Does Guy Fieri Use Beans In His Signature Chili?

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri's one recipe that stands above the rest is none other than his Dragon's Breath Chili. It would make any Texan proud with the amount of meat it contains: 1 pound of boneless chuck, 2 pounds of ground beef, and 1 pound of ground sausage. That's lot of protein!

But what exactly is chili? Many might think that's a bit of a loaded question, but according to the International Chili Society, traditional red chili is only chili if it contains, "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients." Additionally, the ICS notes that beans, rice, pasta, or any type of non-vegetable fillers are not allowed in this classic recipe.

Per AllRecipes, this dish has Spanish roots and was adapted into an American classic that provided sustenance for the pioneers headed West in the form of easily transportable "chili bricks." The cubes were comprised of beef, fat, chile peppers, and seasoning, and became a substantial meal when cooked in water. And for those staving off hunger during the Great Depression, chili was the cheap option that kept bellies full. Over the years, this dish has evolved and there are many chili recipe variations, but the ingredient that causes the most heated argument is beans, which has us asking, does Fieri use beans in his chili?

Cue the drum roll: The host of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" does use beans in his famous chili recipe. In a YouTube video, Fieri reveals that dry beans used in chili can actually add an incredible depth of texture to each bite of this hearty dish. But before those born and bred in Texas who couldn't fathom adding beans to chili get their ire up, remember this is the 21st century. There is room for a bowl of red with beans at the table, and they don't have to be dried beans. Fieri's recipe actually calls for canned pinto and kidney beans, along with their juices. 

So, why does the International Chili Society say no beans in traditional chili? The reason is actually fair. As ICS president and CEO Carol Hancock told Texas Living, "Beans don't come into play at the cook off because if our judges are trying to determine a taste, beans are a dominant flavor and we wouldn't get the pure chili taste." But the ICS also agrees beans can be in chili; however, it's specifically "homestyle chili" that not only allows for this ingredient, but insists on it. Homestyle chili can even include seafood. Again, before you rush to judgment, there is room on someone's table for a chili with seafood, even if you prefer Fieri's version.