>Beans are okay, but.....................
You did go to boy scout summer camp did you not?
I prefer my chili without beans.
And everybody elses, too!..................😉
I do not use beans in my chili, however I do add the juice from a can of beans. I smoke the tomatoes first before adding them to the recipe. I also use a bit of chipotle peppers for heat and more smokiness. With the onions, I caramelize them first, then grind them up with the spices. Then I put the meat in, then the tomatoes and peppers.
Works for me.