Chili is one of those things like goulash (which also has a cowboy-cooking backstory, btw) which started out purely as a meat preparation commonly served on or over various things that convenience soon dictated be mixed in. Properly, goulash is tough beef crusted in paprika slow-cooked until tender with maybe an onion and a pepper, but these days can cover anything from a vegetable stew to a pasta dish.
Maybe we've found the Finns at last, or at least their Magyar cousins! The Finno-Ugric origins of chili would make a great three-hour show.
Not a Finn...they are a weird type who, somehow, infiltrated Nordic cultures and hockey and some forms of racing (a conspiracy there worthy of speculations, bold assertions, and shows!) Bill might have ideas on such.
Btw, how did you know I through in some paprika in chili? Not a great heat but a nuance spice. Is there are difference between banana peppers and perrconis (this for spaghetti sauce)