If you’re on the hunt for a chili recipe that’s a little quirky, totally delicious, and guaranteed to wow your friends and family, you’ve just found it. I’m excited to share this fantastic Bloody Mary Chili Recipe with you — it’s got that classic chili comfort with an unexpected Bloody Mary twist that brings a bright, tangy kick to every bite. Trust me, this isn’t your usual chili, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s an instant favorite in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unexpected Flavor Boost: The Bloody Mary mix adds a tangy, savory depth that sets this chili apart from the rest.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s hearty and cozy but with a lively zing that keeps every spoonful interesting.
- Easy to Make: You can whip it up on the stove or let it slow cook, making it flexible for any schedule.
- Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this chili — it’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bloody Mary Chili Recipe comes from the mix of classic chili ingredients and the star player—the Bloody Mary mix—that adds a unique, tangy depth. When shopping, look for a quality Bloody Mary mix with a flavor profile you enjoy, whether it’s spicy or more tomato-forward.
- Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and fat to keep the chili juicy.
- Butter: Adds richness while sautéing the onions—don’t skip it!
- Onion: Chopped medium-sized, for that sweet base flavor.
- Tomato paste concentrate: Using the tube version makes measuring easier and keeps it fresh.
- Garlic: Freshly chopped; it builds a savory backbone you can’t beat.
- Chili powder: Go for a good quality one to get that perfect chili flavor.
- Celery salt: This is a subtle nod to the Bloody Mary cocktail, adding complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but essential seasonings to balance every bite.
- Cumin: Just the right pinch to give warmth and earthiness.
- Bloody Mary Mix: The game-changer here—choose one with flavors you love, whether more spice or tomato-centric.
- Sugar: Balances acidity and enhances all the flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep umami layer that’s irresistible.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provides a chunky, saucy texture.
- Kidney beans: Rinsed and drained, classic chili bean goodness.
- Navy or cannellini beans: Adds creaminess and variety to the bean mix.
Variations
I love how this Bloody Mary Chili Recipe invites creativity—there’s room to tweak the heat level, protein choice, or even go meatless. Personalizing this recipe to suit what you love or what’s in your pantry makes it even more fun.
- Add Extra Heat: When I want a fiery kick, I throw in some chipotle powder or fresh chopped jalapeños—it really amps up the flavor.
- Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, ground turkey works beautifully while still soaking up all the savory goodness.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap meat for extra beans and diced veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms, and you won’t miss the beef one bit.
- Slow Cooker Variation: Perfect for busy days—just brown your beef and onions first, then dump everything in and let it work its magic while you’re out.
How to Make Bloody Mary Chili Recipe
Step 1: Building Your Flavor Base
Start by cooking your chopped onion in butter over medium heat in a sturdy dutch oven or heavy pot until it looks translucent and sweet—usually about 5 minutes. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with your spatula. Once it’s done, drain the excess grease to keep your chili from feeling greasy but still rich.
Step 2: Layering the Spices and Bloody Mary Mix
After your beef and onion are ready, stir in the tomato paste, garlic, chili powder, celery salt, salt, pepper, and cumin. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to really toast those spices and wake up all the flavors—that little step makes a big difference. Then, pour in your Bloody Mary Mix and stir everything together, marveling at that lovely, unique reddish hue starting to take over.
Step 3: Adding Tomatoes, Beans, and Simmering
Next, add sugar, Worcestershire sauce, crushed tomatoes, and your rinsed kidney and navy beans. Bring the chili up to a boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers gently with the lid slightly offset. This allows steam to escape and flavors to deepen over 30 minutes. This simmer is the heart of the recipe—I always resist the urge to rush it because that’s when all those tasty layers really meld together.
Step 4: Slow Cooker Option
If you want to save time later, cook your ground beef and onion in a skillet first, then transfer everything into your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Pop the lid on and cook low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. I love this method when I’m prepping for a crowd or a game day party because I just set it and forget it.
Pro Tips for Making Bloody Mary Chili Recipe
- Choose Your Bloody Mary Mix Wisely: I found that a spicy mix adds exciting heat without overpowering the chili’s balance—taste it first!
- Don’t Skip Toasting Spices: Cooking your spices briefly in the beef mixture unlocks so much flavor—it’s a game-changer.
- Bean Selection Matters: Mixing kidney and navy beans gives a great texture contrast; you’ll love that bite.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Resist the urge to rush; the slow simmer makes all those flavors marry perfectly for a rich final chili.
How to Serve Bloody Mary Chili Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of topping this chili with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to cool down the spice, plus some shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese that melts just enough. Pickled jalapeños add a fun tangy crunch, and green onions give a fresh pop of color and mild bite. If you want to channel that classic Bloody Mary vibe, a few dashes of hot sauce on top won’t hurt either.
Side Dishes
This chili is incredible ladled right over fluffy white rice—it soaks up all the flavorful sauce beautifully. I also love serving it alongside cornbread, whether baked or skillet-style, for that sweet and crumbly contrast. Tortilla chips crushed on top or served on the side bring a nice crunch, making every bite a little adventure.
Creative Ways to Present
For game day or parties, try serving this chili in mini bread bowls—guests love the interactive element and the bread holds up well to the hearty chili. Another fun way I’ve done it is as a chili bar, letting everyone build their own bowl with a rainbow of toppings laid out. It turns mealtime into a fun celebration and lets everyone customize to their heart’s desire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bloody Mary chili? Yes, please! I always store mine in airtight containers in the fridge, and it’s perfect for up to five days. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have really soaked in, so don’t be shy about making a big batch.
Freezing
This chili freezes like a dream. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. When I want it, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge—super convenient for busy weeknights.
Reheating
Reheating is straightforward: either microwave it in 1–2 minute bursts with stirring in between to keep it even, or warm it gently on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen it up if it’s thickened too much—just don’t skip that step or it might dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat in this Bloody Mary Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well if you want a leaner chili. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with extra beans or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for that hearty texture.
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What makes this Bloody Mary Chili Recipe different from regular chili?
The secret ingredient is the Bloody Mary Mix, which adds a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor reminiscent of the classic cocktail. Combined with celery salt and Worcestershire sauce, it elevates the chili beyond the usual tomato-and-bean base.
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Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This is great for hands-off cooking and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
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How spicy is this Bloody Mary Chili Recipe?
The heat depends largely on the Bloody Mary Mix you use and how much chili powder you add. If you prefer mild, go easy on the chili powder and pick a less spicy Bloody Mary mix. For more kick, add extra spices or hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Bloody Mary Chili Recipe brings a fresh, unexpected twist to one of my long-time favorite comfort foods. It’s hearty, tangy, and full of flavor, making it perfect for those chilly nights or when you want to impress guests without fuss. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll keep it in your regular rotation—and trust me, your family and friends will be asking for it again and again. Give it a go and enjoy every spicy, savory bite!
Print
Bloody Mary Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Bloody Mary Chili combines ground beef, savory spices, and the tangy zest of Bloody Mary mix to create a flavorful twist on a classic chili recipe. Perfectly simmered with beans and crushed tomatoes, it’s a satisfying meal that can be prepared either on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, delivering rich depth and a subtle spicy kick.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (tube version preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 3 cups Bloody Mary Mix
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15.5 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5 oz) can navy or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Cook the base: In a dutch oven, cook the chopped onion over medium heat until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the chili from becoming too oily.
- Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, chopped garlic, chili powder, celery salt, salt, pepper, and cumin. Cook for about 1 minute to let the spices bloom and the tomato paste deepen in flavor.
- Add liquids and combine: Pour in the Bloody Mary Mix and stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Incorporate remaining ingredients: Add the sugar, Worcestershire sauce, crushed tomatoes, and both kinds of beans. Stir everything together.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Place the lid slightly offset on the pot and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve with toppings: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, hot sauce, jalapenos, chopped onions, or scallions.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and cover with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours for a hands-off approach.
Notes
- Chili Toppings: Try adding grated cheddar or Monterrey jack cheese, diced fresh or pickled jalapeños, chopped onion, chives, pickled corn, pickled red onions, sour cream or yogurt, crushed tortilla chips, or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freezing: Leftover chili freezes well; thaw thoroughly before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
