I really hate knowing I missed sharing National Chili Day which fell on February 26 with my friends and family. I don’t know about you, but I would be fine having Chili every day of the week because there is so many ways to eat and even fix Chili.
What National Chili Day Celebrates
National Chili Day honors one of America’s most iconic comfort foods. A hearty bowl of chili. From Texas “bowl o’ red” to Cincinnati’s spaghetti‑topped version, chili is a delicious way to explore geography, culture, cooking, and family traditions.
Chili Styles Across the United States
Here I’ve created a quick, fun guide for you to share with your friends and family and even and homeschoolers:
States That Prefer Chili with Beans
- Ohio — Cincinnati chili (sweet spices, served over spaghetti)
- Illinois — Classic Midwestern chili with kidney beans
- Indiana — Tomato‑forward chili with beans
- Michigan — Bean chili served with coney dogs
- Colorado — Often includes beans + green chiles
States That Prefer Chili Without Beans
- Texas — Chili con carne (meat, chiles, spices — no beans ever)
- Oklahoma — Thick, meaty chili with no beans
- Arizona — Southwestern red chile stews, bean‑free
- New Mexico — Red or green chile–based meat chili, no beans
Which do you prefer Chili with or without Beans and why? I prefer Chili without Beans and so does David and Charlie, but we will eat Chili with Beans.
What Texans Like (join them in Defending their choice Fiercely!)
- Chili is meat + chiles + spices — no beans, no tomatoes required
- Known as “Bowl o’ Red”
- Flavor comes from dried chiles like ancho, guajillo, and pasilla
- Texans often top with cheese, onions, or crackers, but never beans
- Chili cook‑offs are a huge tradition — especially CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International)
Kid‑Friendly Chili Recipe: “Junior Chef Chili”- Perfect for little helpers, sensory learning, and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup water
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: shredded cheese, crackers
Instructions
- Warm a pot and cook the meat until browned.
- Add beans, tomatoes, spices, and water.
- Stir and simmer 20–25 minutes.
- Let kids top their bowls with cheese or crackers.
Kid-Friendly Tips
- Let younger kids dump ingredients into the pot.
- Older kids can measure spices and practice fractions.
- Add mild chili powder so it’s flavorful but not spicy.
Homeschool Lesson Plan: National Chili Day
Age Range: Pre‑K through 6th grade Theme: Cooking • Geography • Math • Reading • Science Duration: 45–60 minutes
Reading & Discussion
- Ask your children if they know what ingredients make chili chili? Why?
- Why do different states have different chili styles?
- What flavors do you like in chili?
Math Skills
- Younger kids: counting beans, comparing sizes, simple fractions
- Older kids: doubling/halving the recipe, converting teaspoons/tablespoons
Science Exploration
- Why spices change flavor when heated
- How simmering thickens chili
- What can you use to thicken Chili and why?
- The difference between chili peppers and chili seasoning
Geography Activity
- Locate Texas, Ohio, New Mexico, and Arizona on a map
- Label which states use beans vs. no beans
- Draw a chili bowl for each region
- Take a #FieldTrip to the Grocery Store and pick up cans of Chili with and without Beans and host a Chili tasting Cook-off and have friends and family taste both Chili’s and vote on there favorite.
- Then have them vote on their favorite Chilie topping.
Art Project
- Create a pastel chalkboard‑style chili poster
- Design a chili cook‑off ribbon or trophy
- Draw your own chili bowl with toppings
Writing Prompt;
- “My perfect chili would taste like…”
- “If I invented a new chili style, it would be from the state of…” Why?
How to Host a Chili Cook-Off (Family or Classroom)– A fun, low‑stress event for homeschool groups, co‑ops, or family nights.
Cute Cook-Off Name Ideas
- “Chili Champs Challenge”
- “Little Ladles Chili Cook‑Off”
- “The Great Big Bowl Showdown”
- “Tiny Tasters Chili Fest”
- “The Mommies Reviews Chili‑Bration”
Come up with your own name for a Chili Cook-Off you host with your friends and family. Share how and why you choose this name for your event. Create a poster and ribbon highlighting your choice.
How to Run It
- Have each family or child make a small batch of chili (any style).
- Create tasting cups and simple scorecards.
- Categories can include:
- Best Flavor
- Most Creative
- Mildest Kid‑Friendly Chili
- Best Texas‑Style Chili
- Give out pastel‑themed ribbons or printable certificates.
Please reshare using the following #Hashtags
#NationalChiliDay • #Holiday • Presented by TheMommiesReviews.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
