Chili is a popular stew that is commonly made with meat, tomatoes, beans, and chili peppers. However, there is some debate around whether beans belong in chili or not. Some chili purists argue that true chili should not contain beans. So what do you call chili that is made without beans? There are a few different names used to refer to beanless chili.
Texas Red Chili
One of the most common names for chili without beans is Texas Red Chili. This name refers to the fact that traditional chili con carne recipes from Texas often do not contain beans. The first published chili con carne recipes from Texas in the late 1800s did not include beans.
Some reasons that beans were historically left out of chili in Texas include:
- Texas chili originated from Spanish and Mexican culinary traditions that did not typically use beans in chili.
- Beans were not as widely available in Texas when chili recipes were first being codified.
- Leaving beans out allowed the flavor of the chili peppers and meat to shine through more.
So chili made according to traditional Texas recipes contains chunks of meat cooked in a spicy gravy with chili peppers and is known as Texas Red Chili due to its reddish color. The lack of beans is seen by some chili advocates as part of what makes it authentic Texas chili.
Chili Con Carne
Another common term for chili without beans is chili con carne, which translates from Spanish to “chili with meat.” This refers to the tradition of chili being made primarily with meat before the addition of other ingredients like beans or tomatoes.
Some key points about chili con carne:
- It originated in San Antonio, Texas in the 1800s.
- It was introduced and popularized by Texan cowboys and cattle drivers.
- The cuisine of the Canary Islands, Spain is said to have influenced the dish’s seasonings.
- Traditional recipes call for chunks of beef simmered with hot peppers and spices.
- Variations sometimes include tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cumin.
- Beans and other ingredients got added in some recipes over time.
So for those who consider the meat to be the most important component, chili without beans is referred to as chili con carne.
Bowl of Red
Some chili aficionados refer to beanless chili as a “bowl of red” or “bowl of red chili.” This descriptive name simply indicates that the chili is red in color from the use of red chili peppers and possibly tomatoes.
A bowl of red is often used to distinguish the chili from versions containing beans or other visible ingredients beyond meat and the red cooking liquid. It emphasizes the simplicity of the classic bowl of red-hued chili.
Official State Dish of Texas
Texas Red Chili and chili con carne are often used interchangeably when referring to the official state dish of Texas.
In 1977, chili was designated as the official state dish of Texas. The resolution adopted by the state legislature specified that the chili did not contain beans or tomatoes. So the official state dish is a Texas-style red meat chili without beans.
This reinforces Texas’ historic claim on beanless chili recipes. For those who consider the traditional Texas version as authentic, the official state dish has no beans.
Competition Chili
In chili cooking competitions sanctioned by the International Chili Society and other organizations, beans are typically not allowed. Here are some reasons why:
- Beans are seen as changing the essential character and flavor of true chili.
- No beans provides a level playing field to judge chili recipes without variations.
- Beans make chili thicker, masking the sauce flavors.
- Meat and chili peppers should be the star ingredients.
So competition chili has come to mean a chili made according to a traditional Texas-style red chili recipe without beans. Competitors simply refer to their entries as chili.
Cincinnati Chili
An exception to the tradition of beanless chili is Cincinnati chili. This regional style of chili originated in the 1920s and typically contains a tomato base, spices like cinnamon and chocolate, as well as beans.
Some key facts about Cincinnati chili:
- It was created by Macedonian immigrant restaurateurs in Cincinnati.
- Beans, spaghetti, and other ingredients were adapted into the chili.
- A distinctive chili parlance emerged around ordering options.
- It is commonly served over spaghetti or hot dogs.
- Beanless options are referred to as “chili three-way” or “three-way chili.”
So while beans are a standard part of Cincinnati chili, you can order a bowl without beans by requesting a “three-way.”
Chili Verde
Another chili variety is chili verde, which originates from Mexican and New Mexican cuisine. It has a green color from the use of tomatillos or green tomatoes instead of red tomatoes.
Key aspects of chili verde include:
- Pork is the typical meat used.
- Tomatillos, green tomatoes, cilantro, and green chiles provide the green color.
- Onions, garlic, oregano, cumin, and jalapeños are common seasonings.
- Beans may be included but are not necessarily standard.
- It can be served on its own, with tortillas, over rice, or with eggs.
For those who want chili verde without beans, simply ordering it “without beans” is typical. Leaving the beans out maintains the traditional New Mexican version.
Chili Stew
Another name sometimes used for beanless chili is simply “chili stew.” This refers to the dish being a meat, pepper, and spice stew without any beans included.
Some key points on chili stew:
- It focuses on the stew-like technique of braising meat in chili flavored liquid.
- Tomatoes and chili purees help thicken the stew.
- Onions, garlic, cumin, and oregano add aromatic complexity.
- Chuck roast, beef shank, and pork shoulder work well as fatty meats.
- It can use traditional chili peppers or a simple chili powder blend.
Ordering a “chili stew” indicates a hearty meat and chili pepper-based stew without beans.
Traditional Chili
Some chili lovers simply refer to their beanless recipe as “traditional chili.” This implies that their version without beans is according to old, authentic ways of making chili before newer variations emerged.
Points that characterize traditional chili:
- It is made with chunks of beef as the meat base.
- The seasonings are limited to chili peppers, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- It lacks beans, tomatoes, unusual spices, or other modern additions.
- The focus is on the basic chili flavors.
- Preparation techniques emphasize long, slow cooking.
Ordering “traditional chili” indicates you will receive a simple, old-fashioned beanless Texas chili made according to customary recipes.
Classic Chili
The term “classic chili” is also sometimes used to refer to chili made in the traditional way without beans. Calling it classic chili implies that you view the authentic, original version of chili as not containing beans.
Attributes of classic chili:
- It is made according to vintage, renowned Texas recipes.
- Beef is slow-simmered to tenderness in chili gravy.
- Chili powder provides the iconic flavor.
- Only onion, garlic, and cumin are used to complement the chili taste.
- No beans, tomatoes, or other additions are included.
- It represents the quintessential bowl of red chili.
Someone requesting “classic chili” expects to receive a timeless beanless chili made according to traditional cowboy customs.
Sonoran Chili
An additional chili style that omits beans is Sonoran chili from the Sonora region of Mexico. It reflects the cattle ranching and meat-centric cuisine of Sonora.
Hallmarks of Sonoran chili:
- It has its roots in the ranch culture of northern Mexico.
- Beef is the staple meat used.
- A dark red chili sauce is created from guajillo and ancho chiles.
- Spices like garlic, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon are added.
- Beans are not traditionally used.
- It has a deep, earthy chili flavor.
For those who want an authentic meat-based chili from Sonora, ordering “Sonoran chili” indicates no beans per custom.
Texas Chili
Simply asking for “Texas chili” also expresses that you want a chili without beans. As discussed earlier, traditional chili con carne recipes from Texas did not include beans. So some still see Texas chili as implying a beanless bowl of red.
Common traits of Texas chili:
- Chunks of beef are simmered in a red chili gravy.
- It was inspired by Mexican cuisine but adapted in Texas.
- Chili powder and cumin provide a distinctive spice blend.
- Onions, garlic, and sometimes tomatoes add depth.
- Kidney, pinto, or other beans are not used.
Ordering “Texas chili” expresses an interest in the traditional Lone Star State version without beans.
No Bean Chili
The most direct term for specifying that you want chili without beans is simply to order “no bean chili.” This unambiguously states that you do not want beans included in your chili.
Reasons one might order no bean chili:
- You prefer the meatier flavor and thicker texture.
- You want to follow a chili recipe strictly.
- You want to judge the spices and chili flavor more clearly.
- You need to avoid beans for dietary reasons.
Stating “no bean chili” leaves no doubt that beans should be omitted when preparing your bowl of chili.
Meat Only Chili
To further emphasize that you only want meat in your chili, you can request “meat only chili.” This underscores that beans, vegetables, or other ingredients beyond meat should not be included.
Why one may want meat only chili:
- To adhere to low carbohydrate or paleo diets
- To experience the pure, unadulterated meat and chili flavor
- To avoid possible allergies or sensitivities to ingredients besides meat
- To make it easy to calculate macronutrients for fitness goals
Ordering a “meat only chili” makes it clear no additional ingredients are wanted beyond the beef and spices.
Key Points
In summary, beanless chili goes by several different names:
- Texas Red Chili
- Chili Con Carne
- Bowl of Red
- Competition Chili
- Chili Stew
- Traditional Chili
- Classic Chili
- Sonoran Chili
- Texas Chili
- No Bean Chili
- Meat Only Chili
So if you want to order or make chili without beans, simply using one of these names indicates that beans should not be included. Beans may have become common in chili nowadays, but traditions dating back to the first chili con carne recipes call for omitting beans to let the meat and chiles shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about beanless chili:
Is it traditional to not use beans in chili?
Yes, most original chili recipes from Texas in the late 1800s did not use beans. Beans were added later as the dish spread to other areas. Leaving beans out is still seen by many as the traditional way to make authentic chili.
Why don’t competition chilis have beans?
In judged cooking competitions, beans are prohibited so that competitors only flavor the chili with meat, peppers, and spices. This provides a more even playing field for judging chili recipes.
Do you put beans in Texas chili?
No, according to traditional Texas chili recipes, beans are not used. Beans are added in some modern chili recipes, but purists still believe Texas chili should not contain beans.
What’s the difference between chili stew and regular chili?
Chili stew means a beanless chili focused on slowly braised meat in a rich, chili flavored sauce. Regular chili may contain beans, tomatoes, or other ingredients beyond meat.
Can you make chili without tomatoes?
Yes, Texas-style chili often does not contain tomatoes. The red color instead comes solely from chili powder and dried chile peppers.
Conclusion
Chili can certainly be made with or without beans based on personal preference. But for those who want to experience chili in line with old regional traditions, ordering it Texas Red Chili, Bowl of Red, Chili Con Carne, Competition Chili, or other beanless names clearly indicates no beans should be added. Adhering to classic recipes showcases chili’s deep, savory meatiness and hot chile character. With a long history behind it, chili without beans still evokes fond food memories for many chili heads today.