Originally Posted by suginami

But by adding beans, you no longer have chili.

The FDA definition of chili doesn't allow beans. Beans are considered a filler.

If you put beans in chili, you have chili with beans. If you go in your supermarket, and you look at canned chili, you will find chili and chili with beans.

I also participated in chili cook-offs as a kid, and beans are a big no-no with the international chili cooking society.