It would appear that to be honest to the tradition of Texas Chili, one must
put beans in the boiling pot, but it is perfectly acceptable to put beans on
the side of the dish to allow the eater the option of a tad of beans with
the delectable chili along with whatever else may be on the plate such as
rice, bread, tortillas or whatnot.

Makes perfect sense to me. In fact so perfect that Texas Chili is no
different than a good Mexican mole in that the mole is nothing but turkey or
chicken cooked in a delightful combinations of chiles, chocolate, peanut
butter and the like, served on a pilaf of rice on a plate along with a scoop
of beans on the other half.

Correct me if I'm wrong. But if you study all the responses of Texas Chili
experts here and other forums I have exposed this question, this seems to be
the universal conclusion.

Texas Chili is chile and meat served with or without beans and other
condiments such as bread, tortillas, rice or potatoes.

Makes sense to me!