Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!

Make sure to check back each week for the next post!

Did you know that Texas is the top state in the US for raising beef cattle? The Texas state food is chili – a spicy stew with beef and tomatoes!

This recipe is for an easy Texas-style chili that isn’t too spicy for kids. You can change it to make it more spicy, if you’d like.

TEXAS Chili

What You Will Need:

• 2-1/2 pounds lean Chuck Beef, ground or cubed


• 1 pound lean Pork, ground


• 4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped


• 1 cup Onion, finely chopped


• 8 ounces Tomato Sauce


• 1 cup Water


• 1 can Dark Beer


• 3 tablespoons Chili Powder


• 2 tablespoons Instant Beef Bouillon (6 cubes)


• 2 tablespoons Ground Cumin


• 2 teaspoons Paprika


• 2 teaspoons Oregano Leaves


• 2 teaspoons Sugar


• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Coriander


• 1 teaspoon Unsweetened Cocoa


• 1/2 teaspoon Hot Sauce


• 1 teaspoon Cornmeal


• 1 teaspoon Flour


• 1 teaspoon Warm Water


• Large Saucepan

What You Do:

• In a large saucepan, brown half of the beef and pork, then drain the fat.


• Remove meat from saucepan and set aside.


• Brown the remaining half of meat, then drain all but about 2 tablespoons of the fat.


• Add garlic and onion to the saucepan, and cook until tender.


• Add the first half of the meat back to the saucepan, then add tomato sauce, water, beer, chili powder, bouillon, cumin, paprika, oregano, sugar, coriander, cocoa, and hot sauce. Stir well.


• Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 2 hours.


• In a small bowl, stir together the cornmeal and flour, then add the warm water and mix well.


• Stir the cornmeal mixture into the chili and cook for an additional 20 minutes, covered.


• Sprinkle chili with shredded cheese, if desired, and serve!

Texas State Information – Click this link to learn more about Texas attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!

US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.

Texas Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!

United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.

• The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)


• US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.


• Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.


• DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.


• The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.


• Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.


• State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!


• GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.

Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!

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