Save This bold Bloody Mary chili takes everything you love about the namesake cocktail and turns it into a deeply savory and spicy meal. Rich ground beef, hearty beans, veggies, and plenty of tangy tomato combine with Worcestershire, hot sauce, and celery salt for a chili that wakes up your taste buds and guarantees empty bowls at the end.
I first whipped this up for a game day party and my friends still talk about it whenever chili season rolls around. Each batch brings that signature Bloody Mary zing.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: adds heartiness and deep flavor Choose high-quality beef with a little fat for juiciness
- Onion: diced for mellow sweetness and complexity Look for firm onions with tight skins
- Celery: brings an herbal brightness Crisp stalks mean fresher flavor
- Green bell pepper: adds classic chili flavor and color Firm peppers with shiny skin are best
- Garlic: infuses warmth and depth Go for heavy bulbs with no green shoots
- Jalapeño: brings an extra kick if you want it Look for glossy deeply green peppers
- Kidney beans and black beans: bring texture and added protein Canned beans save time just rinse well
- Diced tomatoes: both juicy and robust San Marzano style or fire-roasted if possible
- Tomato juice: ties the flavors together Choose low-sodium for better control
- Bloody Mary mix: is the game changer Homemade or quality store-bought makes a big difference
- Worcestershire sauce: gives umami depth Look for well-aged brands
- Hot sauce: brings the essential zing Tabasco and Cholula both work great
- Celery salt: delivers the warm savory note of a Bloody Mary Pick one with a true celery aroma
- Smoked paprika: infuses a whisper of smokiness Spanish smoked paprika is boldest
- Ground cumin: adds earthiness and warmth Freshly ground means best flavor
- Black pepper and cayenne: keep things lively Grind fresh for highest impact
- Chopped parsley or celery leaves for garnish: add freshness Only garnish right before serving
- Lemon wedges: brighten every bite with a squeeze Choose juicy lemons with thin skins
- Sour cream: cools and balances heat Dollop on last just before serving
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Add a splash of oil to a large pot over medium heat Drop in the ground beef and break it up as it cooks Stir often until well browned and crumbly This should take about seven minutes Drain off any excess fat so your chili is rich but not greasy
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion celery bell pepper garlic and jalapeño if using Stir often Cook over medium heat until everything softens and the onion starts to go golden Plan on five minutes and let the mixture become fragrant
- Build the Base:
- Pour in the tomato juice Bloody Mary mix and diced tomatoes with their juice Add in the Worcestershire and hot sauce Stir well to combine so all the flavors mingle
- Season and Bean it Up:
- Drop in the drained kidney beans and black beans Sprinkle in the celery salt smoked paprika cumin black pepper coriander and cayenne if you want more heat Stir to distribute the seasonings fully
- Simmer to Perfection:
- Bring the pot to an active simmer then turn the heat to low Partially cover the pot and let it bubble gently for forty five minutes Stir every so often This is when the flavors meld and the chili thickens beautifully
- Taste and Adjust:
- Open the lid and give your chili a good stir Taste and add more salt pepper or hot sauce until you reach the perfect balance for your crowd
- Serve and Garnish:
- Spoon the hot chili into bowls Top with chopped parsley celery leaves lemon wedges or a spoonful of sour cream Serve right away while it is piping hot and fragrant
Save My favorite touch in this recipe is that splash of Bloody Mary mix It adds this unique tang and depth that regular chili never quite captures My family cannot get enough of the lemony parsley topping we make it a chili night requirement
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftover chili in a sealed container and it will stay delicious for up to four days When reheating add a splash of tomato juice to loosen if it has thickened after chilling
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegetarian version swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant based crumble or even more beans If you want to make it spicier use serrano pepper instead of jalapeño or up the hot sauce To make it milder simply leave out the jalapeño and cayenne
Serving Suggestions
This chili is fantastic served with cornbread or even over baked potatoes For a fun garnish set out extra celery sticks and assembled toppings so guests can build their own bowl My crew loves pairing it with a crisp cold lager for the full Bloody Mary effect
Cultural Twist
Bloody Marys are a brunch icon across America but this chili proves those classic flavors belong at the dinner table too Adapting the drink’s ingredients to a stew is one of my favorite ways to surprise guests and spark conversation
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in poblano or red bell pepper for a twist Add a handful of sweet corn during summer season Use homemade chunky tomato sauce if heirlooms are in season
Success Stories
I have served this at block parties and it always vanishes before other chilis Even skeptics become Bloody Mary chili converts after the first bowl
Freezer Meal Conversion
Make a double batch and freeze portions in airtight containers for up to three months For best results thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove
Save Bloody Mary chili is a surefire crowd pleaser. Every bite delivers layers of savory flavor and a zing of classic brunch personality.
Recipe Guide
- → What makes this chili unique?
This chili features the tangy, spicy notes of Bloody Mary mix and tomato juice, setting it apart from classic versions.
- → Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a meat-free alternative.
- → How spicy is it?
The heat level is moderate, but you can adjust by varying jalapeños, cayenne, and hot sauce to your taste.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh parsley, celery leaves, lemon wedges, and sour cream add brightness and creaminess to each serving.
- → Which sides work best?
Cornbread and a crisp lager pair perfectly, enhancing the hearty and bold nature of this chili.
- → Is it gluten-free?
Most ingredients are gluten-free, but check Bloody Mary mix and Worcestershire sauce labels for possible gluten.