Beans (and rice, lentils, breadcrumbs, etc) are banned from chili competitions, because they’re considered filler. So no, it’s not a legit part of a chili recipe. If you have beans in it, as far as a chili competition is concerned, you just made some really thick bean soup.
Beans (and rice, lentils, breadcrumbs, etc) are banned from chili competitions, because they’re considered filler. So no, it’s not a legit part of a chili recipe. If you have beans in it, as far as a chili competition is concerned, you just made some really thick bean soup.
I’m pretty sure OP is making chili to eat, not for a competition.
They’re also required in chili competitions, so…
Traditional Red - no beans
Verde - no beans
Homestyle - requires beans, and they must be “clearly visible on the top”
People’s choice - requires beans
You can compete in traditional/Verde, but are generally required to also make one with beans for peoples choice: https://chilicookoff.com/uploads/2025-26-ICS-Chili-Rules.pdf