

May 4, 2012 8:44 am

Why don't we toss white chili into the mix to stir it up even more? :>)

Elizabeth

May 4, 2012 8:44 am

I agree with Jamie..."Chili by George". Ive even made it with soy beef for my vegetarian family members and they cant get enough!!

Jeff B

May 4, 2012 8:45 am

what is soup?

ladyliberty1

May 4, 2012 8:48 am

Well, I love chili with or without BEANS! I personally make turkey chili with 6 different kinds of beans and it is delicious. My family and friends love it and thats all that matters...

skmolina

May 4, 2012 8:51 am

I'm with "Jamie" - I've had so many requests for my "It's Chili by George" recipe found right here on this site.

sas1162

May 4, 2012 9:13 am

Come on folks. This is the dumbist thing I have seen. Who cares beans or no beans. I dont care about some stupid org. that say no beans. Make it the way you want. Thank the sas

vafryar

May 4, 2012 9:14 am

Super-k is correct - chili with beans (at least "down South") is Chili Con Carne and it is eaten in a bowl with a little cheese sprinkled on top and crackers. Without beans is "chili" and is used as a topping for hot dogs and hamburgers. If you order a burger or a hot dog "all the way" in this area, that means - chili, slaw, mustard & onions! YUMMY!!!

John

May 4, 2012 9:15 am

If you know beans about chili, you know that chili has no beans.

PanGlobe

May 4, 2012 9:21 am

The one thing ALL Blue Ribbon Chili Chefs AGREE upon is: Don't mix in the Cumin until just a few minutes before serving; COOKING Cumin destroys its flavor! Try it, you'll see! ;-)

Urbangange

May 4, 2012 9:22 am

All these recipes look great. I love chili but I am looking for a good chili recipe using chicken - one without tomatoes or tomatoe sauce. Unfortunately, for health reasons, need to find alternatives. Also, need a good vegetarian recipe as well. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hungryman

May 4, 2012 10:05 am

Chili without beans doesn't sound like much of a meal, more like a condiment. I suppose if you put it on top of something, like a hot dog or burger it would be OK. I think it's pretty funny how upset all dung farmers get though.

JeanB

May 4, 2012 10:57 am

In the west - Oregon and California, we have our Chili Beans and love 'em. Served over corn bread or with sour cream & onions and cheese on top - or not. But with beans.

GeeGee

May 4, 2012 11:08 am

John if you know diddly about chili you know it also doesn't use ground meat. Food is a personal thing, make it the way you like it and don't forget to add a bottle of beer. If you want to learn about chili then head to Willie Nelson's chili cook off, you'd be surprised what people put in chili.

laylabee

May 4, 2012 11:12 am

Who cares? Why is there even a discussion about beans or no beans? Make it the way you want and call it what you want. Life is too short.

Ejlafran

May 4, 2012 1:21 pm

if it has beans in the chili, it AIN'T Chili.

Ejlafran

May 4, 2012 1:22 pm

If you go to Willie's they are all so high on Pot, they would not know the difference.

lance

May 4, 2012 1:22 pm

All these Recipes and not a Chilli among them. This it all the stuff from Cincinati that they serve over pasta.. NO TOMATOes in Real Chilli Ever Please . Sorry but I feel very strongly about my Chilli , my bowl of RED.. ok I have vented now how about good real Chilli Recipes. How about Navaho Chilli now there is a treat.. I prefer made with Lamb (not ground) not Mutton dried New Mexico Chillies, Cumin, Mexican Oregano, Garlic if you got it. Thicken with MASA .Beans Ya , but on the side, pinto usually but any you like will work.

zoonosis

May 4, 2012 1:57 pm

For beanless chili, try the Cincinnati chili recipes. They don't have beans and are DELICIOUS!

Oldguy

May 4, 2012 2:46 pm

Glad we got that all straightened out. Allways wondered about it. Now I know, chili like beauty is in the......

peppermom

May 4, 2012 3:26 pm

Can anyone suggest a good hotdog chili

biged00200

May 4, 2012 3:36 pm

For a historical perspective on this dialogue, in the US, Chili was introduced (to us Anglos, at least)by 19th Century street vendors in San Antonio, Texas, known as "Chili Queens." Their chili never contained beans and also was never ground beef but small cubes of what we would today call roasts or even steaks. As someone else pointed out in this thread, chuckwagon cooks on round-ups and cattle drives used whatever they had on hand and that was often just beans. Knowing Texans, I doubt that chili made of just beans went over very well compared to chili made with beef. This is exactly where I suspect the Texas' aversion to beans in chili originated. To those who say that true chili "must" contain beans, I must respectively say that you don't know beans about true chili. True Texas style chili is an awesome dish and many Texans actually add separately cooked beans to their chili. But, I also agree with the comment that decried adding a can of chili beans or salsa to your chili.

Reuster

May 4, 2012 7:26 pm

Ok. Chili in competition has no beans. These recipes were for "Winning Chili Recipes". If it's a work competition, fine. But if it's a real chili competition., having a chili with beans will get you laughed out of the state. So, please if you like beans go ahead, but for the people who can't imagine chili without beans... imagine a chili with ground beef, ground pork, and chunks of sirloin. Pure awesome.

ckreestone

May 5, 2012 6:13 am

I learned something new here. I had no idea that original authentic chili had no beans. I thought all chili had beans in it. I was glad to see DAVID LANCASTER point out what the official rules for CASI chili contest were. I had no idea there was such a thing. Of course I will continue to make my chili with some sort of beans in it as this is what myself and my family prefer. Comments or no comments people will also continue to make their chili the way they prefer. No need for nasty comments either way. However, due to so many different preferences to beans, sites should also offer recipes both with beans and without given this issue, especially since the original version for chili, cookoffs and contests are usually done without beans. Offer both award winning versions.

Bellerophon

May 5, 2012 7:22 am

Don't be intimidated by the Chili Appreciation Society International! Go to the CASI website sometime, and peruse the listings of winning chili recipes over time. You'll find that they all contain (nearly) exactly the same ingredients! Not a natural onion in sight, not a clove of garlic...they all use onion and garlic powder! Hunt's canned tomato sauce seems to be the favorite, and most include Sazon Goya, which is mainly monosodium glutamate. The chief differentiation appears to be that the cooks divide up their spices, and add them in "dumps" at different times during the process. In my opinion, CASI is about as phony as the baloney gets.

terry

May 5, 2012 11:30 am

The best chili I ever ate had more of a brown color to it and I don't know if that flavor was the peppers or the seasonings I just wish I could find a recipe like that. Had to use a spoon, but the broth part was not very thin

Tasha

May 5, 2012 11:31 am

WHEW! That was exhausting. I love this site, because I often get great pointers from individuals who have tried the recipe before I make it myself...and because there is very little bickering.

terry

May 5, 2012 11:33 am

I think it may have been more like the chili Lance is talking (venting):) about.

Tasha

May 5, 2012 11:55 am

lol :)

Chef Ronnie

May 5, 2012 3:57 pm

In Canada, chili con carni is with beans, regular and kidney. We throw celery, green peppers, all sorts of spices, and always meat and tomatoes. There really are no rules except what you like in there similar to soup. Funny though how upset people get over cooking, really who cares except whomever is enjoying the meal.

biged00200

May 5, 2012 5:08 pm

You know, I frankly don't care what other people like or don't like. However, chili originated in Texas with Hispanic origins. It is a specific dish, just as much as ice cream, gelato, or meatloaf. The Spanish name, chili con carne, literally means chilies with meat. If you want beans, you should actually call your dish chili con frijoles! Of course, this is one example of why I believe in trying whatever dishes are popular/famous where you are visiting. But, on the other hand, I can not imagine trying Mexican food, including chili, outside of the southwest! A few years ago, the ONLY restaurant in this tiny town in Montana where we happened to be at lunchtown was a taco place. Reluctantly, since we were hungry and were about two hours away from the next real town, we decided to try their tacos, using the rationale, "after all, how can you screw up tacos?" Sadly, we found the answer to that question and let me know that my original philosophy of sticking to "local" dishes is th

Madamphoebe

May 5, 2012 5:21 pm

Wow I never thought I'd get so much entertainment from reading about chili with or without beans. Most things evolve, including recipes but the name doesn't necessarily. I love chili with or without beans and am thankful for the recipes provided. I'm also grateful we have a chili cook off every yea where there are about 20 different ones to try in which some also include beans, beer or even tequila. Best of all is the company you get to enjoy your food with

john

May 5, 2012 6:54 pm

I made the boilermaker tailgate chili last night and had it again for lunch today, danda22151 your recipie won the cookoff in my place aswell my 15yo son is asking to have it again and I loved it myself thank you. John

Marsha

May 5, 2012 10:53 pm

Well, I hate to be the one to change the topic of beans or no beans...but how about those of us who like pasta in our chili? I still add the beans and throw about a cup of elbow macaroni in the mix, and yes, I still call it chili! And it's still good!

Brenda

May 6, 2012 5:28 am

I use small chili beans but smash them with a potato masher because my family doesn't like beans too well. They love my chili though. Smashing the beans makes the chili thicker too.

TJohnson

May 6, 2012 5:38 am

Food snobs make me nuts! Stay off the website with your high fallutin' snottiness. Sheesh! Love to make chili-- ALL kinds--- in fact, it's never really the same twice. Thanks for the interesting tips--like don't add the cumin until the end. Can't wait to try it. For those vegetarians out there, there's a Quinoa Chili recipe on the website that's pretty darn tasty.

TJohnson

May 6, 2012 5:49 am

@lance---- If you feel so strongly about your bowl of red, then how about a recipe for "The Best and Only Chili Recipe Ever" ?? I'm serious--- and that goes for the rest of you who seem to have a lot of judging going on. Put your stuff out here on the website so we can try it.

Mr.Joe

May 6, 2012 7:21 am

Mr. Smith you can probably omit the beans if you don't want them in your chili really don't think it would make a big difference , but there is another chili recipe that is call the best chili ever.

d lite

May 6, 2012 10:12 am

wow all the rules... casi isn't the only game in town

Chef Ronnie

May 6, 2012 12:38 pm

When it comes to any food, it does likely depend on how you ate it all the years growing up. I also have been entertained by the difference, I try not to judge anothers recipe, without beans seems boring but likely tastes good too, whatever the case, I would love if people threw some lighter humor instead of being so serious, we got lots to worry about without fighting over recipes, right? I suppose the recipe without beans does put less gas into the enviroment, perhaps you win on that count?

Ruth Mac

May 6, 2012 12:42 pm

Well, I hate to let ya'll down but as a GOOD SOUTHERN COOK that's been makin' chili for almost 70 years, chili that you eat topped with onions, cheese and eat with crackers has BEANS. Chili that you top nachos, hot dogs and tamales with has NO BEANS. It isn't a main dish it's a topping. Chili isn't made with ground meat of any kind and doesn't have pre-packaged anything in it. CASI ISN"T GOD. I don't imagine I'll ever bother to enter one of their contests or even attend an event because their making toppings, not chili.

Boilermaker Special

May 6, 2012 5:33 pm

Love the Boiler tailgate chili. It is by FAR the best of these winners. As for you "no beans" degenerates, perhaps you should direct your energy to supporting a like minded person: Sarah Palin.

Mace

May 6, 2012 7:16 pm

Jeez, who let let all of these self proclaimed chili experts in here? Get over it people, these are only chili recipes. If you dont want beans dont use them.

SLGNY

May 7, 2012 5:55 am

Do I have to eat chili without beans beacuse Texans perfer it that way, or can I eat what I like best? I think it's a matter of each persons own taste!

Miss Andie

May 7, 2012 11:31 am

SLGNY, you don't have to eat Texas chili without beans, lol! Eat the way you prefer it! I think alot of these comments come from people from different parts of the country eating their type of regional chili. I wish people would say what state they are from, would make it easier and more fun to identify who likes what in their state. Anyway, yes, original chili in Texas is without beans but there are plenty of real Texans who put beans in their chili including me! But down here we typically use pinto beans.

Linda M.

May 7, 2012 11:42 am

wow! Look at these comments! All of this is a regional thing. I believe all recipes differ from state to state or north/south/ etc.etc. It's ALL chili people....eat it your way & leave everyone else to do the same. My favorite chili recipe isn't even made with ground beef.It's made with beef chunks,such as stew meat. WOW! There's no beans in it either,but the chili I make for the family the most has beans & ground meat AND sausage. SO what does a gal like me do? What ALL of the haters commenting should do......get a life & eat it any way you want. Or ALL ways,like me. It's that beautiful full moon bringin' out of the woodwork!

dkansas

May 7, 2012 5:17 pm

"To each his own." In a CASI competition, follow the rules. At a non CASI cookoff use whatever ingredients you like. I'm originally from Kansas and my grandparents had a restaurant in Wichita specializing in barbeque and chili(without beans)which I grew up on. I personally prefer beans.

Carrie

May 7, 2012 8:24 pm

I have made "Flatlander Chili" many times. I absolutely LOVE it!! Usually I follow the recipe but sometimes I don't add quite as much tomato juice. Just depends on my mood. I have even tripled the recipe and made it in a huge electric roaster and froze it to have on hands and it freezes quite well!! YUMMY!!

SRSABIEJR

May 8, 2012 3:17 am

ACTUALLY, all you "no beans in chili" don't know it all. Way back when you weren't even a twinkle in your great great great great grandad's eye, and there were real rustlers and wranglers, and gravy trains, guess what, chili, as you like to refer to it today, was a soup that was a mixture of beans and meat, and chili powder, a stable staple, was added to it for flavor, along with salt and what ever else was available. It wasn't until the CASI came along and said no fillers (beans, corn, tomato, etc). So there!

Randy

May 8, 2012 12:42 pm

Too bad all of the recipes featured beans. I prefer a Texas chili without the beans

jk2611

May 9, 2012 10:49 am

I cannot believe this... making such a fuss about putting beans in chili or not. What difference does it make? Make it the way you like it and call it chili. lol

jackal9

May 11, 2012 2:56 pm

If it doesn't have beans it's not chili it's just some kinda meat soup wanna be!! I've tryed some of the award winning no bean chili, sorry it sucked!!

C1PNR

May 11, 2012 6:20 pm

I really like a good bowl of Chili, or Chile as I like to call it since most of the real flavor comes from your choice of chiles. And I prefer to cube up some chuck, venison, sirloin, or buffalo (Bison to the purists). I usually add beans to mine just before serving, pintos usually, but could be Anasazi, Kidneys, whatever. It's all good, and since none of us were around back in the day, who knows for sure where and with what chile originated. I've heard it was made to feed prisoners in the local jail with the cheapest, read toughest, cut of meat around. Again, who knows? I like it a lot of different ways, and I'll bet the snobs have a fit when they hear about the Cincinnati version of chile. ;)

kate

May 12, 2012 6:56 pm

Can I suggest you leave the beans out and add more meat?

biged00200

May 20, 2012 12:14 pm

CIPNR, the origin of chili as we know it is widely attributed to Mexican street vendors in San Antonio in the Nineteenth Century. Although they undoubtedly took inspiration from similar dishes in their culture, they are credited with developing chili as we know it. And, their names for the dish should answer the bean issue once and for all. It was chili con carne, meaning chili pepper with meat. It was not named chili con carne y frijoles!

biged00200

May 20, 2012 12:18 pm

Kate, you certainly have the right idea. I've no idea where you are from but the Casa Del Rio Mexican Restaurant on the River in San Antonio serves a classic chili you would love. Big ol' chunks of meat fork tender in a savory chili based sauce. It is awesome!

Sue K

Jun. 3, 2012 6:33 pm

Look in the canned food isle at the grocery store. They sell chili in cans with or without beans. I guess no one told them they can't do that. I have seen it made with beer too. Should I eat it out of a mug?

sgiboney

Jun. 25, 2012 10:10 am

My favorite chili recipe from allrecipes.com is Touchdown-chili. My family loves it...

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/touchdown-chili/detail.aspx

bravo1972

Jul. 2, 2012 4:40 pm

beans or no beans that is the question? A chili by any other name is still a chili... LOL. People don't have a stroke who cares if it has beans or not.

Cathy

Jul. 20, 2012 7:25 am

These receipes looking interesting and I'm sure it took time and effort to come up with the flavors and preparations. For me, there's too many ingredients. I like less so it's easy and fast to prepare. Everybody has their thing.

Cathy

Jul. 20, 2012 7:30 am

Also my fav chili recipe is in Company's Company's book for microwave dishes and it's a bit hit everytime. I'd like to see some recipes for one. There are lots of singles, ya know. I don't mind servings for 8, 4, 2, I can do the math but how about recipes for 1. It's time.

rtcrum

Aug. 15, 2012 9:53 pm

Chili "con carne" is chili "with meat" which means somewhere in the past just plain chili didn't have meat. Mmmmm? Maybe that means beans came first.

Mklade

Sep. 9, 2012 10:32 am

Beans are not a CASI cooking category. Find beans at BBQ cook-offs! The BB cooking team consistently wins First Place Beans in BBQ Competition-Best Beans Ever! I like both Chili and Beans but not in the same bowl. Also, I don't like beans to taste like chili.

crystallatigo

Sep. 14, 2012 7:18 am

:)

Ang

Sep. 18, 2012 9:20 pm

Ok...so you people think beans in chili is a sin but it's ok to add celery?! Never in my life have I ever eaten chili with celery. The only time I leave beans out of my chili is when I am out of beano for the hubs.

Woody&CindyLou

Sep. 19, 2012 4:50 am

I grew up with a spicy soup with beans and meat that my Mom called chili. If those that cry it's not chili because of the beans want to come up with an alternative name, I have no problem with that. A "Bean Chili" by any other name, still tastes delicious!!

Fergie54

Sep. 19, 2012 4:55 am

PanGlobe,Thanks for the tip on the cumin, I wondered why I had to add so much in order to get the flavor I desired. No beans.

Mary

Sep. 19, 2012 4:59 am

I've read much of the comments above and I'm laughing. Seems that "Chili" is what's in the eye of the beholder...and...that's the way it should be. Whatever you love and your family will eat...should go into the pot. Could be meant...for "Concord"..macaroni for "Mac"No matter what, if it has lots of Chili Powder..it can be classified as Chili. And...who cares...you love it..family and friends love it...and you win contests. Yay!!!

rickwms

Sep. 19, 2012 5:01 am

I look at the ingredients in a recipe and if they look like something I like I cook it and then I eat it. Sometimes I like the recipes and sometimes I don't, but I try it first to decide. I like the recipes with beans more than just meat but I will eat it also. I use kidney or pinto in them when I use beans. Hopefully this is not breaking some imaginary rules somewhere and if I am, I will make sure not to go there.

Al Ewaldt

Sep. 19, 2012 5:26 am

I happen to like chili with beans-but I was also raised where elbow noodles were included in our chili-love it that way-your way is the way don't let snobs bully you!

heywally

Sep. 19, 2012 5:31 am

Thanks for the recipes! Fortunately for me, I love healthy and delicious beans and will be modifying some of these recipes to be meatless. They'll still have all of the other delicious ingredients though.

Howard

Sep. 19, 2012 6:08 am

I love you all, and sure your chills are great.

jgviolante

Sep. 19, 2012 6:54 am

Holy warm dog poop!!! Why is it that on every forum or chat list there are people that love controversy? Beans, no beans, give me a break, find something useful to do troublemakers. Thanks for the recipes, thanks for the laughs

bk

Sep. 19, 2012 7:17 am

Here in the Midwest we like beans and meat in our chili. My favorite restaurant chili is from Runza. Anyone have a recipe that comes close?

jimwatershed

Sep. 19, 2012 7:45 am

as more of a purist, i say no beans (in an ideal world), but then again i also side with the NL on the designated hitter rule. a question to those in the know, is it really the real thing if you use ground meat? And, are there any restrictions on the type of meat or game, and what about poultry? as for me i grew up on hamburger chili-mac with red kidney beans, and shutter just thinking about them. to me there's no worse bean in anything, but try telling that to my grandmother from Cincinnati. and yes, when you introduce pasta, you're closing in on hamburger helper territory. but really, the debate is the classic regional argument, and people wanting to preserve their heritage. i'm a southerner, so when somebody (always from up north) offers a glass of iced tea and it was powder two minutes prior, i have to try my hardest not to ask them how they managed to get out of the kitchen with the Kool-Aid man in there. and i know someone from Greece who says it isn't truly Greek food u

beverly

Sep. 19, 2012 8:00 am

this is an hysterical discussion. If I weren't dawdling with the stomach 'flu, I would never have waded through all of this tripe. Really! Enjoy your chili with or without. Allow others the same courtesy.

CookinLovin

Sep. 19, 2012 8:22 am

My family and I LOVE Debdoozie's Blue Ribbon Chili and it is the only chili recipe I have been using for the past year or so since I came across it on this site. I have tweaked it a bit, so it's not exactly the same but I did use her recipe as a base. It is wonderful and EVERYONE I've made it for agrees. I don't understand why some folks make silly distinctions about what is or is not REALLY chili. Sounds pretty snobbish to me. If you like something, you like it. We love Debdoozie's chili recipe so you can call it whatever you want to. Just don't call me late to dinner!!!

Bob

Sep. 19, 2012 9:07 am

Beans, beans, a musical fruit, the more you eat the more you toot. The more you toot, the better you feel. Then you are ready for another meal.

Mavrikiy

Sep. 19, 2012 9:09 am

Going to the source, "Chili" contained peppers..."Chili con carne" had meat. If you call your recipe chili, I am willing to read the entire recipe to see if you included meat...or beans.

Karla Cooks

Sep. 19, 2012 9:24 am

"True beans," CookinLovin. These comments have provided my entertainment for the morning. I think I'll make chili for dinner tonight. I might even add garbanzo beans, just for spite.

Tebster

Sep. 19, 2012 9:31 am

I used the Boilermaker Tailgate Chili recipie as a base for my chili. I made some modificatons and additions. I just competed against 24 teams and won it all!! I am not fond of tons of beans either. I made a six gallons of chili for the contest and it was completely gone in 30 minutes!! How you prep your meat and vegetables is what makes or breaks your chili, not the beans.

shelly

Sep. 19, 2012 10:37 am

Weather they contain beans or not they are still good recipes!!!!!!

jess

Sep. 19, 2012 11:13 am

"Chile" is the sauce. Whwen you add meat it is "chile con carne'". When you add beans it is "Chile with beans".Chile has 2 stable ingredients tomatoes and chile (powdered or fresh)peppers, the rest is what ever you want. Because it tis a sauce you can put it on on in whatever you like.

firechef

Sep. 19, 2012 12:00 pm

Jess is absolutely correct. For you Chili Contest "Winners", you've not looked around. At every contest there is the "Without and With Beans" catagory. With beans style is called Homestyle Chili. I make both and my friends and customers at the Tavern rave about both styles and I usually make both in a couple of Rival 16qt roaster units. Only make it for Monday Night Football and when it's gone it's gone, usually within one hour. I have people bugging me to have it also on other days, but this has become a tradition. NO! I will NOT enter any "Contests", my customers have already told me that mine is the best they have ever tasted and NO! I will not divulge my recipe, maybe after my death, LOL!

Texsota

Sep. 19, 2012 1:31 pm

OK I'm from Texas, family has been there for many generations. Chili originated with the vaqueros, or mexican cowboys. Since you couldn't carry much food with you and they knew you needed hearty food, they carried little folded papers of spices in pockets made into their vests, even chocolate powders. They killed what meats were available put it into a pot over the fire, braised the meat, added water, spices, boiled it and ate it. it was armadillo, goat, pretty much any kind of meat, but preferrably beef. The carried little balls of tortilla dough and made them in the pan. they sometimes used the dough to thicken the chilli. They dried their spices so they would last on the trail. I tell you that in Texas, which was once part of Mexico and where chili began, out on the plains...there were no beans in chili. In Texas. we truly don't care how you eat your chili...just telling you how chili started and why. Had an ancestor who was one of the first Texas Rangers. It was rough out

Texsota

Sep. 19, 2012 1:36 pm

PS they began using dried peppers and tomatoes late 1700s or early 1800s. They were a very enterprising race of people, as were Texans or Texians.

YumYumsDelite

Sep. 19, 2012 1:40 pm

personally I don't care if beans are or aren't in the chili and all you haters just don't add beans then. It THAT SIMPLE!

getoveryourself

Sep. 19, 2012 2:39 pm

This is why I try not to read comments. This is small stuff not to be sweated. If I want to call what I make "chili" or "wood grouse", I will do it. Who CARES!?

Texsota

Sep. 19, 2012 4:21 pm

Ok Im new here....added the chili recipe, but have no idea where it is on this site. Public name=Texsota Texas Chili is recipe.

Texsota

Sep. 19, 2012 4:25 pm

oh....and yes, originally chili was the sauce, con carne is with meat and with beans is con frijoles, with macaroni...chiliMac. Over fritos, onions and covered with cheese is Frito Pie.

Texsota

Sep. 19, 2012 4:29 pm

mr. Smith....just added Texas Chili.....have no idea where to tell you to find it.

Texsota

Sep. 19, 2012 4:56 pm

Does it matter how you do the title? I put it as TEXAS CHILI...can't find the darn recipe...if you search on Texsota, perhaps it comes up on my site! If you are a chef, you will understand it. It is an old fashioned "by hand" recipe, meaning it has a base and instructions on how to make it "to taste"....

becci

Sep. 19, 2012 5:47 pm

I agree Jamie.."It's Chili By George" is one of my favorite recipes I have found here..

shrnrbrts12

Sep. 19, 2012 7:35 pm

A slight change of subject: my father-in-law made the best chili EVER!! It was his secret recipe and he carried it with him to the grave. I've been trying for 40 yrs. to duplicate it but haven't found the perfect chili yet. Please pass your recipes on to SOMEONE.

sandflea

Sep. 19, 2012 8:40 pm

Have any of you ever cooked for the International Chili Society? I have and "competition chili" does not have beans. SO WHAT! We don't usually serve competition chile to our family and friends for dinner. I much prefer my chili with beans unless I'm competing!

lisa_rochelle

Sep. 20, 2012 9:32 am

Beans are the best part of 'chili!' I am laughing so hard at all the comments on here. When my husband's Mexican family talks about chili they mean salsa. It still takes me off guard sometimes when I'm expecting some beans and get some salsa. :P

littlejudy

Sep. 20, 2012 9:52 am

Looking for new chili recipe to try. Didn't know I was entering a war zone, but did enjoy the fight! Thanks for tip about cumin.

chef flipper

Sep. 20, 2012 10:18 am

Really: Who care's what some thinks I am over 80 & I love grilling & I LOVE chili as I was born on a share cropping farm where rabbits was the best meat in the winter-Big swamp rabbits. My adopted family grew our vegs,yes beans in all of our meals & glad to get it. So if you don't like beans don't eat them. LOL

praetorian

Sep. 20, 2012 10:38 am

My comments are Friendly, please adont mis-understand. I do call chili with beans, sour cream cheese, and all other non-chili items "Chili-like substance". If I were to put beans in my chili at the competition, I would be dis-qualified...But thats becuase the competition is a Texas (and in my opinion the best) styled chili competition. I would only request one additional rule..and not of the chili itself, but more the judges...If a person is thinking about being a judge at a Texas style chili competition, and they think that Taco bell hot sauce is too spicey.. PLease sit this one out.

praetorian

Sep. 20, 2012 10:43 am

Ok. Here is my chili recipe for last year. Fresh Crushed Tomatoes, 10 serrano peppers, 20 Jalapenos, 5 ghost chilis, Cubed Chuck STeak, Onions, my home made chili powder, Garlic, Masa, Tomatillos. I actually cook the peppers and garlic in a little oil to get that heat flowin'. Smoke the meat over mesquite (i am off of meat now so that doesnt apply to me LOL) Get the tomatoes in a stock pot and get em going. Throw in a splash or 5 of Shiner Bock. About 2-4 hours give or take, and we are eating chii and more often than not, I am winning. I hope I didnt forget anything.

praetorian

Sep. 20, 2012 10:49 am

For my fellow chili lovers.. Hers is a link to a cool joke regarding chili judges. (some of the language is alittle dicey but its not sexual or overly profane) Here you go. 
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060825004511AAkS8XS

wiliz

Oct. 1, 2012 2:56 pm

I started to keep my spices in the freezer. Keeps flavor and pungency Especially on those you don't use a lot of.

Lynne Eggers

Jan. 23, 2013 5:08 am

I have made this chili several times and I agree, it is the BEST. A bit time consuming, but so worth it.

johns6

Jan. 23, 2013 6:00 am

I have been to a few CASI events. Boring. I grew up and still live in Texas and have eaten Chili all my life beans and no beans.

rbmidwest

Jan. 23, 2013 6:50 am

Chili was first made with tomato ,Peppers , etc. with BEANS, not meat. When meat was added it became "con carne". Both was are good for me. Beans were the available protein for he original developers. Meat was less available.

Painmantle

Jan. 23, 2013 7:06 am

Chili with Beans has a name...It's called Chili with beans" What a concept!!1 I prefer Chili in my Beans I like it straight up, I like it with macaroni, I like it with Cornbread,I like it with Rice I like it on Hot Dogs,I like it on Burgers I like Chili with cheese, sour cream, jalepenos, green onions Hell I'd probably like Chili on Pancakes but I haven't tried it that way yet!!! Can't we just all Love Chili for what it is? CHILI is the Food of the GODS!

Lesko at the Lake

Jan. 23, 2013 7:17 am

When I make chili con carne, that is what I use, chilies and beef. Nothing else. I use dried red chilies, boil them in water until they have been reconstituted, open them up and remove the seeds, and put them in a colander strainer to separate the chili from the skin for the sauce, and add the beef, sliced thin and browned with onion and garlic, a little salt and pepper, and simmer for a while.

Donna

Jan. 23, 2013 7:36 am

I have not meet a Chili without beans that is worth eating. So all you "Award Winning" cooks who cook without beans, why dont YOU provide your recipes to prove me wrong????

Nohiros

Jan. 23, 2013 8:02 am

Born and raised in the Southwest, I've eaten chili made with beans for 62+ years. If you don't like chili with beans, don't look down your long nose at those of us who do. Beans are an essential ingrediant in a LOT of authentic southwestern food.

Sukki

Jan. 23, 2013 8:54 am

Stop putting down the beans,it is what I love about Chili. I recently had chili at Chili's, the beans were missing and it just wasn't chili for me. Thanks Mom for giving me the great taste of beans in your Chili from which all chili recipes are judged.

fredtabor

Jan. 23, 2013 9:08 am

I've made it with beans and w/o beans. they both taste good. When I make my award winning chili I cook it in a crock pot all day. Put the crockpot in the fridge over night and plug it back in in the morning. A winner every time.

jlstcyr

Jan. 23, 2013 9:27 am

Never had an authentic chili recipe...we eat and enjoy our "chili" ala ground beef, onion, green pepper, tomato soup, red kidney beans and chili spice, and add pinto beans because we like them.

Suzie

Jan. 23, 2013 11:05 am

David Lancaster...I do agree with you. Also, all (except one) used a type of ground meat (hamburger and/or sausage). At least in my opinion, chili should be made with rump roast (or any form of roast in which the meat is cooked until tender using beer in that method of cooking). Then one adds lots of chili peppers, tomatoes (crushed, sauce and paste) and and your seasonings. My husband has made his chili in this way and won every contest he has entered. When he makes chili, it is usually a two to three day process....depending on the amount of meat he cooks.

mewp

Jan. 23, 2013 11:56 am

Some of the recipes are interesting, Check out 2 alarm chili. , you can find it on the Internet or just buy it. All you have to add it meat, more onions and a little salt. It's hot and after simmering for about 2 hours really tasty. It is even better the next day.The pictures of all these are rather runny. Good made with water or even better made with beer Add a little mesa to thicken it up.

Steve

Jan. 23, 2013 1:41 pm

I do like the idea of adding beer and corn masa to a chili dish. And coco/chocolate? Absolutely! And why not? It pairs perfectly with dried chili. If it works south of the boarder, why not up here? We like to add chocolate and dried cherries for another layer of flavor. Topped with fresh chopped onion, sour cream and shredded cheese and there you have it.

Dave G

Jan. 23, 2013 2:20 pm

I'm a bit disappointed that with so many recipes to choose frrom, not one was vegetarian. I would expect the preponderance to be meat based, but couldn't you find just one or two that skipped or replaced the meat?

laleduc

Jan. 23, 2013 4:52 pm

Believe it or not, I have a Starkist 'Tuna Chili Texas-Style' recipe and you can't tell you used tuna - we love it. We still make regular chile but this is nice to do for a change. It was in one of those little cookbooks you see at your checkout counter, and I was probably looking for a 'healthy'dish to make for one of my endless quests to lose weight. I haven't checked if you can get it on Starkist's site, but if anyone is interested, I can try and post it.

Bon Appetito

Jan. 24, 2013 2:42 am

Come on people be a cook and do it your way! If you don't like beans in your chili leave em out. If you don't like meat in yours leave it out. Recopies are not written in stone loosen up have fun with it. The wonderful thing about cooking especially something like chili almost anything goes. Turkey, beef, pork. lamb, goat, venison yes even beans.

Bon Appetito

Jan. 24, 2013 2:45 am

Kitchen Sink Chili The choice of meat is yours. Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey or other even venison works. If you want it moderately hot remove the seeds and membrane of the habanero peppers. If you like it hot leave them in. If you don't want the beans leave em out!!!http://allrecipes.com/personalrecipe/63394489/kitchen-sink-chili/detail.aspx

Tamara

Jan. 24, 2013 9:22 am

I agree with Jamie. The "It's Chili by George" recipe is amazing. Pretty much the Flatlander chili recipe shown here.

sam

Jan. 24, 2013 8:20 pm

No one makes better chili than a Texan makes. And we use no beans!!

Bon Appetito

Jan. 26, 2013 4:29 pm

Sorry sam lets chili down. My New York chili with beans is to hot to handle. But my cuz in Colorado makes a mean green chili so lets go it's time to chili down.

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