The Secret Behind the Perfect Texas Chili (Without Beans!)

(KHLA - Texas) - When most people think of chili, they imagine a big bowl of thick, spicy stew filled with meat, tomatoes, and beans. But if you’re in Texas, you might get a different kind of chili, one without a single bean in sight.

That’s because real Texas chili is all about the meat and spices. Let’s dive into why true Texas chili is bean-free and how it’s different from other chili recipes.

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What Is Texas Chili?

Texas chili, also known as chili con carne (which means "chili with meat" in Spanish), is a rich, meaty dish made with chunks of beef, spicy peppers, and a mix of seasonings. It’s usually cooked low and slow so the flavors can blend together. Unlike other chili recipes, Texas chili doesn’t use beans, pasta, or other fillers.

Why No Beans In Texas Chili?

The reason goes back to the history of Texas cooking. In the 1800s, cowboys and ranchers made chili on the open range. They only used what they had, usually tough cuts of beef and dried spices like chili powder and cumin. Beans were harder to find and took a long time to cook over a fire. So, the original chili didn’t have them.

As time passed, Texans started to believe that adding beans covered up the true flavors of the meat and spices. To this day, many Texans say real chili never has beans. In fact, some chili cooking contests in Texas don’t even allow beans in the recipe.

How Is Texas Chili Different From Other Chilis?

Most chili recipes you’ll find in other states or restaurants are made with ground beef, tomatoes, and lots of beans like kidney or pinto beans. They might also include extras like corn, bell peppers, or even noodles. These versions are tasty in their own way, but they aren’t traditional Texas chili.

Texas chili usually uses chunks of beef (like chuck roast), not ground meat. It’s also thicker and doesn’t have as much tomato. The main flavors come from dried chili peppers, spices, and the slow-cooked beef.

How Do You Eat Texas Chili?

Texans enjoy their chili in a lot of different ways. It’s great by itself in a bowl, poured over cornbread, or served on top of hot dogs (called a "chili dog"). Some people even sprinkle cheese and onions on top, though purists might skip the extras to focus on the bold flavors.

Texas chili is a delicious part of the state’s food history. Its rich, spicy flavor comes from simple, bold ingredients, and no beans. The next time you hear someone argue about whether beans belong in chili, you’ll know the tasty truth about Texas chili traditions.

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