What’s the Difference Between Chili and Chili Beans?

For many people the terms “chili” and “chili beans” are used interchangeably. However, while these dishes share some similarities, they are actually quite different. Understanding the distinctions between traditional chili and chili beans can help you better appreciate the unique flavors and textures of each.

A Brief History

Chili con carne, often simply called “chili”, has its origins in Texas. It emerged in the late 1800s as a stew made from beef, fat, chili peppers, spices, and other ingredients. This dish was popular with cowboys and laborers who appreciated its hearty flavors.

Chili beans came later as a way to stretch humble chili by adding protein-rich beans. While chili can be made vegetarian, chili beans specifically refers to beans cooked with chili spices and used as an ingredient in chili. The beans absorb the rich flavors of the spices and chili peppers.

Chili: The Spicy, Meaty Stew

Authentic chili is a robust stew characterized by its spice and meatiness. The chili peppers and mix of spices give it a signature heat. Ground or diced beef is the most common protein though you can also find chicken turkey, or vegetarian chili.

Onions, garlic, and tomatoes add aromatic vegetables. Some recipes also include peppers and other veggies. But the central ingredients are the chiles and meat. This thick, rich stew is often eaten on its own with some shredded cheese or crumbled crackers.

Chili Beans: Flavorful Legumes

Chili beans are not a stew. Rather, they refer to beans that have been cooked in a seasoned chili-style liquid. Kidney, pinto, black, and cannellini beans are popular choices.

To make chili beans, you sauté aromatics like onion and garlic. Then add broth, tomato product, chili powder, cumin, and other spices to create a flavorful cooking liquid. The beans simmer in this seasoned mixture until tender and infused with flavor.

Chili beans are fuller in texture but don’t have the same meaty flavor. They make an excellent side dish or can be used as an ingredient to add protein and heft to chili without meat. Vegetarian chilis rely heavily on beans.

Nutritional Differences

Given the meaty versus plant-based nature of these dishes, chili and chili beans offer different nutritional benefits:

• Chili provides more protein, iron, and B vitamins from the meat. Beans offer plant-based protein but less than meat.

• Chili beans pack more fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, especially from beans like kidney and black beans.

• Chili can be high in saturated fat from the meat and is a higher-calorie dish. Chili beans are lower in calories and fat.

So chili may be better for gaining or maintaining muscle mass, while chili beans promote digestive and heart health.

How Are They Used?

Chili and chili beans shine in some of the same applications, while also being used in unique ways:

• Chili is most often eaten as is in a bowl, sometimes with corn bread, cheese, or other toppings. Chili beans are more of a side dish.

• Chili beans make an excellent taco filling and add protein to dishes like nachos. Chili is rarely used this way.

• Chili can be used as a hot dog topping or a filling for stuffed peppers or baked potatoes. Chili beans don’t work as well.

• Vegetarian chili relies on beans for substance. Chili with beans incorporates them as an extra component.

Try Them in Recipes

Both chili and chili beans are versatile ingredients. Here are some recipe ideas:

• Traditional beef chili

• White chicken chili made with cannellini beans

• Vegetarian chili with mixed beans

• Chili bean dip or quesadillas

• Rice bowl with chili beans

• Chili dog topped with spicy chili

So while their names are similar, chili and chili beans are two distinct dishes with unique flavors, textures, and uses. Appreciating their differences lets you become a more skilled home cook.